OK, so, Ubisoft about a couple days back sent out word on its forums about the DLC coming in the "early July" (not more specific, sorry) release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2's Fan Pack. There will be several new gameplay details and three maps. It's all free, and will all be available via Ubi's site, Xbox Live Marketplace, or Playstation Network depending on your flavor of platform.

Re: the maps (from Ubi's post).

There are three maps included in the free DLC: Murdertown – Dark, CQB Training – Dark and best of all the much-requested fan favourite Calypso Casino! The three map layouts have not been changed. The re-lit “Dark maps” have a very eerie atmosphere, and may require players to use night vision to spot enemies. Calypso Casino returns with updated lighting and textures. The three maps are playable in all Versus modes and Terrorist Hunt.

As for gameplay, there are new ranks, new A.C.E.S., some rebalancing of weapon characteristics, multiplayer tweaks, and a handy-dandy frag indicator to help you not get your ass blown off. The entire announcement is quoted after the jump, plus the video (hosted at Gametrailers) referenced in the announcement.

Hi everyone,

I am very pleased to announce that Ubisoft will be releasing a Fan Pack to all Rainbow Six fans. I am also here to give you better insight and clarification on what the Fan Pack contains:

The Fan Pack includes an Update for the game and DLC (downloadable content). The first thing that may come to mind is: “Is this free?” Yes it is, including the DLC. This pack will be available via Xbox Live Marketplace, PlayStation Network and ubi.com in July 2008. You can find out more about the Fan Pack in this video.

*** Update Features ***

New Ranks
An additional 99 Elite Ranks have been added for bragging rights. For those of you who are already Elite, you may have noticed that your XP continued to accumulate while playing. Once you have the update, your XP will automatically be applied towards the new Elite ranks, so it is possible that you have already ranked up multiple times past Elite.

New A.C.E.S.
A total of 100 A.C.E.S. are available for each category: Marksman, CQB and Assault. Each A.C.E.S. level past 20 will reward you with 5000 XP that applies to your rank. For players who have already reached A.C.E.S. 20 and continued to collect A.C.E.S. points, you will be happy to know that the update will automatically advance you to the level you have earned. For example, if you have enough A.C.E.S. points to reach Marksman 25, you will automatically be at Marksman 25 and earn 25000 (5000 x 5) towards your next Rank.

Grenade Indicator
When you are within the damage radius of a Frag or Incendiary grenade, an indicator will appear on-screen telling you which direction it is. The indicator can show multiple grenades at once.

Weapons & Gadgets Balancing
Here are a couple of notes about Weapons and Gadgets:
• Explosion delay of the incendiary grenade has been increased
• Detonation speed of the C4 has been slightly increased
• Increased the damage of Sniper Rifles at long range
• Increased the base accuracy of the Light Machine Guns
• Adjusted the rate of fire for some of the Assault Rifles, Shotguns and an SMG
• Sped up the time it takes to zoom in & out with weapons, making it more responsive

To better clarify: the zoom for all firearms have been significantly sped-up and you can now fire DURING the zoom transition.

Respawns in Team Deathmatch – Host Option
An added host option has been added for Random Respawns. Random Respawns OFF will play like the classic Versus style where each team spawns in their designated Alpha or Bravo base. Random Respawns ON will have your players spawn randomly throughout the map after they die the first time.

Voice Chat – Host Option
Added as a host option for Player Match & System Link, players now have the option to talk to their team mates while dead.

Score in Deathmatch
Displayed on the bottom left of the HUD in Deathmatch, players can now see their score along with the top opponent’s score.

Team Leader - Spawn Change
Players now respawn next to the leader by default, unless players specifically choose to spawn back at the base.

Show Dead Players in Lobby
Players who no longer have lives remaining will now have a skull icon displayed next to their name in the pause menu.

Terrorist Hunt Spawning
Terrorists will no longer spawn right in front of you or behind you, or in a room you just cleared.

* * * * *

High Stakes Setting
High Stakes is a host option for every Versus mode that really pushes tactical gameplay to the next level. Here’s a detailed description of High Stakes:

Limited HUD (High Stakes)
The Radar is disabled. Enemies will not be visible on the Tactical Map (back button on 360/select button on PS3). Grenade indicator is disabled.

Health System (High Stakes)
Health regen is disabled. If you are shot and close to death, you’ll enter a visual state of critical health (screen turns monochromatic).

Cover System (High Stakes)
The cover system as been changed in High-Stakes mode to encourage players to peek instead of pop-n-shoot. The camera has been moved so your character cannot look past their cover unless they expose themselves around a corner.

Weapons & Gadgets (High Stakes)
Aim Assistance has been completely disabled. Bullet spread has also been increased when not zoomed-in (you will notice your crosshair indicators are much wider when not in zoom). Realistically, a person holding a gun would have better aim when zoomed-in than when he’s walking around. This encourages players to really take aim instead of run-n-gun. Also remember that the zoom time has been sped-up and you can now fire WHILE you zoom in and out. Players now have less ammunition (1 for each gadget you choose and less clips for your guns) so you really need to play conservatively and rely on precision use of ammo.

Kill Camera & Friendly Fire (High Stakes)
Kill Camera is always disabled and Friendly fire is always enabled.

*** DLC ***

THREE FREE MAPS
There are three maps included in the free DLC: Murdertown – Dark, CQB Training – Dark and best of all the much-requested fan favourite Calypso Casino! The three map layouts have not been changed. The re-lit “Dark maps” have a very eerie atmosphere, and may require players to use night vision to spot enemies. Calypso Casino returns with updated lighting and textures. The three maps are playable in all Versus modes and Terrorist Hunt.

This Fan Pack is dedicated to all of you in the Rainbow Six community. Everything in this update and DLC comes directly from you on the forums, private messages to us and even matches the team has played with you all online. We’d like to sincerely thank you for your continued support and feedback. See you online!

Update by Ubi.Vigil:

We're sure some of you are wondering when it will be available on platforms other than UK PS3s. This early release was a result of a miscommunication with Sony, we apologise for any confusion or frustration this sudden release caused. Until the release of the update in other PS3 territories, UK PS3 players will only be able to play with other UK players.

The full Fan pack, including all maps, fixes and changes, will be available on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 in early July.

Best Regards,
Ubi.LevelUp - Community Developer
Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Fan Pack Details [Ubisoft Forums via Blue's News]

It's a lengthy podcast. The comment It's at timestamp 37:22 if you want to hear it for yourself. netGameRadio is suspender-popping proud at all the attention this has earned, but all that attention has put a whammy on its servers.

The entire podcast can be retrieved from TotalGamingNetwork, too.

The Inside Battlefield Show [netGameRadio via TotalGamingNetwork

Bungie Weekly Update 6/20 [Bungie, via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Bungie offered no word on when specifically it will drop. MLG's site has some low-res shots of the event (camera shots of the monitor). You can at least make out the chilly, blue-hued, nitrogen-spewing environment familiar to the original Chill Out. Three more pics after the jump, and more in MLG's gallery.

Bungie Makes World Premiere of Chill Out Remake at MLG San Diego [Major League Gaming]

The publisher said that more than 30 million sessions of the game, totalling 32 million hours of gameplay, were logged from April 4 to April 12. Sheesh, you guys really do live your COD.

"Infinity Ward is extremely grateful for support from our loyal Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare community around the world," said Robert Bowling, community relations manager, Infinity Ward. "From the beginning, we were committed to do our best and that continues now with the Variety Map Pack. We can't wait to get back online with everyone."

Hit the jump for the full release.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack Sets Xbox LIVE Marketplace Record
Surpasses One Million Paid Downloads in First Nine Days

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Apr 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) announced today that the Call of Duty 4(R): Modern Warfare(TM) Variety Map Pack, developed by Infinity Ward, has set a new record for the number of paid downloads on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, surpassing one million downloads in the first nine days since its release. Additionally, from April 4 to April 12, Xbox LIVE members played more than 30 million sessions and logged more than 32 million hours of gameplay. Available exclusively for download via Xbox LIVE online entertainment network now through April 24, the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack expands the experience of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the worldwide best-selling game in units of 2007, according to The NPD Group, Chart Track and The GFK Group. Since its release, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has sold in excess of nine million units worldwide.

The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack includes four new multiplayer maps featuring a variety of locations, while supporting split-screen and system link play for 800 Microsoft Points. The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack will be available for download via the PlayStation Network beginning April 24 for $9.99.

"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare delivers one of the best online multiplayer experiences ever," said Will Kassoy, senior vice president, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. "We are excited to be able to expand that experience and deliver to fans a new variety of locations and environments which have all of the intensity they have come to expect with Call of Duty."

"Infinity Ward is extremely grateful for support from our loyal Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare community around the world," said Robert Bowling, community relations manager, Infinity Ward. "From the beginning, we were committed to do our best and that continues now with the Variety Map Pack. We can't wait to get back online with everyone."

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

I remember loading Facing Worlds from the original UT on my first bohemeth 19-inch monitor and feeling dizzy as I looked to the Earth below, making my stomach churn. A few years of innovation later, my 46-inch HDTV should force an alien baby through my shirt.

Free DLC Now Available for Unreal Tournament III [Gaming Today]

"Turok has captured the imagination of video game players throughout the world," said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Touchstone. "We're now able to expand the multiplayer experience with the release of new maps. These five new maps are sure to satisfy Turok players who are hungry for more multiplayer challenges."

TUROK'S DINOSAURS RUN RAMPANT WITH MORE THAN 1 MILLION UNITS SHIPPED WORLDWIDE

Touchstone Also Announces Velociraptor Pack — Five New Multiplayer Downloadable Maps to be Available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Network Tomorrow

Release Date of Windows-Based PC Version Revealed

BURBANK, Calif. - (March 26, 2008) - The ravenous dinosaurs of Turok have made their mark all over the globe as Touchstone announced today the intense first person shooter has shipped more than 1 million units worldwide. The company also announced that the dinosaur-infested multiplayer mode of Turok will soon expand with the release of the Velociraptor Pack, five new downloadable maps. The new Turok downloadable maps will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 400 Microsoft Points and on PLAYSTATION®Network for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system for $4.99 starting on Thursday, March 27, 2008.

"Turok has captured the imagination of video game players throughout the world," said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Touchstone. "We're now able to expand the multiplayer experience with the release of new maps. These five new maps are sure to satisfy Turok players who are hungry for more multiplayer challenges."

Turok players of all skill levels can play the existing 10 maps with the development team from Propaganda Games. A Turok "Game With Dev" is scheduled for today Wednesday, March 26 from 3-6 p.m. PST on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network.

Touchstone also announced an April 22, 2008 release date for the Windows-based PC version of Turok, the sci-fi first person shooter. Developed by Propaganda Games, the Windows-based PC version has been optimized for PC by Aspyr Studios. The game will give PC fans the opportunity to experience the engaging, story-driven single player experience and multiplayer modes for up to 16 players. The PC version, which will enable both the mouse and keyboard or a game controller, will be available for $49.99. The new downloadable content for the console versions will be available for Windows-based PC soon after that version's release.

Of the five new Turok downloadable maps for consoles, two are completely new multiplayer maps, one is a new co-op map and two are relit versions of popular multiplayer maps available with the game. Below is a brief description of the five new maps:

* Co-Op - A brand new Turok co-op map for 2-4 players. In this co-op map your Whiskey Company squad has been captured and is being held in a Mendel-Gruman facility designed for holding dinosaurs. You and your team have to break out and make it to the rescue chopper before the Wolf Pack troops decide to feed you to the captured raptors.

* Desolation - A brand new swamp-based map where simple structures are set up alongside a rock cliff to allow helicopters and transports into the area to bring in supplies. There are many hiding spots on this multi-level map which enables numerous quiet kill opportunities.

* Sentinel - Another new multiplayer map and one of the largest Turok maps to date. The setting takes place at the top of a mountain around one of Kane's orbital defense arrays - the very base that shot down the Whiskey Company ship from orbit in the single-player campaign. Also, the presence of a few large dinosaurs on the map can make things very interesting during multiplayer combat.

* Inconclusive Tests - This time the Testing Grounds map takes place at night and offers a different view of the world that now contains more dark hiding spots. A word of caution — watch out for the raptors.

* A Rivalry Continues - As the name suggests, the struggle for the compound from A Heated Rivalry is not over and has extended into the eerie darkness of the night.

Turok, the epic, sci-fi first person shooter, provides an opportunity to interact with dinosaurs like never before. Published by Touchstone and developed by Propaganda Games, Turok is a unique and gritty first person shooter that immerses players into a world of dinosaurs. Turok has a robust online multiplayer feature with a variety of modes and maps for up to 16 players. Competitive multiplayer modes include Capture the Flag, Assault-style Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and War Games, a special objective-based game mode. Turok's co-op feature allows up to four players to team up online in maps inspired by the single-player story but designed specifically for the co-op mode. Unique to Turok, and like the game's single-player campaign, the multiplayer modes include dinosaurs and large insects, which may attack any player and can be lured to attack opponents.

Developed by Propaganda Games, Touchstone's development studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, Turok is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The console version is available in stores now for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system for $59.99.

A separate Turok mobile game developed by Living Mobile Studios is now available across carrier or by texting the word TUROK to the number 55655 to download directly to a mobile phone. As Turok, the player must use a mixture of cunning stealth and brutal force to defeat enemies and hordes of fierce dinosaurs in a classic side-scrolling action game. The game includes the ability to hide in the shadows to sneak up on enemies for Quiet Kills or to blast away with a full arsenal, including a bow and knife.

For more information about Turok, log on to www.turok.com.

The following plane variants will be available for download on Thursday, February 28:

F-117A Night Hawk - General Emblem (Free): An international conglomerate featured in Ace Combat 3, General Resource has used its access to the world's most powerful corporations to imbue this aircraft with increased attack power.

Mirage2000-5 - Advanced (200 Microsoft Points): Reduced armor and improved engine thrust have resulted in an aircraft with advanced handling and acceleration characteristics.

Su-33 Flanker - Crimson Wing (200 Microsoft Points): A fighter plane modified for air shows and exhibition performances, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles An increased missile payload and accelerated reload capabilities have been added for enhanced performance capabilities.

F-15E Strike Eagle - The Idolmaster Chihaya (400 Microsoft Points): While a little hard to handle when it's in a bad mood, this plane's talent is undeniable. Keep your head up, spread your wings and take to the skies!

Razgriz Set - Contains F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-2A, Su-33 Flanker and Rafale M (400 Microsoft Points): This set of four planes bears the emblem of the Razgriz squadron, the heroes of Ace Combat 5. Each plane is accentuated with advanced durability to ensure the survival of all squad members in even the most hostile missions.

The downloadable content for Ace Combat 6 launching next week also includes the following single player and online multiplayer stages and maps:

Battle Royale Download #1 (100 Microsoft Points): A maximum of 16 players can take part in this new online Battle Royale stage over the South Sea. Avoid the onslaught from the mighty Gyges and Kottos assailants and strike down the opposition!

Co-op Battle Download #1 (300 Microsoft Points): Up to four players can team up for this new online cooperative mission, hunting down the enemy forces that are hunkered down across a rocky canyon. Primary mission objectives consist of four individually timed operations, with a new secondary mission opening up once these objectives are met. Work with your wingmen to successfully clear all operations and unleash the full power of Ragno Fortress!

Siege Battle Download #1 (300 Microsoft Points): A maximum of eight players can take part in this new online Siege Battle above the snowy plains. The attacking side must dispose of enemy attack drones before attempting to down a unit of transport aircraft. A delicate balance of offense, defense and teamwork is required to lead your team to victory and see the transports safely to their destination.

Ace of Aces Mission #1 (350 Microsoft Points): A new single player stage for the masters of Ace Combat 6, this new mission's challenge exceeds that of the game's previous highest difficulty level. Introducing a new Counter-Charge system, players can gain additional allied support by destroying enemies within given segments of time. Time your attacks correctly and build a coalition to secure victory in this mission for the most hardened Ace Combat veterans.

What's your dream map? Wide open spaces perfect for sniping, or close quarters combat with plenty of cover to bound back and forth from? Maybe a nice mixture with plenty of avenues to attack from and some perfect choke points you can ambush from with the right amount of team work. Whatever you think makes a good multiplayer map, we want to see it. Most importantly, we want your best work.

An announcement concerning what the "special prizing and opportunities" will be for the winners is expected to come next week. I'm interested in knowing what the "opportunities" will be. A job? Your winning map as downloadable content? We'll keep you posted as we find out more.

Call of Duty 4 Community Mapping Contest Details [Infinity Ward]

To me it sounds like the most interesting Halo 3 map yet, with lots of water and unlockable areas accessible only through a deadly jump or a (surely frag-bait) switch system. Not yet ready for public consumption, even ex-Kotakuite, current-Bungieite doesn't know the map all that well yet... meaning the next Halo 3 map pack is probably a long way off. Here are some specifics from an entry on Bungie's site:

As we mention in the Q&A following this, "Moonbase Alpha" now has large opening doors and more unusually, a kind of unlockable jump over a deadly chasm. In its locked state, a jump over will almost always result in death. Unlocked, it becomes an easy jump and a simple shortcut. More and more, this map is beginning to appeal to my interests. At first I thought it was just a bit too large, but now that I know my way around it, it's brisk enough to support even one vs. one games.

Bungie Weekly Update 01/11/08 [via CVG]

Word has it that this year's Spike TV Video Game Awards, set to air on Dec. 9 at 9 p.m., will feature a cornucopia of new trailers and other goodies.

Among the list is the first footage from the new downloadable content Halo 3 Maps hitting next month, the world premiere of the first trailers for Borderlands and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2. There will also be new trailers for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, TNA iMPACT! and a few other surprises that haven't leaked out yet.

Major Nelson just announced a map pack, developer interviews and some picture packs for Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars.

The creatively names Map Pack One includes Black's Bigger Battle, Tiber River Valley, Frontier Fracas, Tiberium Gardens III and Tournament Desert Redux. All of the maps, which include 1v1 and 2v2, are playable in single-player skirmish mode as well. The 500 point pack isn't available in Japan.

Hit up Major Nelson for a run down of the other stuff you can get for free or buy. Brian Crecente

Command and Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars content (some Free) [Major Nelson]

Since the maps are technically for an original Xbox game, you'll need a credit card with a balance of $4 available to purchase the new maps, as the big black box doesn't know from Microsoft points. Hit the jump for more info! Michael Fahey

HALO 2 MULTIPLAYER MAPS REVEALED

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for "Halo 2." The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox and Xbox 360 on April 17.

Fans of the original "Halo" have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of "Halo 2." These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of "Halo 2" gaming on Xbox LIVE .

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original "Halo: Combat Evolved." For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal "Halo 2" online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the "Halo 2" in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of "Halo" maps has returned at last. Hang 'Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for "Halo 2" as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested "Halo" multiplayer map ever, with a modernized "Halo 2" flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense "Halo 2" combat.

In addition to those two new levels, the Battleground map originally included with the Collector's Edition version of the game will be handed out free at an unspecified time. And yes, more map packs are planned, but release dates are not solid.

To sum up, you're dropping five bucks for two maps to tack on to the sixty (or seventy) you already dropped on the "full" game with the promise of further optional gouging. Enjoy! Michael McWhertor

CAPCOM TO RELEASE DOWNLOADABLE MAP PACKS FOR LOST PLANET : EXTREME CONDITION FOR XBOX 360

Seven New Multiplayer Maps Coming Over the Next Few Months

SUNNYVALE, Calif - Feb. 16, 2007 - Capcom , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to offer downloadable multiplayer map packs for Lost Planet : Extreme Condition for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The first map pack will cost 400 Microsoft Points , with pricing on the following packs to be determined later. Lost Planet, which carries a "T" rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), can be found on retail shelves around the world.

"We're committed to bringing new content to the thriving community of Lost Planet fans," said Charles Bellfield, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. "The development team is steadily working on additional environments to provide players with new ways to enjoy the intense Lost Planet brand of action."

The first pack is planned to be released via Xbox Live Marketplace on or about March 9 and contains two new multiplayer levels: "Radar Field," a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides a peak vantage point, and "Island 902," a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas. Additionally, "Battleground," a multiplayer map originally offered exclusively to those who purchased the Collector's Edition of the game, will be made available for free to all Lost Planet players. The next two packs, as well as the free Battleground map will be made available in the coming months.

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live online game service. Taking full advantage of Xbox 360 system's power, Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and deserted cities either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

For more information on Lost Planet, please visit the official site at http://www.lostplanet-thegame.com or join the growing community of fans at http://www.lostplanetcommunity.com

ABOUT CAPCOM

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Devil May Cry. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.

Capcom, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

? [YouTube via GamersReports - Thanks Michael!]

AusGamers is reporting that Company of Heroes Patch v1.5 hits today. The patch fixes a bunch of balance issues and includes two new small maps.

Beaux Lowlands is a two-player map and Lyon is a four-player map. Some of the gameplay fixes in the patch include slightly nerfing the Sherman Callipoe, beefing up the Allied M10 and Allied M8. Hit the jump for the full list of fixes. Brian Crecente

Company of Heroes Patch [AusGamers]

General Fixes
- Games with friends now have a friend icon displayed when browsing the lobby game list.
- Messages regarding game connection attempts are logged to the chat window for all players in the session.
- Rank icons now indicate the type of game the rank was earned in.
- Games with players who have infinite pings now display an "X" for ping in the lobby game list.
- New game list filtering options added to the online lobby.
- Custom maps are now properly supported in multiplayer.
- Losing connection with the lobby while downloading a patch no longer crashes the game.

Sound
- UI sounds have been added to the online lobby.
- Auto match sound notification has been improved.
- Various speech fixes for weapons have been implemented and tuned.
- Destruction sounds have been added to various world objects.
- Repetition has been reduced in battle chatter and with various units.

Gameplay
Sherman Calliope:
- Sherman Calliope's main tank gun has been removed and the Calliope Barrage ability is now free to use.
- Sherman Calliope Barrage range increased from 130 to 150 meters.
- Sherman Calliope now has cap of 2, similar to the Pershing Heavy Tank.
- Sherman Calliope cost reduced from 600 Manpower to 560 Manpower.
- Sherman Calliope Barrage ability recharge timer increased to 105 seconds
M10 Tank Destroyer:
- Allied M10 Movement improved: 15% increase to acceleration and 10% increase rotation rate.
- Allied M10 Tank Destroyer weapon damage has been increased and Fuel cost has been reduced by 5.
- Axis Armoured Car (Puma) 20mm main cannon rear penetration vs. the Allied M10 significantly reduced.
M8 Armored Car:
- Allied M8 Armored Car's accuracy on the move increased. Now on par with the M4 Sherman and M10 Tank Destroyer.
- Allied M8 Armored Car's accuracy penalties vs. the Axis Armored Car (Puma) have been removed.
- Allied M8 Armored Car Armor upgrade Munitions cost reduced by 25.
M26 Pershing Heavy Tank:
- Allied Pershing penetration rate vs. the Stug increased to 80%.
- Axis Stug penetration rate vs. the Pershing has been reduced to 45% from 74.6%
Allied Commander Tree Improvements:
- Armoured Fury Branch changed to: Raid to Allied War Machine to Calliope.
- War Machine Branch changed to: Fast Deployment to Field Repairs to Pershing.
- Allied War Machine Command Point Cost reduced by 1
- Sherman Calliope Command Point Cost reduced by 1
Infantry AT weapon changes (Allies and Axis):
- All Infantry Anti-Tank weaponry (Bazooka, Recoilless Rifle, Panzerschreck) are slightly more accurate when firing at moving light targets.
- Allied Bazookas and Recoilless Rifles now deal slightly more damage to Light Vehicles
- Panzerfaust accuracy against infantry targets has been reduced as intended. While there is still a chance to directly hit and kill targets like snipers, - Panzerfausts are now more likely to cause splash damage rather than kill infantry.
- Panzerschreck Damage vs. base buildings lowered by 25%.
- Bazooka damage vs. base buildings has been lowered by 25%.
Allied BAR and suppression changes:
- Allied BAR Rifle upgrade now gives 2 BAR Rifles rather than 3. Allied BAR Riflemen squads will now be able to pick-up MG42 and Panzerschreck items
- Allied BAR Rifle damage increased by 40%.
- Allied BAR Rifle will take slightly longer to Pin units that are in a Suppressed state
- Allied BAR Suppression ability can no longer suppress and pin units in heavy cover.
Construction Changes:
- Players may no longer delete Sand Bags or Tank Traps.
- Allied Observation Post built from Riflemen now has the same build speed as the Observation Post built by Engineers.
- Allied Observation Posts, Axis Observation Posts, and Machine Gun Nests now have the appropriate target type while building; now like all other buildings they will be much more susceptible to damage while under construction
- Axis Volksgrenadiers can now utilize the same build menu as the Grenadiers - this allows them to construct Barbed Wire and Sand Bags.
Smoke Changes:
- All Barrage weapons no longer have a 50% chance to miss targets in Smoke.
- Projectiles will no longer pass directly through Sherman's on registered "Misses" - they will now behave like all other tanks and those hits will be registered as a non-penetrated "deflection".
- Sherman smoke launcher recharge rate was less than the duration of the ability, now set to 45 seconds
Axis Officer:
- Axis 'Leutnant' Manpower cost decreased to 260 from 340
- Axis 'Leutnant' Build Time increased to 60 from 30.
General Squad and Weapon Changes (Allies and Axis):
- All Snipers more effective against units garrisoned inside of bunkers.
- All Allied Rifles slightly more effective against Axis Motorcycles
- Allied Engineers with the Flamethrower upgrade are no longer resistant to Sniper Shots
- Fixed an issue where the Stug's main gun Area-of-Effect was too effective against infantry squads.
- Axis Assault ability will now break pinning/suppression and prevent pinning/suppression while the ability is active.
- Increased Axis Infantry passive health regeneration bonus received from their first level of veterancy by 40%.
General Vehicle Changes (Allies and Axis):
- Panzer IV accuracy while moving set to the same value as other tanks.
- Axis Goliaths now destroy Tank Traps in a single explosion.
- Axis Armoured Car Puma 50mm Cannon upgrade now requires Escalate to Battle Phase upgrade.
- Axis Motorcycles damage vs. units in light or heavy cover has been slightly reduced
- Axis StuH 42 now effectively kills infantry as was originally intended
- Axis Armoured Car Puma 50mm Upgrade accuracy reduced vs. infantry. It is intended as an anti-armor upgrade.
General Heavy Weapon Team Changes (Allies and Axis):
- All Mortars now have a chance to deal Mobility Damage if they hit Light Vehicles.
- All Anti-Tank guns are now more accurate when firing at moving and stationary Light Vehicles.
- Allied 57mm Anti-Tank gun firing cone has been increased by 20 degrees to match Axis 50mm Anti-Tank gun.
- Allied HMG Armor Piercing Rounds ability price reduced from 50 to 35 munitions.
- Allied Howitzer Gun Barrage is less accurate when firing into the Fog of War.
- Axis Nebelwerfer Manpower cost has been reduced by 20
- Axis Nebelwerfer Rocket Suppression area of effect increased.
- Axis Nebelwerfer Rocket area of effect damaged reduced. Direct hits and near misses will still damage infantry units.
- Axis Nebelwerfer will deal a reduced amount of damage to units in light, heavy, bunker, and garrison cover types.
- Axis Flak 88's are more resilient to Artillery, off-map attacks, and satchel charges (the crew manning them is not).
- Axis Flak 88's and Nebelwerfers can now be re-manned by 2-man Pioneer squads.

Maybe for your next LAN party? Michael McWhertor

Shadow of the Colossus map mod for HL2 [bit-tech via 1UP]

It may not be as precise as some crop circles, but it's cool nonetheless. And by "cool" I mean really, really nerdy. Michael McWhertor

On Space Art in Sebastopol... [Plasticbag.org via Waxy]

On Wednesday Gears of War fans will be able to download two new free multiplayer maps for their beloved game.

Here's the official descriptions for Raven Down and Old Bones:

Raven Down: A Raven Helicopter has gone down in the middle of a large scale battle with the omnipresent Locust Horde. Gears have taken out the Seeder and gamers join Delta Forces moving into the crash site from all angles to search for survivors.

Old Bones: In an attempt to eradicate any traces of human history and culture, the Locust Horde has emerged under Sera's Capitaline Museums and has begun to destroy them brick by brick. Each gamer's mission is to help the Delta Force recapture the museums before all remnants of humankind's existence are obliterated.

Now if only they could only double the number of people allowed in a match... at least. Brian Crecente

The Gears of War update should be hitting sometime today with two new free multiplayer maps hitting Wednesday, according to Epic's Mark Rein.

The patch includes quite a number of fixes and tweaks. Here's Rein's full break-down:

Fixed aspect ratio distortion when using VGA cable with 4:3 displays at resolutions higher than 640x480
Fixed voice issue with new players joining Player Match games in progress
Players can now get the Achievement for "Dish Best Served Cold" when using Troika turret to kill RAAM
Fixed rare situation where host could loop countdown and never start match
Fixed rare situation where players could get stuck after chainsawing in multiplayer
Reduced Grenade Tag melee distance
Enabled "Strict" NAT check on host to prevent possible connection issues
Optimized server browser queries to return results more quickly and prevent scroll bars from hiding quality of service icons
Reduced number of possible revives in Execution to match Warzone
Removed host name from Ranked match server browser
Disabled security cameras in Ranked matches
Ranked matches now require balanced teams (3v3 or 4v4)
Increased penalty for quitting a Ranked match to -50 points
Added additional cheat detection code
Additional housekeeping updates

Brian Crecente

For those of you who can't get enough of re-fighting World War II over and over via Xbox Live, Activision announces new multiplayer maps for Call of Duty 3 to be released sometime 'after the holidays', a period that spans January 2nd, 2007 to the end of the universe as we know it. They have release specifics on the maps themselves, giving you something to wait for until an unspecified amount of time passes. They are releasing one free map, labeled Champs, which takes place in Port Royal de Champs, created for small to medium games. Then for 800 MS points you'll be able to download the Valor Map Pack, containing five new maps set in France.

No word of map updates for the PS3 version yet, and I am assuming they just won't happen for the Wii since it lacks online multiplayer in the first place. even with the maps supporting split-screen play.

Read the full press release after the jump to sample Activision's amazing "forward-looking statements" statement, which is the ultimate in covering-your-assery. Michael Fahey

Activision Reveals Plans for Downloadable Call of Duty 3 Maps on Xbox Live

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 20, 2006 - Pack up and get ready to move out! Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) announced plans today to release two waves of Call of Duty 3 multiplayer maps after the holidays: the Bonus Map (free) and the Valor Map Pack (800 Microsoft points). The Bonus Map, named "Champs," will take players to Port Royal de Champs, France for classic Call of Duty infantry-based combat that's great for small to medium-sized online games. The Valor Map Pack will contain five new multiplayer maps that will take players through a maze of French locales that serve up settings primed for intense close-quarters action, whether via online, split-screen or System Link play.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.47 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Activision's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation and an informal SEC inquiry, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities. These important factors and other factors that potentially could affect the Company's financial results are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers of this press release are referred to such filings. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For all you folks still playing Perfect Dark Zero, there are two new multiplayer maps available for free on Xbox Live Marketplace. These two maps came out with the "Xbox 360 Classics" collection, so if you have the old version, now is your chance to snag them.

Can anyone explain how a game that is barely a year old and garnered not so hot reviews can be considered a classic? Dig-Dug is a classic, Pac-Man is a classic. Hell, even the original Perfect Dark could be considered a classic at this point. But, if something a year old can be made a "classic", where does that put me? Somewhere between the earth cooling and dinosaurs, apparently. Flynn De Flintstone

The intrepid adventurers over at PS3 Seeker have used some Google Maps tools to throw together this nifty Google map showing all the locations selling PS3's at launch. You can see which stores will be opening and selling at midnight on the 17th or you can search by location. You can even see if there are any PS3 auctions available in your location. PS3 Seeker is on the job for you, adding addresses as they find them.

Please note that we are constantly updating our retailer database and are adding new locations on an almost daily basis. If you don't see a location on the map that you believe should appear there, please tell us about it via the contact form, or check back in a few days.

Finally, Google Maps being used for something more useful than looking at the roof of your own house or checking to see if that strange car is parked in your girlfriend's driveway. That's assuming that you actually have a girlfriend. Flynn De Marco

Google Map PS3 Seeker [PS3seeker.com]
[ via: Google Maps Mania Thanks, Eugene!]

Blah. More counter-terrorism? But this sounds neat: the Unreal Engine 3-powered game will have four-player Live co-op and 24 player deathmatch battles online. But this is the cool part:

Bethesda and Zombie are touting a multiplayer tiling system, which allows players to build multiplayer maps from sections of other maps. According to the magazine, each level is made up from three sections - you choose one, the other team picks another, the then centre section is plucked out of the list at random by the Xbox 360 (from over 200 combinations).

Opposing teams won't know what the other team has picked until they're in the game. The main aim of this feature is to stop players getting bored of playing on the same maps, according to the makers.

That could be fun: a nice compromise between having professionally designed maps and yet not playing whatever Rogue Warrior's equivalent of de_dust is ad infinitim. Florian Eckhardt

Bethesda creates new first-person shooter [CVG]

Terra Nova is where I go when I get sick of the high-pitched squealing accompanying rumors of the nth Mariotroidelda release for the Wiiiiiii that's found on the majority of blogs on my feed. I think of the writers there as being the Algonquin Round Table of the Internets Too Point Oh, lounging about in a plush, yet masculine den and discussing Horde/Alliance ratios over port and cigars.

Ren Reynolds, one of the Nouveau Terran writers, posits that an adequate mapping system for the make-believe worlds we live in has not been achieved, and asks readers, the Internet, and god almighty for a solution:

Like other TNers and probably a good slice of our readers I'm all over the metaverse, sometimes in multiple spaces at the same time - Second Life, WoW, There, EvE, SWG and those 'almost-spaces' like Animal Crossing; heck I might even get a Cyworld account. [...]

I have this shadow in my mind you see. Like the cube is a partial shadow of a tesseract. I can feel the space of virtual spaces that I want to see mapped and made into a geographical metaphor. I want someone clever and creative to go invent a way to easily understand the relative positions in virtual spaces that we occupy. I know it's not just a list of IDs, or a flat diagram - I know what it isn't but I don't know what is is.

I find this immensely intriguing, the thought of visually mapping something so ethereal. It will take a steady hand and a solid mix of art, design and engineering to successfully create such a construct.

Any Kotaku Scouts that are so inclined are welcome, nay, encouraged to hit me up at that sidebarred email address with ideas along these lines, including rambling diatribes and ambling diagrams. Eliza Gauger

Or you could just read the rest of Ren's article and comment there [Terra Nova]

Right now, there's like one store in all of America with DS Lites available — the rest are sold out. But hey! If you live near Renaissance Parkway in Durham, North Carolina, this could be your lucky day!

Make sure to add any locations selling DS Lites to the map, so the rest of us local gamers can swarm down upon the remaining stock like locusts. FLORIAN ECKHARDT

Frappr DS Lite Availability Map

Yet another shiny Google Maps idea: find a games company near you, see where your favourite RPG was created (that's the only genre example they give so far)...

It's still in development, as these things always are, so if you work for a game dev company in the States (or know of some near your house) you could go help expand it.

Useful!

Game Company Database [Google Maps]

Lifehacker pointed out this web app Frappr and I thought Kotaku should have one of its own. Frappr allows you to map communities geographically just by having users put in their zip code and a picture (if they feel so inclined) and then see how the digital community is dispersed. I created a Kotaku grid. Click over there and add yourself, I'm lonely on the map by myself.

Frappr Maps Groups of People [Lifehacker]