SEGA initially announced that Xbox Live Gold subscribers would have the chance to participate in a free Phantasy Star Universe multiplayer beta test starting today, which has unfortunately been delayed until Monday, and will last until Oct. 18. SEGA will upload the open beta on Xbox Live Marketplace over the weekend so keep your eyes open.

FIFA, Xbox, and Electronic Arts announced the 3rd annual FIFA Interactive World Cup. Starting on the 27th of October, soccer fans from around the world will have the opportunity to compete in the world’s only FIFA-sanctioned global video game tournament.

Neverwinter Nights 2 is an RPG set in the fantasy world of the Forgotten Realms. It takes the player from the tiniest of villages into a sweeping tale of danger and war, chronicling their rise from a peasant to a full-fledged hero of the Realms, defending it against one of the greatest threats of the age.

Become a discoverer – and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Weigh anchor, sail the seven seas, explore new continents and foreign cultures. Demonstrate your strategic skills, business acumen and diplomatic finesse. Revel in the jubilant cheers of your people – but don't disappoint them. Sunflowers has released a 90 minutes German demo, with a tutorial, 1 SP, and 1 MP map.

Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade is a futuristic 3D game that uses the best elements of RPGs within the context of a fast moving RTS game, set in a mysterious future universe where organic machines are built using genetic engineering.

2K and Firaxis Games announced that Sid Meier's Railroads! for PC has gone to gold master and will be available at stores in North America on October 17 and in Europe on October 27.

Armed Assault features a new engine with a fresh modern setting, and will reacquaint gamers with the ultimate in realistic, combat gaming. Freedom of action and immersive complex environments, blended with a unique touch of total simulation.

THQ has released the Euro versions of the first patch for its 3D WWII RTS Company of Heroes. Like the North American edition, this v1.2 patch fixes connection problems, SLI performance, exploits, and various other issue and crashes.

The Settlers II: The Next Generation is the remake of BlueByt's 2D classic Settlers 2, making the jump to 3D. Ubisoft has released the first patch making gameplay adjustments, fixing bugs, tweaking the editor, but also adding new features such as save option in multiplayer and new maps.