If you frequented the official Shadowrun forums, they are planning a new place where people can meet in an off-Microsoft type property. Honestly, given that most games have digressed to a chaotic free-for-all (with a fair share of team killing to boot), and troll katana has become absurdly unbalanced, it pains me to say that you might be better off just saying bye for good.

Announcement: Forums Closing Soon [via n4g]

Following the outcry from European officials, Italian publisher 505 Games has decided not to release the controversial evil little girl game, Rule of Rose, in the U.K. The British Video Standards Council gave the game a 16+ game rating, causing politicians to call for a closer look at how video games are rated. In an interview with British publication MCV, the BVSC vehemently defended their decision and says the the government's claims are preposterous.

"I have no idea where the suggestion of in-game sadomasochism has come from, nor children being buried underground. These are things that have been completely made up," said VSC secretary general Laurie Hall.

I'm a little surprised that 505 Games caved so easily. Rule of Rose was by no means the best game, but I did find the art style, soundtrack and bizarre plot a refreshing change from a lot of your run of the mill fare. There are certainly far more "offensive" games out there than this. With all this controversy though, the game will probably sell better than it would have otherwise. Everyone always wants what the government tells them they can't have. Flynn De Marco

Rule Of Rose's UK Release Canceled [Gamasutra]