Epic has released a new patch for its sci-fi FPS Unreal Tournament 2004. This patch brings your retail game to v3369 and addresses the usual slew of bug fixes, engine & network enhancements, and gameplay tweaks. This new patch is compatible with the ECE Bonus Pack. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

THQ today announced that the fourth installment of the epic Broken Sword series of games will be entitled Broken Sword: The Angel of Death. Created by Revolution Software, this latest epic adventure is due to launch on PC and is expected to hit stores around the world in summer 2006.

Ape Escape 3 is pached with more content than any previous Ape Escape titles, a full 28 stages (136 total areas, compared with 84 for the previous installment) and tons of mini games. Family-friendly Ape Escape Academy makes its PSP debut and features feature ad hoc wireless functionality and more than 40 mini-games that are diverse and range in difficulty. Both titles will be available on January 17, 2006.

The Interactive Entertainment Institute, announce today that Ray Kurzweil is the plenary keynote speaker for the G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit 2006 (GSS06) held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on January 17-18.

Valve's SteamPowered website has been updated with details regarding the latest update for its online delivery system Steam. This release updates Counter-Strike Source with the previously announced new de_nuke with High Dynamic Range (HDR) lighting, as well as a slew of enhancements and bug fixes. Just restart Steam for the effects to take place.

Gamers will delve into a more mature, consistent fantasy universe that will appeal to fans of all fantasy genres. Heroes of Might & Magic V will benefit from the features and characteristics that established the success of the initial saga while offering a wealth of innovations such as a highly immersive scenario, a variety of appealing factions, modern 3D graphics, a revolutionary tactical combat system, and a story-based campaign mode.

Southpeak Interactive signed a publishing agreement with DCStudios for State of Emergency 2. Taking place 10 years after the original SOE2 has Spanky, Bull and MacNeill again up against the Corporation. This time, they not only have access to guns but also - for the first time - helicopters, speedboats, Tanks and APCs and new team members.

Valve's SteamPowered website has been updated with details regarding the latest update for its online delivery system Steam. This release updates the DoD:Source with the previously announced new map dod_argentan, and Rag Doll Kung Fu gets fixed up so you can now play past the second level transition. Just restart Steam for the effects to take place.

A Battlefield 2 community update reveals that EA/DICE are keeping up the BF2 patch works. "We wanted to let you know that we're already hard at work on a post 1.12 update. While we can't go into details about it, yet, rest assured that we're checking the forums, listening to our customer support teams and working hard on the features that YOU'VE asked for. As soon as we can give more concrete details, we will. Just know that we're all 100% into making Battlefield 2 the very best that it can be."

If the "three strikes and you're out" rule would apply to games, DoA4 would be dead before arrival. Initially scheduled as an X360 launch title on November 22nd, it was slightly delayed for a week until December 1st, then another week, and now it seems online retailers have postponed Tecmo's brawler for another seven days until December 14. DOA4 features online capabilities via Xbox Live, new interactive stages, an all-star lineup of old and new favorite characters, and the most complex countering system yet.

Already available in Europe, SCEA announced today Spring 2006 release for its PSP exclusive action game Pursuit Force, bringing Hollywood-style movie action to life by delivering high-speed vehicle chases and thrilling shootouts, all in the quest for justice.

THQ today announced the franchise that redefined the off-road genre will debut for handheld and PC when MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge comes to the PSP and MX vs. ATV Unleashed ships for PC.

Kingdom Hearts II follows Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their continuing quest to find their friends and King Mickey. Sora and friends are joined by a vibrant new cast of characters, including the king himself! In the effort to help Mulan and stop the villain Hades' devious plots, they will encounter countless dangers both familiar and brand-new.

SCEI announced today that cumulative worldwide shipment of PS2s had reached 100 million units, within 5 years and 9 months since its launch in Japan in March 2000. Previous record was set by PSOne which reached the same mark in 9 years and 6 months since launch, thus making the PS2 3 years ahead of schedule.

East Front is a high-tech first-person 3D shooter, which takes place in an alternate universe where the fascist Germany won in the Second World War. A soldier of the German Resistance, Karl Stolz, turns out to be involved in the deadly play of mysterious powers, and at stake is control over the entire world.

This fall, come to a fantastic realm of magic and wonder where a young hero strives against ancient evil. Lead him on a perilous quest to find a talisman of great power and restore the lost majesty of a fallen kingdom.

Is the video game on your son's holiday wish list too violent? What types of messages is your daughter receiving from the game she wants? Who is creating these games and what are their ethical and moral responsibilities? These questions and more will be addressed at "Video Gaming: Playing with Ethics?, which starts tonight. Read more for details ...

DropTeam is a truly Sci-Fi multiplayer tactical simulation of mechanized ground combat using a new groundbreaking and powerful 3D engine. DropTeam is all about fun, fast and furious tactical action – but not at the expense of realistic physics and a credible combat experience, and now with even better graphics due to advanced lighting and postprocessing effects including High Dynamic Range rendering and full-scene glow.

Sony has released yet another new update for its PSP firmware, bringing it to v2.60 for the Japanese, North American and European PSP editions. The new v2.60 update adds Windows Media Audio (WMA) audio support, RSS Channel has been added as a feature under Network, copyright-protected video data can now be downloaded directly to a Memory Stick Duo, and volume adjustment has been added.

A few months back it was revealed Blizzard closed down the Blizzard North office, responsible for the Diablo franchise. While people were given other opportunities inside Blizzard, several decided to venture out. Hyboreal Games is founded by Diablo developers and former Blizzard employees Eric Sexton, Michio Okamura, and Steven Woo, and several others are said to join them shortly. While details are completely non-existent, their current, and first, project is Starfall.

BFME 2 takes part in the North where a battle is raging between Sauron's forces vs. elves and dwarves. It will be possible to create/customize your own hero, apart from known figures such as Arwin, and become more powerful as you progress in the game. While BFME was all land based, the sequel will also take the action on the sea, naval battles included, courtesy of an updated engine.

The last of an extinct race, one with unimaginable powers. Ryu is a dormant dragon, awakened by miners, transformed into an innocent child. Now, as an outcast from society, Ryu must remember his fiery past and regain his powers so he can fulfil his epic destiny...

Blending the best of tactical action games with the best of survival horror titles, Gears of War is the first game developed by Epic Games exclusively for Microsoft Game Studios and Xbox 360. "Gears of War" thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

In an interview with German financial newspaper Euro am Sonntag Microsoft executive Chris Lewis revealed that it will have approximately 300,000 Xbox 360 consoles available throughtout Europe for its launch on December 2. Industry analysts' estimates of 300,000 Xbox 360s available at launch "were not far removed from reality," said Chris Lewis. After selling out merely hours after launch in North America, Microsoft expect the European launch to be equally successfull, and aims to deliver up to 3 million units within three months of launch.

German developer Silver Style, known for The Fall: Last Days of Gaia, revealed that it has signed the rights to develop a fourth installment in the classic Simon the Sorcerer adventure game. The previous title, Simon 3D by Vivendi, was heavily criticized for having outdated graphics, mainly due to the project being shelved for a few years, so Silver Style opted to develop its own state of the art 3D engine. Lead Designer Carsten Strehse said that the new title will mainly focus around logical and challenging puzzles, with barely any action parts, the controls will be similar to other point & click adventures like the more recent The Westerner and Ankh. Simon The Sorcerer 4 is tentatively scheduled for Q4 2006.