Kaos Studios has announced that a new Frontlines: Fuel of War patch (v1.02) is currently in testing and should be released some time this week.

While they don't offer an exact changelog, we do know that the update will include a load of bug fixes and some server browser improvements. Also, a dedicated server will be released alongside the patch, allowing you to host your own servers without a CD key.

SouthPeak Games and Reality Pump have announced that their upcoming Two Worlds: The Temptation expansion is now a full-blown sequel and will ship this Fall.

Why the change? Reality Pump's Miroslaw Dymek explains:

"We first envisioned The Temptation as an expansion to the original," said Miroslaw Dymek, Chief Developer with Reality Pump explained. "However, as we started creating the story and reworking almost every aspect of the game, we realised that we were well on our way to crafting a fully-fledged sequel. Our entire development team is now putting their all into making Two Worlds: The Temptation a game that is far and away better than the original."

Latest version of Will Wright's phenomenally successful franchise coming to the PC in 2009.

Earlier this month, a teaser site popped up on the Internet promising that more information on The Sims 3 would be coming on March 19. Well, D-Day has come, and Electronic Arts has made it official: The Sims 3 is indeed en route.

The third stand-alone game in the Sims series will feature a new engine, which EA has been slaving away at for three years, and the biggest new feature will be the ability to seamlessly move around an open neighbourhood.

Previous games in the Sims series were expanded by packs such as The Sims: Hot Date, and The Sims: Vacation, which let gamers take their sims on holiday or into town with a beau, for example, but these communal zones were always separate from sims' abodes.

In the next game, the sims will be able to walk freely around their neighbourhoods, visit their pals, and venture to new locations such as City Hall and the local park.

There will also be a "deeper" system for governing how sims behave, called the Realistic Personality System, which will let gamers manipulate five character traits when creating their sims. This opens up a number of possibilities, or as EA puts it: "Will you create the nosy, inappropriate, kleptomaniac grandmother who loves to meddle in other people's business? Or the commitment-phobic, hot-headed punk rocker whose rude nature and childish disposition keeps him from scoring a date?" Apparently, 700 million different combinations await.

Customising both the sims themselves and the items around them will also become an easier and deeper experience, EA says. The upgrades include fine tuning for every part of sims' faces, and a new set of design tools for customising items for their houses.

The first Sims game was released in 2000, and since then the series has sold some 98 million games worldwide, and has been translated into 22 different languages.

By Emma Boyes, GameSpot UK

Capcom has announced that their upcoming Action-Platformer, Bionic Commando Rearmed, will be making an appearance on the PC some time this May.

While no pricing has been set for the PC edition, we do know that it'll be released via "a number of digital distribution outlets". Included with this announcement are some official system requirements.

Here's the scoop:

BioWare's Matt Atwood has confirmed to both CVG and VideoGamers.com that their upcoming Mass Effect sequel will debut exclusively on the Xbox 360 and will then be ported to the PC shortly afterwards.

Here's a little snippet from the interview:

"We haven't announced plans for timing on Mass Effect 2, period, so at this point we're not really ready to talk about it, but because we've got a really great PC fan base we think it's really important to deliver the PC experience as quickly as possible. Look for more news on that soon," stated Atwood during an interview with VideoGamer.com.

Electronic Arts has announced that their highly anticipated Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath expansion pack has gone gold and will be shipping to stores on March 26th. As an added bonus, the game will include an invite to the upcoming C&C: Red Alert 3 beta!

Here's the official word:

Thirteen new story-driven missions, six new diverse sub-factions, powerful, game changing epic-units and the golden ticket to experience the most anticipated RTS game of the year in the Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 beta - what more could a Command & Conquer fanatic ask for?

Well, the wait is almost over. Today, Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath has officially gone gold - players will be returning to the Third Tiberium War on March 26th! With a storyline that spans over two decades, Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath features over 30 minutes of new high-definition live-action movies starring an all-new Hollywood cast including Natasha Henstridge (Species), Carl Lumbly (Alias) and, of course, Joe Kucan as the titular icon, Kane.

"Kane's Wrath gives us a great opportunity to fill some holes in the storyline from Tiberium Wars that our fans have been clamoring to uncover," said Jim Vessella, lead producer on the title. The team is confident Kane's Wrath will deliver the trademark fast, fluid and fun gameplay of all C&C games, much like its predecessor, the best-selling RTS of 2007* and widely-acclaimed** Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars.

"We know the community's going to have a blast playing the game and we can't wait to see how players utilize the new epic-units and other toys from the six new sub-factions."

Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath will also be coming to the Xbox 360 this summer, featuring an all new radial interface that continues to further evolve the console RTS experience. As a standalone title that doesn't require Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, the 360 version will also feature the all-new "Kane's Challenge", an Xbox 360 exclusive single player mode that pits the player against a terrifying gauntlet of sub-faction opponents.

For more information about Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath or the Command & Conquer series, please visit the official site at www.CommandAndConquer.com. Furthermore, those looking to take a trip down memory lane can check out the C&C series' library of live-action cutscenes from practically all of the ****c Command & Conquer games at www.cncmovies.com.

Codemasters and Blue Omega Entertainment have officially announced the development of a new Action-Shooter game called Damnation. Winner of the "Make Something Unreal" contest, this mod-turned-retail product is said to feature an epic storyline with huge, open environments, acrobatic combat and high-octane vehicle-based stunts.

Here's a little snippet from the press release:

Billed as a 'shooter gone vertical' and visually inspired by iconic elements of American history, these massive streaming landscapes will form the battlegrounds for a post-industrial conflict between humanity and an unstoppable arms dealer hell-bent on total world domination.

Players will be able to choose their own paths and navigate the world by performing daredevil feats on the edge of human ability. However players aren't the only ones with mind-blowing acrobatic skills; intelligent enemies will give chase and engage players in frantic gun fights and attacks that can come from any direction - in Damnation's world there's no safe place to hide.

Netamin Corporation has announced that Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken has signed-on to become the official spokesperson for their upcoming massively multiplayer online sports title, Real Baseball.

So what's the game all about and what does this deal mean?

Here's the scoop inside.....

Valve Software has released a new patch for their hit multiplayer shooter, Team Fortress 2.

In addition to the usual list of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, this update includes a custom server tab for better browsing and the initial release of Tournament mode. You can check out the full patch notes right here or just relaunch Steam to start downloading!

According to an update on Iron Lore Entertainment's official website today, the Maynard-based game developer has been forced to close up shop after failing to secure finding for their next project. The company is best known for creating the Titan Quest series and recently completed work on Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War Soulstorm.

Anyways, here's the scoop:

It is with great regret that we must announce that as of close of business Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Iron Lore Entertainment has ceased active game development. Several unrelated events occurred which resulted in Iron Lore being unable to secure funding for its next project.

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has helped us in the last seven years - our team who moved mountains to create such great games, our publisher THQ who has been a great partner through three product development cycles, and most of all our customers and fans. We owe all of the success we've had to you, and our greatest satisfaction has come from creating games that have given enjoyment to the community.

While Iron Lore will not continue, the talent of the team is embodied in the individuals now available for other opportunities. If you are a developer or publisher looking to hire top-notch experienced developers, please send an email to pchieffo "at" ironlore "dot" com and we will be happy to facilitate recruiting with you.

Iron Lore also owns it's powerful and flexible engine and tool set, and is actively pursuing licensing opportunities. If you are interested in further information about the technology and licensing options, please contact pchieffo "at" ironlore "dot" com.

Electronic Arts relaunches the online version of the Sims; gamers can reactivate old accounts or sign up for free.

The Sims Online was originally launched in autumn 2002, but was left to die by Electronic Arts in October 2003. But now that Internet speeds are faster and broadband connections are pervasive, EA has decided to relaunch the game.

Now titled EA-Land, the game is currently still partly under construction, and bods have been working on it since May 2007. People who used to have a Sims Online account can reregister before March to get all of their privileges and stuff back. The 12 cities from the original online game will be expanded, each house can now have more simultaneous visitors, and players can now have more than one sim in each city.

EA-Land will be free to play, but to purchase furniture and other items, gamers need to earn simoleans (the in-game currency). These can be bought for real money, or earned by selling custom-made objects, running a store, or doing jobs for other players. If gamers want to convert a bucketload of simoleans into real cash, or build a house on a bigger lot, they will need to be subscribers.

EA senior vice president Luc Barthelet commented, "We have made some big changes already to the game, and many more are coming over the next few months."

THQ and Kaos Studios have announced that their highly anticipated first person shooter, Frontlines: Fuel of War, has begun shipping to stores world-wide. The game is available on both the PC and Xbox 360 with a suggested retail price of $49.99 and $59.99 respectively.

Here's a little snippet from the press release:

"Frontlines: Fuel of War is the biggest, baddest open-world battlefield on any platform, complete with a gripping, topical story and unparalleled multiplayer excellence," said Kevin Kraff, director of global brand management, THQ. "The game continues the Kaos team's strong history of FPS innovation, and we're thrilled to be releasing it to gamers worldwide."

"Frontlines brings the experience of next generation warfare to life with cutting-edge combat drones, infantry weapons, land vehicles, helicopters and jets all fighting on some of the most massive battlefields ever realized in a game," said Frank DeLise, general manager of Kaos Studios. "We're excited to introduce our unique frontline-based combat system and dedicated multiplayer servers for both Xbox 360 and Windows PC users."

Electronic Arts has issued a press release officially announcing the development of SimCity Societies Destinations, the first expansion pack for their hit city-builder. Due out in May 2008, the expansion will feature all-new exotic locales, over 100 new buildings, an enhanced map generator and more!

Here's a little snippet from the announcement:

"SimCity Societies Destinations is the perfect game to let your imagination go on vacation, while at the same time provides deeper, challenges for the player," said Rod Humble, Head of The SimsTM Studio. "Whether you want to forge a mini republic or build a spiritual retreat, you'll have all the tools to make your destination admired by citizens far and wide."

Turbine has just announced that they've extended their licensing agreement with Tolkien Enterprises to develop MMORPG's based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The new agreement runs through 2014, with additional options to extend the rights to 2017.

Here's the official word:

WESTWOOD, MA - February 20, 2008 - Turbine, Inc. announced today that in the wake of the global success of The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM: Shadows of AngmarTM, named the 2007 PC Game of the Year*, it has reached an agreement with Tolkien Enterprises to extend it's license to develop Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPG) based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien to 2014 with additional options to extend the rights until 2017.

"We're thrilled with the global success of The Lord of the Rings Online since its launch in 2007," said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "With the recent announcement of what are sure to be two blockbuster films based on The Hobbit and a sequel, we expect the success of the license and our relationship with Tolkien Enterprises to grow for years to come."

"We have had a wonderful working relationship with Turbine over the past several years," said Albert M. Bendich, Executive Vice President of The Saul Zaentz Company, and its merchandising division Tolkien Enterprises. "We look forward to our continuing success with Turbine as it pushes the envelope for compelling online entertainment and gameplay to bring the compelling characters of Middle-earth to life for Tolkien fans around the world."

The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is available in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. For more information, please visit www.lotro.com.

Activision, AMD, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and Nvidia co-found nonprofit dedicated to "advancing the PC as a worldwide gaming platform."

SAN FRANCISCO--With consoles now increasingly intruding on such hallowed ground as the real-time strategy genre, many PC gamers have adopted something of a siege mentality. This defensive attitude is also apparently afflicting a consortium of hardware manufacturers and software publishers, who today announced the formation of the PC Gaming Alliance.

The first body ever formed solely to promote the PC gaming industry, the PCGA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "driving coordinated marketing and promotion of PC gaming...and creating forums for member companies to cooperate on solutions to challenges facing the PC gaming industry, such as hardware requirements and anti-piracy."

Said member companies include PC hardware manufacturers Acer Inc./Gateway Inc., Dell/Alienware, Intel Corp, and AMD. AMD also owns ATI, a leading manufacturer of PC graphics cards, whose chief rival, Nvidia, is also on the PCGA board along with PC game peripheral Razer USA. Rounding out the list are game developer Epic Games and the biggest third-party publisher on the planet, Activision.

Ironically, the maker of one of the consoles being blamed for cutting into the PC's market share is also on the PCGA's board. After spending billions on launching and promoting the Xbox 360, Microsoft has joined the board as part of its re-invigorated PC gaming initiative, Games for Windows.

The formation of the PCGA is drawing praise from analysts covering the PC gaming market, which took in $911 million at US retailers last year--a decline of six percent. "This collaboration will provide developers and publishers with a champion for consistent demographics, hardware adoption, and revenue measurement and reporting," DFC Intelligence David Cole said in a statement. "An authoritative source of information on the PC as a gaming platform will serve as an invaluable catalyst for growing the market and improving the consumers' PC gaming experience."

The announcement of the PCGA's formation was timed to coincide with the ongoing Game Developers Conference, where many of its member companies are touting their wares. The nonprofit also launched its official Web site, http://www.pcgamingalliance.org/en/index.asp.

By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot

CD Projekt RED has announced that they are currently working on an "Enhanced Edition" of their hit Action-RPG, The Witcher.

Due out this May, the enhanced edition will be available as both a retail package and a downloadable update for those of you who already own the game. New features include 80% faster load times, re-done English dialog, over 50 new NPC's, a re-designed inventory panel, 100 new gesture animations, re-created facial animations and lip-sync system, and much, much more!

the official word inside:

Kaos Studios have announced that they will be releasing a Frontlines: Fuel of War multiplayer demo on March 11th.

According to Community Manager "Mitch", the demo will include the latest codebase and two maps from the final version of the game (Invasion and Oilfield). More details are expected as we get closer to the demos release.

Valve has released a major Team Fortress 2 / Source Engine Update which is available via Steam.

This update contains general performance optimizations for the Source Engine, as well as a range of changes, fixes and a new map for Team Fortress 2. Note also that Valve has finalized the Beta Steam Client which was available earlier and it has been released today as a regular Steam Update for everyone, improving the Steam Client's performance and fixing some issues.

Turbine has announced the North American launch of Book 12: The Ashen Wastes, the fourth free content update for their hit MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

The update adds a host of new features including new customization options, a new region, housing enhancements and over 100 new quests! You can learn more about Book 12 right here or just launch the game's auto-updater to start downloading.

Book 12: The Ashen Wastes is expected to go live in Europe tomorrow (Feb 14th).