Battlefield 1942 "Digital Illusions 3D action game" Linux Server v1.45 beta 3 update is now available for download (6 MB). Also Secret Weapons of WWII data files for Linux server is released (23 MB). Here is the list of changes for Linux Server v1.45 beta 3 :

• Fixed xpack clients getting "invalid cd key."
• Removed the (hopefully) last "can't get computername" error.
  
  Download Linux Server v1.45 beta 3 and Secret Weapons of WWII data files HERE!

Gamesindustry.biz let us know that the public beta test of broadband games-on-demand service Steam will end on Tuesday evening Pacific time, and the first full version installer will be made available on Wednesday morning at 11am PDT via www.steampowered.com, Valve Software has announced.

With the new release on Wednesday, Valve plans to reset the account database. Any future registrations will have to be allied to a genuine CD-key, drawing to a close the honeymoon period of free Half-Life, CS and mod access - not to mention Half-Life 2 movie releases - for the two or three people still without a copy of the original game.

Cash-U Mobile Technologies, the power behind Mobile Entertainment, and leading mobile games developer Hailstorm are taking mobile gaming to the next level with the release of their J2ME multiplayer game, The Pool Room. Available to customers of Cash-U's Pecan Gaming platform, The Pool Room enables players to challenge each other to a game of virtual pool over the mobile network.

At www.chromethegame.com 4 sets of Chrome wallpapers created by the makers of the game are available. The sets include 26 graphics depicting chosen elements of the game – main characters, sites, vehicles, and computer opponents. All wallpapers are in 1024x768 resolution and definitely every Chrome fan will find something interesting.

Xicat Interactive, Inc., a publisher of computer games such as Jane's Attack Squadron and Iron Aces II, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with KOCH Media for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The company will be responsible for all aspects of sales and distribution for Xicat's titles.

THQ and JAKKS Pacific today announced the release of their newest World Wrestling Entertainment licensed video game, "WWE WrestleMania XIX," exclusively for Nintendo GameCube. Emphasizing simulation-style gameplay, "WWE WrestleMania XIX" features all the action, excitement and attitude of World Wrestling Entertainment. The World Wrestling Entertainment videogame franchise remains one of the biggest brands in interactive entertainment, with total sales in excess of $350 million in the U.S. alone. "WWE WrestleMania XIX" is available now at major retail outlets throughout North America.

A new release schedule for Microsoft's Xbox reveals that many key titles for the console have slipped even further into 2004. Halo 2 has slipped back a further two months, and is now scheduled to arrive in April. Ninja Gaiden has fallen back a few more months on top of already announced slippage. Kameo: Elements of Power is scheduled for a June launch. Fable is slated for an optimistic Q2 2004 release. Sudeki is confirmed as Q1 2004 release.

Over 2000 years ago there was a city called Sparta. The city had only two purposes – to train for war and to fight the wars she trained for. Over time Sparta became renowned for having the strongest, fastest, bravest and most deadly fighters in the known world. They were the Spartaites and were feared by all. With these warriors Sparta carved out an Empire for itself –‘Lakedaimon’. However, it was soon to find that its reign was not to be unopposed and other great cities were rising to the fore; Athens, Thebes, Corinth, Macedonia and not to forget the threat from the east – the massive Persian Empire. Can you unite Greece in time to defy the Great King and his mighty Persian Empire?

Slightly shrunk CDV UK lets you know what's going on (with their games, not their office)...

• No Man's Land
• Lula3D
• Breed
• Codename: Panzers
  
  Read more for the newsletter!

As U.S. Army Sergeant John Baker, players join the battle at Kasserine Pass in North Africa, race to capture Messina in Sicily, and finally repel the German army at the historic battle of Monte Battaglia in the heart of Italy. Armed with a new arsenal of weapons, players will fight alone and with squad mates as they rush to stop the Axis powers. Some more screens from the multi-player demo...