Galactic Civilizations II takes place in the distant future, when mankind has become a space-faring civilization and must contend with other extraterrestrial powers for domination of the galaxy. Stardock has released a v1.3 retail patch, which includes a few more updates and corrections.

Vivendi released its first half 2006 earnings results and overall net income is up nearly 11%, while Vivendi Games' earnings before interest and income taxes (EBITA) of EUR 62 million, up 226.3% compared to last year. This improvement was driven by growth in revenues, with an increased proportion relating to the higher margin of the World of Warcraft business.

A message in the community chat forum reveals that a BFME v1.05 patch has been submitted for final testing and is expected in the next 2 weeks. The new patch adds massive balance changes, and EA has revealed partial details on fixes for the, so far, underwhelming Mordor side. Read more for partial fix list ...

Due to a delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced that it would postpone the PS3 launch in Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia from its original 17th November 2006 date, to March 2007. Launch dates for Japan and North America will remain the same, which are November 11th and November 17th respectively.

As the SEAL commander, the player will be supported by AI teammate executing traditional SOCOM team-based tactical, stealth and action gameplay. Multiple players will once again be able to form clans and take on their friends for team-based high-action gameplay.

Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the appointment of Dave Karraker to the post of Senior Director of Corporate Communications to oversee all North American public relations.

Guerrila announced some of the extra features that will make Killzone: Liberation the game fans have been crying out for, including innovative interaction online and more downloadable content

On the heels of the release of Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, Aspyr Media is re-releasing for the series’ fans and newcomers Funcom’s original 2000 PC adventure game, The Longest Journey, considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made with more than 70 speaking characters and over 50 hours of gameplay.

Icarus Studios and Vivox, Inc. announced today that Icarus’ MMOG Fallen Earth will include on-demand, in-game voice communication as the result of a technology integration agreement between the two companies.

Xfire and Blizzard remind gamers that the submission deadline for the largest machinima contest featuring Blizzard’s online game World of Warcraft is approaching fast, September 12.

2K Sports announced today a multitude of new features in NHL 2K7, as well as franchise favorites, boasting a brand-new Rivalry System and the most robust online capabilities.

Saint Seiya: The Hades takes the Saint Seiya video game experience to the next level boasting a story from the most widely acclaimed chapter of the saga plus an overdose of innovative features and stunning enhancements designed to bring players closer than ever to the universe of mind-blowing 3D Cosmo battles.

In an interview with the Herald Tribune, Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot revealed Alive, a disaster survival title reminiscent of the 1993 plane crash movie. Alive will feature characters who rely on their instincts and each other to endure after an earthquake. "It's more oriented toward drama, more life in characters, more depth," he said, adding, "It's still about surviving, but you can't resolve things by shooting only."

Freaks! Slammin’ traffic introduces a fresh game-play, mixing race and hand-to-hand combat. Your driving skills alone may get you to the lead… but be sure that your opponents will try everything to eject you from the road!

Jeanne d'Arc is an all-new RPG in development at Level-5's for the PSP, set during the 100 Year War between France and England. The game is based on the French heroine Jeanne d'Arc, mixed with spells, monsters and other oddities, such as Burning Site and Connection Guard attack moves.

Picking up where Guitar Hero left off, Guitar Hero II arrives with a new track list, new venues and additional play modes – including the ability to transform the original Guitar Hero SG Controller into a rhythm, lead or bass guitar. RedOctane is secretive about the more than 55 songs on the playlist, so far 24 of them are known ...

Gears of War blends the best of tactical action games with the best of survival horror titles, thrusting gamers into the harrowing story of humankind's battle for survival against the Locust Horde, creating cinematic, high-definition visuals so intense and powerful, it feels like the gamers are controlling a blockbuster action movie.

Paradox Interactive announced that it has set the launch date for Silent Heroes. The stand-alone expansion to Codemaster' Soldiers: Heroes of World War II, will be only be available for download via Gamer's Gate on September 8th, 2006,

Tortuga: Two Treasures will have players setting sail as pirate captains in search of action, adventure and of course, treasure. You play Thomas ‘Hawk’ Blythe and after you get betrayed and captured, a dramatic battle for power, romance, treasure and truth commences aboard the Jolly Roger.

Already revealed last week, EA today officially announced that it will release EA Replay, a compilation of EA games from the 90's exclusively for the PSP, bringing you back to a simpler time when the dawn of gaming's golden age took hold.

Valve announced that it is bringing Arkane Studios' action RPG Dark Messiah of Might & Magic to the Steam online distribution service in October 2006, while Ubisoft itself revealed details on the limited edition, which will include the game on DVD, unique in-game content, making of movies, soundtrack on CD and 12 collective cards.

In Just Cause, you take on the role of the flamboyant Rico Rodriguez - an undercover CIA operative specializing in regime change - as he tries to overthrow the corrupt government of San Esperito suspected of stockpiling WMDs. Eidos announced that Just Cause will be available in North American stores on September 27, 2006.

Heart of Eternity is a third-person action/RPG title, with a balance between action and role-playing elements. There are no levels in the game, and no new areas that require loading. The fantasy universe Sarcus is populated with humans, bloodthirsty orks, greedy dwarves, naughty elves, treacherous half-goblins, and powerful vampires.

While the rest of the world is still awaiting release of the original Yakuza, SEGA is already working on the sequel. Set one year after the events of its predecessor, in Yakuza 2 you will face the Osaka underworld and the terrible Dragon of the West, Ryûji Kôda. Toshihiro Nagoshi and his team will greatly improve the combat system, adding more finishing and combo moves, as well as over 100 subquests and activities allowing our hero Kazuma Kiryû to play a gigolo, a club host, or spend his time playing golf and bowling. Yakuza 2 is currently scheduled for release in Japan on December 7th, 2006.

Battlefield 2142 coming to EA Downloader Battlefield 2142 will be available to pre-order on EA Downloader in September with a unique incentive, a 24-hour exclusive pass to play the demo before its public release. You could be one of the first to get into the demo of the most-anticipated game of 2006. Avoid the queues and don't wait for the mail - get it on Downloader and get it delivered direct to your desktop.