Flying Labs Software decided to push the release date out to Q1 2004 for The Pirates of the Burning Sea "MMORPG". It gives them time to schedule a whole milestone without new features so that they can focus on performance and stability.

Pirates is broadband only, with high-end hardware specifications for graphics -- a GeForce 3 or better is required in at least a 1GHz machine, and the game is optimized for the latest DirectX 9.0-class cards. Pirates is being published on-line directly to gamers using Valve's new Steam technology, the same delivery system used by Half-Life 2 and Counterstrike 2. Check out the new seaworthy screens ...

World of Warcraft is an online role-playing experience set in the award-winning Warcraft universe. Players assume the roles of Warcraft heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast world. Being "Massively Multiplayer," World of Warcraft allows thousands of players to interact within the same world. Whether adventuring together or fighting against each other in epic battles, players will form friendships, forge alliances, and compete with enemies for power and glory... Check out latest 8 screens from Blizzard below!

There is a new Vietcong multiplayer map available for download "14.52 MB". This new map is to be used with the full version of Vietcong v1.30 and is playable as ATG, CTF, DM, TDM for up to 16 players and Coop for 6 players.. Grab it here!

Japanese gaming website Game Antenna has the first information on what could be a massive relevation at this month's Tokyo Game Show - a remake of or sequel to Final Fantasy VII might appear at the event (thanks Exodus).

Though it's generally believed that Square Enix is set to show off Final Fantasy XII, since the game is still scheduled to be released by April 2004, rumblings out of Japan seem to indicate that the company may have one more ace up its sleeve: some new version of FFVII. While they can't confirm or deny these rumors, it is an interesting thought and something that has been speculated by critics and hinted by developers for quite some time.

The Tokyo Game Show takes place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 26 to September 28.

Joan of Arc is a 3D epic saga that allows players to relive some of the most intense battles during the Hundred Years War. In Joan of Arc, players will slowly transform from a single warrior into a forceful military leader as they develop and master the art of chivalry and tactical warfare... Six new shots is available below!

Weird War – that’s the title of a new cRPG taking place during World War II, which will be released under the Techland label. A dose of original humor combined with various and extensive terrain at player’s disposal makes this title very interesting not only for fans of such games as Arcanum, Fallout or Baltur’s Gate... Today Techland send us some more gameinfo and a few new screens, read more below!

Atari and Digital Brothers are proud to announce the launch of the Horizons Empire of Istaria European website. This European website will be the central hub for ‘Horizons’ game info and will be localized in 5 languages: English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. This highly anticipated next generation online multiplayer experience is coming to the PC for Xmas 2003.

Developer Valve has revealed that it plans to offer a $9.99 monthly subscription system to purchasers of Half-Life 2, as well as releasing three separate versions of the game - which has now seemingly slipped to November. (thanks Gamesindustry.biz)

In an email, later confirmed as authentic, posted to forums on Half-Life2.net, and a later follow-up on the forum thread, Valve boss Gabe Newell confirmed that the company intends to offer an optional subscription which will grant members free additional content for Half-Life 2, delivered over the Steam digital distribution system.

Battle.net's Warcraft III site now offers a new 127 KB bonus map named Ice Forge.. "In the frozen tundra, dark powers and magical weapons were forged upon the cold, perilous lands of Ice Forge". Download it here! (thanks Blues)

THQ today announced the release of Rocket Power: Zero Gravity Zone for Game Boy Advance, based on the popular Nickelodeon show. Rocket Power: Zero Gravity Zone is now available at retailers nationwide.