In the 30 years of video game development, the art of making console games has been reserved for those with big projects, big budgets and the backing of big game labels. Now Microsoft Corp. is bringing this art to the masses with a revolutionary new set of tools, called XNA Game Studio Express, based on the XNA platform.

You are a DevastationZone Trooper, one of the Blue Star Alliance’s toughest, hardened in combat and trained for action. During a space border patrol in the vicinity of planet Ardanis, you receive a code red distress call. The Rakkai Empire is invading the planet. This v1.34 fixes a crash issue and sets the sound device to Generic Software by default.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Okami [PS2] - Reflector Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Earlier this week Atari not only released its quarterly results but also held its annual gamers day in Las Vegas where it presented an updated look at the lineup for this coming holiday season, and beyond. While preview coverage is scheduled for later next week, the event opened with a rather candid speech ...

Big Huge Game has released the first patch for its 3D RTS Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends, bringing your retail game to v2.0. Only available through the in-game auto-updater, the patch addresses multiplayer issues, fixes bugs and crashes, adjusts game balancing, adds new features, and a new 4-player map Inferno.

Oblivion is a single-player game that takes place in Tamriel's capital province, Cyrodiil. You are given the task of finding the hidden heir to a throne that sits empty, the previous emperor having been killed by an unknown assassin. Bethesda has released the final v1.1 German patch which addresses various bugs, crashes, quests and plugin issues.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Frankie Dettori Racing [PS2/Xbox/PC] - Trailer
• WH40K: Dawn of War - Dark Crusader - Grey Knights Trailer
• Madden NFL 07 [ALL] - Trailer
• Mortal Kombat: Armageddon [PS2/Xbox/Wii] - Trailer #2
• NBA Live 07 [X360] - Trailer #4
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy and is an epic strategy game where players take control of a nation and guide it through the ages to become a great global empire.

Lost Planet is a sci-fi action shooter set within the merciless frozen tundra of a hostile planet, humans struggle for survival as conflicts arise between man, the surrounding indigenous creatures and the monstrous beings that have invaded.

The Consumer Electronics Association, organizers of the consumer technology tradeshow, announced today that it is forming an advisory committee to solicit gaming industry feedback and explore the viability of a West Coast event in late spring 2007 focused on the gaming and entertainment marketplace.

Sierra Entertainment has signed a development agreement with Spark Unlimited, known for Call of Duty: Finest Hour, to create an action game for next-generation consoles, which is expected to ship in 2007.

Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers builds upon the ground-breaking, genre-blending game play of the original, integrating an all new robust multiplayer system, player-controlled coalition forces, mechanized units and enhanced character abilities and advanced enemy A.I.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Bully [PS2] - Trailer
• Dark Messiah of Might and Magic - Intro Movie
• Kengo Zero [X360] - Jap Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

United States District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly ruled yesterday that the state of Illinois must pay the video game industry $510,528.64 in attorney's fees for its unconstitutional effort to enact a law banning the sale of violent video games.

SEGA today announced the SEGA Genesis Collection, known in Europe as Mega Drive Medley, for the PS2 and PSP. SEGA Genesis Collection will be the most comprehensive gathering of classic SEGA products ever assembled; with over 30 titles in one compilation.

Sony Online Entertainment today announced that it has acquired key assets of independent online trading card game developer Worlds Apart Productions. Key employees of Worlds Apart will form the core of the new SOE-Denver, integrating into SOE's worldwide group of studios.

At the Games Convention 2006, Sunflowers will be presenting its highly anticipated RTS titles, ANNO 1701 and ParaWorld. For the first time ever visitors will be able to play both titles at the stand.

Undercover is an adventure game set during the Second World War, in the heart of war-torn Europe. The tantalizing story revolves around a horrible What-If scenario, tackling myths and undiscovered secrets and gives all new insights into the terrifying machinations of this era.

Ubisoft announced that the remake of BlueByte's construction-based strategy game Settlers 2, making the jump to 3D, has been completed and has reached gold status. While there is no info on other territories just yet, The Settlers II: The Next Generation will arrive in German stores early September.

Micro Application announced his presence at the upcoming Leipzig Games Convention 2006, Germany where it will show Horse Racing Manager 2, Experience 112, and Fenimore Filmore’s Revenge.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Mortal Kombat Unchained [PSP] - Trailer
• Just Cause [PS2/Xbox/X360/PC] - Trailer
• .Hack//G.U. [PS2] - Jap Trailer #2
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Victoria: Revolutions is an expansion for Paradox Interactive 's history simulation game Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun offering several new and exciting features. such as the ability to link the addon to other Paradox games, thus extending the gameplay for both!

Ubisoft announced its participation in Games Convention, taking place in Leipzig from August 23 to 27, 2006 where it will present seven of its products, ranging from Dark Messiah, Double Agent, to Open Season and Horzes.

Destineer announced today that it has chosen Raleigh, North Carolina as the location where it will open its next development studio, with at least 100 engineers, artists, designers, QA staff, and management. The new studio will initially develop commercial videogames and training simulations based on Destineer’s work with the US intelligence community.

Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm is turn-based and has a great PBEM system for head to head play. This v1.12 update adds major new gameplay features and also resolves several minor issues.