Earlier today SCEA released the v2.40 PS3 system software update adding in-game XMB access which enables users to connect and communicate with other gamers, as well as giving PS3 users the ability to earn Trophies and tout their accomplishments & skills via profiles with other members of the community. Shortly after its release PS3 owners who updated their console started complaining about their PS3 freezing/locking up. Without explanation the firmware is no longer available.

Rock Band 2 builds upon its foundation as the first music game to introduce co-op band gameplay, multiple instruments, online multiplayer experience, unparalleled downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and features. During a segment on cable TV station G4's X-Play show part of the Rock Band 2 set list may inadvertently have been leaked.

Swords will be honed and weapons optimized in Namco Bandai's Soulcalibur IV. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation, SC IV will be the definitive fighting game experience. Ubisoft is reporting that Play.com is offering an exclusive faceplate, while GAME is adding a bonus DVD and a steel encased art booklet.

A MMO-cross genre game combining RPG aspects with an RTS combat mode, Dreamlords: The Reawakening continues the story where the original game left off, the world ended in a cosmic disaster and the Cynos had to put the world to sleep to heal itself. Everything went black but after eons of silence, the Dreamlords reawakens and begins to put the world back together.

SCEA has released the v2.40 PS3 system software update, adding XMB access in-game which enables PS3 users to connect and communicate with other gamers seamlessly while playing games, as well as giving PS3 users the ability to earn Trophies and tout their accomplishments & skills via profiles, and compare them to other members of the community. Super Stardust HD is the first game to add trophies with its v4.00 update, also released today.

TF2 is a class-based, multiplayer team warfare game, delivering new game types, a signature art style powered by Valve’s next-gen animation technology, persistent player statistics, etc... Valve's next update will revolve around the Heavy class, with unlockable weapons and achievements. While details are slim, TF2 director Robin Walker said the aim was to improve the Heavy without encroaching on another class's role, especially the Heavy/Medic combo.

Gamecock has signed an agreement with Valve to launch its titles on Steam, starting with Firefly Studios' Stronghold Crusader Extreme and Insecticide Part 1, followed later this year by Insecticide Parts 2, Velvet Assassin, and Legendary.

More brash and aggressive than his Delta Force squadmate Nomad, you'll experience Psycho’s parallel story during the events of the original game, finding that life on the other side of the island is even more intense and explosive than they ever could have imagined.

Burnout Paradise gives players license to wreak havoc in Paradise City, the ultimate seamless racing battleground, with a massive infrastructure of traffic-heavy roads to abuse. While the Cagney update, scheduled for July 10, will add a Timed Challenge mode, Criterion confirmed it will be supporting PlayStation Trophies in a future update.

Adam Powell and Donna Williams, the original creators and founders of the Neopets online social network, have launched Meteor Games, a new independent game studio based in West Hollywood, Calif.

Set in the prehistoric ages, StoneAge 2, DigiPark's casual MMORPG, brings a mixture of dinosaurs of unimaginable heights and invisible spirits who help humans roam altered terrains such as dungeons and arid desserts.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation focuses on online play and the global community and clans that support it, with support for Tournaments, Clan Ladders, and Leader Boards. Additionally, players will be able to modify their appearance through facial and physical customization. While previously set for Sept. 16 release Gamestop now lists a Oct. 14, 2008 launch.

Codemasters' Rise Of The Argonauts is an action/rpg developed by Liquid Entertainment, known for War of the Ring and Dragonshard. Set in ancient Greece you will embark on an epic quest, and encounter legendary figures such as Jason, Hercules and Atalanta.

Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of the franchises, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience.

Last year MTV and Harmonix promised that The Who's 1971 classic rock album Who's Next would be downloadable but so far it has not been offered s DLC yet. The reason came clear today as Harmonix has been unable to locate all the masters of the decades old album and will instead team up with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey to create a 12-song best-of compilation pack of master recordings instead.

Based on the upcoming doll line and animated movie, Bratz Girlz Really Rock will feature an exciting story line and a full range of activities including live music performances, a makeover station with the latest make-up and hairstyling choices, a fashion design suite as well as skydiving and miniature golf to play with a friend.

Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi tells the story of the birth of the Mushroom Men. It starts out with the simple tribe of Bolete learning to live off the land, struggling against their environment for a time until the Amanitas Empire arrives. To their dismay, the Bolete learn that their fellow Mushroom Men aren't any better than the hostile insects and other creatures that threaten them.

EA announced that The Sims 2 Store is now live, allowing The Sims 2 players to choose from a range of thousands of items ranging from fashions, furnishings, decor, to entertainment, home office items, etc., and download them directly into their The Sims 2 games

SpongeBob SquarePants featuring Nicktoons: Globs of Doom is an action-packed adventure featuring 10 playable characters from some of the most popular Nickelodeon TV shows, as well as numerous iconic locations such as Retroville, Amity Park and Bikini Bottom. Players will play cooperatively as both heroes and villains while utilizing special gadgets in order to defeat the Morphoids.

New reports from market research company DFC Intelligence forecasts worldwide video game industry revenue to reach $57 billion in 2009, including revenue from video game hardware and software, consoles, handhelds, PC games (including MMOs). There are currently 11 countries that have annual video game revenue in excess of $1 billion.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival FPS game based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies.

At the Interactive Digital & Entertainment Festival in Cannes earlier this week, THQ revealed that it is bringing SimBin's RACE racing game to the X360, currently scheduled for Nov. 2008. Race 360 will feature 350 cars, 15 tracks, 7 modes, 2 player splitscreen, and up to 12 players online. Currently there are plans for seven DLC packages planned through Xbox Live, two shortly after launch which will be free.

At World Wide Invitational in Paris, Blizzard officially announced the third installment in the Diablo franchise! A short demo showed off the Barbarian & witch doctor classes, picking up God Of War like red orbs as health, busting through walls, which also does damage to enemies, co-op, customized equipment for each class, promising more quests than in previous titles, improved controls, easy access to skills through a revamped hotbar, and of course all in nice 3D.

Today Project Top Secret officially reaches the most anticipated milestone yet as Acclaim finally announces the winner of the Directorship, Michael “Doran” Zummo. Mike will be offered the biggest career bump in the industry as he’s offered the directorship of an upcoming game from Acclaim Games, working with David Perry as Executive Producer.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation focuses on online play and the global community and clans that support it, with support for Tournaments, Clan Ladders, and Leader Boards. Additionally, players will be able to modify their appearance through facial and physical customization.