While Lionhead announced a release date a few weeks back, today there is a slight change in the North American release date, which has been postponed for a week to coincide with the European launch. "We say Black&White 2 now has a final release date! We know we mentioned two different dates a while ago, one for North America and one for Europe, but can now confirm that Black&White 2 has a worldwide release date of 7th October 2005."

Valve today announced that Half-Life 2: Game of the Year has started shipping to retail outlets in North America. Half-Life 2: GotYis a special edition release of the best-selling and critically acclaimed title that includes Half-Life 2, Counter-Strike: Source, plus Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Half-Life: Source. Half-Life 2: Game of the Year will begin shipping to other territories worldwide in the coming weeks.

Zoo Tycoon developer Blue Fang Games is pleased to announce that Bruce Blumberg is joining its team as Director of its new Synthetic Animal Team.

Electronic Arts today revealed the 41 songs that will propel players through SSX On Tour. The in-game soundtrack delivers a fast-paced and energetic mix of music that builds on the popularity of the SSX 3 soundtrack which was adored by fans worldwide and won the coveted Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) award for Best Soundtrack.

Dead or Alive 4 will redefine 3-D high definition graphics and sound, creating the most visually beautiful and realistic looking video game to date. Unsurpassed online capabilities via Xbox Live, new incredible interactive stages, an all star line-up of old and new favorite characters, and the most complex DOA countering system yet, all add up to the must-have video game to own along with Xbox 360 this holiday season.

Death Jr. is a new action platforming game that seamlessly blends elements from first-person shooters with the exploration of a third-person platformer and serves up a large dose of intense gameplay and weapon heavy combat for the PSP.

Blizzard has released yet another new Warcraft III map, this time called "Banewood Bog"... Map info: "Nestled in the Arathi Foothills lies the pristine resort enclave where the wizards of Dalaran retreat from the front lines to recuperate while relaxing in steamy hot mana pools." This is a small map size and the suggested no. of players is 2v2, or 3v3. It is based on the "Dalaran" tileset. Go download it here!

While The Sims 2: Nightlife barely went gold, and is not yet available in stores, EA is already working on a third addon for its simulation franchise The Sims 2. While no specific name has been announced yet, the new addon will revolve around setting up businesses and making money. Construction company, restaurant, nightclub, or simply decide to work from home, it will all be possible. You will need to strategically place employees, or fire useless workers, in order to keep your customers happy. More details surely to follow shortly ...

Valve announced today that Day of Defeat: Source will be made available to gamers everywhere on September 26. DoD: Source takes the classic teamplay of DoD and expands the experience with Source, the engine technology Valve created for Half-Life 2 and it's next generation of games. With this technology, DoD: Source offers state of the art graphics with optimized versions of popular maps and all new player, weapon and world models, plus support for HDR lighting.

ZuxxeZ has released a new Gold Upgrade (not a patch) for its RTS Earth 2160. This upgrade brings your German/English retail game to v1.3.5 and makes the easy modes simpler, fixes campaign crashes and AI issue, infantry sped up, Alien 7 mission fixed, and more. Read more for details fix list and download links ...

SEGA today revealed that original Sonic creator Yuji Naka, and character designer Naoto Ohshima, are bringing Sonic back to its roots to create the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames with an innovative combination of art, physics and game design. Not many details are available at this point, but we do have the first screens...

After two and a half years of development, Playlogic is now finalizing beta testing of its upcoming shoot´em up Xyanide, an action packed sci-fi game developed by the company’s in house development studio, Playlogic Game Factory. With breathtaking visual effects, fast paced action and Dolby Digital sound, the game is set to revive the legendary shoot´em up genre.

Enlight Software secures NYC based music and record production company The Lodge to provide the soundtrack for Bad Day L.A., the highly anticipated American McGee title set to ship early 2006 for the Xbox and PC.

NCsoft North America has revealed the contents for the City of Villains Collector's Edition retail game pack that will be released to stores in North America when the game launches later this fall. The Col. Edition will contain a set of seven limited-edition HeroClix figures from WizKids, as well as several other goodies. Read more for details ...

Microsoft today announced that the next generation of online multiplayer gaming service Xbox Live will be available in North America on the X360 starting this holiday. In addition to the free Xbox Live Silver membership available to every Xbox 360 owner, for only $49.99 (U.S.) or $59.99 (CDN)* gamers can amplify their gaming experience with a 12-month Xbox Live Gold membership. No more credit card will be required to sign up!

Midway today announced exclusive licensing relationships with The League and the Players Group to develop and distribute future videogames based on the on-and-off-the-field activities that fans of The League have come to love over its 150 years of existence.

UPDATEFor people who did not realize, this is a fake press release and a spoof on EA's exclusivity frenzy

Sony Computer Entertainment America is leading the charge for what will surely be a brisk holiday season for the PSP, bringing an unparalleled gaming experience to the portable market, and with these six new action-packed first-party titles scheduled for release before the end of the year.

Take 2 today announced financial results for its Q3 and nine months ended July 31, 2005. Net sales and losses were up 6% and 100%, respectively, from last year. So far, net sales have increased 30%, and net income is $18.3M. Bully (PS2/Xbox) has been delayed to provide additional development time, while Civilization IV is ahead of schedule and has been scooted up into fiscal 2005. An all new IP for the X360 is mentioned, as well as extensions of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Developed by Brainbox Games and using the Unreal Engine, Land of the Dead: Road to Fiddler's Green is a FPS featuring zombies, frightening effects, and key environments seen in George A. Romero's Land of the Dead horror film.

Midway Arcade Treasures: Deluxe Edition consists of 28 arcade games including all of the games from Midway Arcade Treasures 2 and Midway Arcade Treasures 3. This 4-disc compilation set will be available for the suggested budget price of $19.95.

Developer and publisher Paradox Interactive announced today that their next strategy release, Diplomacy for the PC platform, will be shipping to stores in the US and Scandinavia on October 4, 2005. UK, France, Germany and the Benelux countries are to follow on October 28.

Early August Blizzard revealed it was closing is Blizzard North development studio, and today Castaway Entertainment announced that former Blizzard North studio lead Rick Seis has accepted the position of Technical Director and lead programmer for their current unannounced project.

Grey Dog Software today announces Total Extreme Wrestling 2005 to be released October 6, 2005. A sequel to the critically acclaimed TEW 2004, Total Extreme Wrestling 2005 is scheduled to be available for digital download exclusively through Grey Dog Software for U.S $34.95.

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.

Joining the Game Precision Series later this year will be the new Xbox 360 Controller for Windows, a wired gaming controller that works with Windows XP-based PCs and the new Xbox 360 system to deliver a consistent gaming entertainment experience across Microsoft's gaming platforms.