Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises such as Left 4 Dead, Counter-Strike, and Half-Life, and technologies such as Steam and Source, have announced Portal 2 for shipment this coming holiday season. Valve has not yet released much detail about Portal 2, but there has been one in-game image revealed so far. Portal 2 is also taking over both covers of the April edition of Game Informer magazine. No word about what platforms Portal 2 will be developed for, but it is a safe assumption that PC owners will be able to stuff their digital stockings with Valve's sequel during the holidays this year. The original Portal was released in 2007 and included as a primary title in The Orange Box collection. To date, Portal has earned over 70 industry achievement awards including 2007 Game of the Year. Games Mentioned In This Article: Portal 2 (PC). . .

Do you remember Johnny Lee, the now famous Human and Computer Interaction PhD student at Carnegie Melon? Surely you do. Who now works for Microsoft on project Natal? Surely you do. Now, you're going to see a new wave of fully-featured games come out that incorporate the same ideas of headtracking and other smart camera tricks that will allow the gamer to become even more immersed than ever before. Literally, now. The next example of such technology is found on the Nintendo DSi XL, slated to be released in Europe on March 5 and in America on March 28 for a price of $189.99. More details about the next iteration can be found here. Like the original Nintendo DSi (released in earlier 2009), what many (will) fail to realize on the Nintendo DSi XL is that the newer handheld comes with two cameras: one facing you and one facing the backside of the system (while you play). This adds a new dimension to the system. Like the many smartphones are now releasing augmented reality applications, Nintendo DSi developers can use the camera in order to track your head, light, etc. in order to perform cool tricks within the software. Here is the next coolest thing to come out (soon!) for the Nintendo . . .

Sony has fixed the PlayStation Network issue by doing nothing. According to Sony: 'We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally. If the time displayed on the XMB is still incorrect, users are able to adjust time settings manually or via the internet. If we have new information, we will update you through the PlayStation.Blog or PlayStation.com.' Yes, the trouble affecting Sony PlayStations worldwide since Sunday has been fixed, and the fix was perplexingly simple - since this year isn't a leap year, and the PlayStation Fats thought it was a leap year, the PS3 units couldn't communicate with the PlayStation Network. Some analysts claim that the 24 hour turnaround on the fix wasn't to actually fix the issue, but was simply to buy time so that affected PS3s would no longer think that it was February. Some history on the issue: Sunday, the Sony PlayStation Network was hit with an outage, affecting owners of the 'classic' PS3. Several users are reporting that the PlayStation 3 Slim was not having connectivity issues, according to the Sony PlayStation Twitter feed. Oddly, the Playstation Network issue was not . . .

Mega Man 10 is now available for download across all major home consoles! And before you get busting, you'll be thrilled to know there is a wealth of new information regarding future content for the Blue Bomber's latest adventure. Courtesy of the in-game Operations Guide, it has been revealed that Bass will in fact be the third playable character in Mega Man 10. Available for only 200 points ($2 on most DLC networks), Bass will bring multi-directional combat to your 8-bit adventure. Much like his appearance in the Japanese release of Rockman andamp; Forte, Bass will be able to attack in seven directions, making the Mega Man 10 gameplay much more vast than before. In addition to the new playable character, Mega Man 10 will also offer an Endless Attack mode for roughly 300 points ($3) much like Mega Man 9 did before. Three special stages will be available in Mega Man 10 DLC for players to purchase and download for a mere 100 points ($1) each. Defending each of these special stages will be a secret robot master, but there is not yet news of their origin. We'd be equally excited to see three new contenders join the battle or perhaps discover that three classic robot masters find their way back to the series. Here is the official announcement from the great ones at Capcom: Capcomandreg; Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, announced today that Mega Man 10 ha. . .

Sony has just released the following statement regarding the errors people have been experiencing on the PlayStation 3. As you may be aware, some customers have been unable to connect to the PlayStation Network today. This problem affects the models other than the new slim PS3. We believe we have identified that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system. Errors include: * The date of the PS3 system may be re-set to Jan 1, 2000.When the user tries to sign in to the PlayStation Network, the following message appears on the screen; 'An error has occurred. You have been signed out of PlayStation Network (8001050F)'. * When the user tries to launch a game, the following error message appears on the screen and the trophy data may disappear; 'Failed to install trophies. Please exit your game.' * When the user tries to set the time and date of the system via the Internet, the following message appears on the screen; 'The current date and time could not be obtained. (8001050F)' * Users are not able to play back certain rental video downloaded from the PlayStation Store before the expiration date. We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have a model other than the new slim PS3,. . .

Sunday, the Sony PlayStation Network was hit with an outage, affecting owners of the 'classic' PS3. Several users are reporting that the PlayStation 3 Slim is not having connectivity issues, according to the Sony PlayStation Twitter feed. Oddly, the Playstation Network issue is not simply impacting players of multiplayer games on PSN. Several people are reporting that when the Playstation 3 is trying to synchronize trophies, the game simply refuses to respond on the Playstation Network. Playstation 3 games affected by this bug include BioShock 2 and Bayonetta. Other errors noted: Some Playstation 3 consoles have their dates set to either January 1, 2000 or December 31, 1999. 8001050F - Hardware failure. Cannot update Firmware or connect to Internet Registration of the trophy information could not be completed. The game will quit. (8001050F) Some users lave 'lost' their Playstation Network trophies (likely they are simply not displaying right now) Some folks are already blaming errant PlayStation DRM for this issue, because of the units which are affected, and the nature of the Playstation Network errors. Sony's PlayStation group released the following statements via Twitter: 'We're aware that many of you are having problems connecting to PSN, and yes, we're looking into it. Stay tuned for updates.. . .

Nintendo will be publishing Dragon Quest IX, the RPG by Square Enix, when the game is released in the UK, Europe, and the United States. Nintendo and Square Enix have a 'unique partnership' which has brought them much success when Nintendo published the game in Japan. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies sold over 4 million copies last year in Japan. Dragon's Quest IX will be a Nintendo DS exclusive. The announcement was made during the Nintendo Media Summit in San Francisco. Nintendo also announced that they'll be publishing Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri. | Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (DS) | Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS) | Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora no Mamoribito (DS) | Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS) | Dragon Quest Monsters (DS) |. . .

Nintendo's just released launch information and pricing for the Nintendo DSi XL. The DSi XL is Nintendo's newest take on their portable DSi handheld console. The primary difference in the new DSi, named the DSi XL (DSi LL in Japan), is it's overall larger design. For users, this means a nearly 20% fuller pocket. But the benefit can be seen, literally, in the significantly larger dual screen displays, which each measure 4.25 inches diagonally. This is no doubt an upgrade that tries to compete with Sony's Playstation Portable (PSP) by providing gamers with a larger, more comfortable gaming experience. One thing we'd like to know is if the larger touch screen comes with a finer degree of control and sensitvity when using the stylus, or if it is simply a magnification of the current DSi model. Nintendo DSi XL story continues below image.. . . .

Today, Nintendo announced that the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy launches May 23 for the Wiiandtrade; console. Super Mario Galaxy 2 includes physics-based exploration like the first game, but has new planetary levels and new features. Super Mario Galaxy 2 features Yoshi for the first time, so you can use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. There's also a drill that Mario can use in Super Mario Galaxy 2 to tunnel through solid rock In addition to the news about Super Mario Galaxy 2, Nintendo has announced several release dates for the first half of 2010. While Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii starts the fun on May 23, there are other games players can expect to see on both the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DSi. Super Mario Galaxy 2 features Mario and his friends journeying from planet to planet, stomping on enemies, collecting coins, and defying gravity. Nintendo expects the game to be rated by the ESRB as E for Everyone. There is not yet an announced retail price for Super Mario Galaxy 2, but the expectation is $50 USD. Please see our full story on the Nintendo releases first half of 2010 here. See below for the Super Mario Galaxy 2 video trailer: . . .

Nintendo has publically announced several big release dates for the first half of 2010. Players can expect to see a wealth of new content on both the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DSi. Nintendo of Americaandrsquo;s executive vice president of Sales andamp; Marketing, Cammie Dunaway, had this to say about their upcoming line-up: andldquo;Nintendo finished 2009 with a bang, and weandrsquo;re continuing our momentum into 2010...With Nintendo DSi XL, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M coming in the first six months of the year, weandrsquo;re making sure all our fans have great game content to enjoy year-round.andrdquo; Let's get right down to business with the titles players can expect to see through June this year: Super Mario Galaxy 2 The sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original game, launches May 23 for the Wiiandtrade; console. The game includes the amazing gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new galaxies and features to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Marioandtrade; can pair up with his dinosaur buddy Yoshiandtrade; and use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid . . .

Late yesterday, Capcom released this short, heartfelt email: 'Our COO and dear friend, Mark Beaumont, passed away this morning. This sudden loss has left us with deep sadness. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will remember him for his humor, passion and commitment to Capcom and our industry. He was a great leader and visionary and his spirit will carry on in everything that we do. Please join us in memory of Mark. ' It's our sad duty to report that Mr. Beaumont suffered from a heart attack. Mark worked with many game companies in his career, including Activision, Atari, Data East, Midway, Mindscape, Psygnosis, and Warner Interactive. Our sympathies to the surviving family members and the Capcom community.. . .

Valve has announced an open beta for their latest Steam client UI upgrade. The upgrade is significant, see below for details. Steam is quickly becoming the PC gaming client / store of choice, with over 25 million users, over 1000 games available for purchase, 12 billion player-minutes of game time logged, and more significantly, every month, users have the Steam client open for more than 75 billion minutes. Clearly, the Steam client user experience is a very important one for PC gamers - along with a personal achievements system, Steam frequently acts as a matchmaking service and a voice service for players. The new Steam UI beta offers a world of additional features for users of the system. The new features are opt-in and they're in beta. Current Steam users can go to Settings, and then select 'UI Update' under Beta Participation to load the new interface. In my personal experience, a restart is also necessary to enable the update. The new Steam client is making it easier for players to see what their friends play and own. From the Steam storefront, gamers will now be able to see which games their friends have purchased, and played. Likewise, the game library has changed significantly to focus on your Steam Friends list. 'The new client introduces library customization tools to help gamers sort, group, and find games in libraries which for some hardcore players. . .

The news that Xbox Live will be available on Windows Phone 7 mobile devices this Fall has already got a lot of folks talking about the advance of the mobile gaming market. Anticipations about unique game titles, user experiences, and streamlined account activities abound. There are even speculations about whenandndash;and ifandndash;Sony's Playstation Network might consider joining the fight. The news of mobile Xbox Live alone is enough to instill bowel-evacuating excitement in Xbox owners everywhere, but how feature-rich will this experience be? Gamers that opt to buy a Windows Phone 7 mobile device will expect (and receive) the basics, which include access to their Xbox Live profile, gamer points for mobile titles, and achievements they can earn while they play. That doesn't sound like anything mind-blowing, but it is a step towards a more integrated mobile game experience on Windows Phone 7. What games will be available on the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system? This is one of the the bigger concerns that seems to be emerging around this new OS. At the moment, this essentially sounds like another completely unique development platform that game designers and developers will have to plan for. Although unlikely in the near future, finding a streamlined way to port current Xbox Live titles directly to a Windows Phone 7 mobile device would be a big win for gamers and game companies alike. Xbox Live fans will be able to have a seamless gami. . .

Online and mobile gaming is an industry that continues to grow every year, especially surrounding the release of new technology. That growth is seen not only in the players, but the developers and businesses as well. Facebook has been near the center of this online growth as they combine online games with their social media platform. The result is a new breed of gaming and socialization that involves family, friends andndash; and financial gain. Facebook is now planning to expand their in-games purchase system, Facebook Credits, to offer gamers different methods to pay for their online purchases. The biggest headliner is a partnership with PayPal that will enable Facebook game junkies to purchase content using their online accounts. There's a good chance this will also include the credit cards that PayPal enables their users to link to a particular account. These methods are already being tested across several popular games and will most likely expand after the annual developers conference that is held in April. Offering in-game purchases through PayPal is a great way to create new revenue streams for developers and businesses involved in the industry, but that is provided that the profits are distributed correctly. Facebook currently earns a 30% cut of all transactions on their site, which is arguably fair. If the other profits can primarily go to the developers there will ideally be a strong reinvestment in game quality so the user exper. . .

Get ready Pokemon fans, Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver are going to be available March 14th for your Nintendo DS! And to take the egde off waiting, here is a preview of the exciting new content you can expect on your training journeys. Train For The Pokeathlon! Perhaps one the most thrilling new features in Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver is the Pokandeacute;athlon sports festival. The Pokeathlon is comprised of a series of athletic events that will challenge and reward your Pokemon for participating. Let your Pokemon compete in the Hurdle Dash or the Snow Throw. Guide them using your Nintenod DS stylus with a steady hand and quick reflexes. Each Pokemon will be measured according to five different performance levels. Speed, Power, Skill, Stamina, and Jump will all play a role in your Pokemon's training and evolution. Winning Pokeathlon events will earn you and your Pokemon Athlete Points which can be exchanged for a variety of fun and useful items. Best of all, you'll be able to challenge your friends in Pokeathlon events using the Nintendo DS wireless communications link! So train hard and get ready to bring home the gold! Harvest Mysterious Apricorns! Throughout the Johto region you will be able to find Apricorn Trees. These trees grow a variety of harvestable Apricorns. Collect enough of these Apricorns in your Apricorn Box and you will be able to have them turned into differe. . .

The StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty multiplayer Beta opened yesterday - and already Blizzard has detailed several known bugs with the game. This is a private beta, so only invited players are getting their chance to play the game during this initial period. While I can't say how many of these new players are taking advantage of bugs in the multiplayer beta, it is known that several tips and tricks have leaked in the form of a FAQ as well. Further, we've gathered some common-sense strategy and tips that you can use to your advantage as you explore the multiplayer beta for StarCraft II. More on the FAQ in a bit, but first let's talk about the bugs that are known in the StarCraft II Multiplayer Beta. Blizzard has released the following list of bugs for StarCraft II in their Beta forums, pay close attention to the effects of one particular bug (emphasis mine). General Issues: andbull; The Intel Core i7 processor occasionally runs StarCraft II slower than usual. andbull; ATI x1800/x1900 cards display black box shadows with Medium lighting. - Try lowering your graphics settings to temporarily resolv. . .

Check out all the brand new livestream photos on the StarCraft II gallery page! The StarCraft II multiplayer Beta has been opened. This is a private beta, so only invited players are getting their chance to play the game. StarCraft II tells the story of the Protoss, and is one of three StarCraft games that will see release in the next few years. StarCraft II is scheduled for release before July. Players that were invited to the closed beta include those that attended BlizzCon, but Blizzard has announced that the beta will be larger than the group of players given their invites today. If you haven't received your StarCraft II beta invitation yet, you may be included in the next wave of invites. You can try to register for the beta at http://us.battle.net. . . .

Skate 3 continues on from where we left off from Skate 2. The next step is to start your own brand, and sell products (read: skateboards) throughout the city. The ultimate goal is to sell a million boards. Career You create a team. In addition to making a character, you can now import a friend's character into your team. You pick a team brand, and you go out and find your brand throughout the city. You want to TAG the city with your brand. 'It gives me a reason to go back, play challenges again, and create the skater that I really wanted to look like... because that's MY team up there. And that's really cool.' 'As you become more popular, you can unlock your own skate park... your own headquarters, so to speak.' Challenges Some games let you co-op, but you don't credit if you unlock a challenge together. Skate 3 is going to allow people to skate together and unlock challenges together. 'Your friends will be more engaged in your single player experience. It is going to change gaming forever.' Pre-Order Bonus If you pre-order Skate 3, you can get access to three additional teams, and a new skate park called Black Box Distribution Skate Park. * * * Senior Producer of Skate 3, Jason DeLong, had the following to say about the game: 'The social and community aspects of the SKATE f. . .

In March, Capcom will be releasing Street Fighter IV on the iPhone / iTouch. The game will use an onscreen keypad, and will at a minimum feature Ken and Ryu. Other fighters are not known at this time. Art assets for Street Fighter IV on the iPhone are being taken from the current console versions of the game, so the visual style should closely match peoples' expectations. Capcom has announced support for multiplayer over Bluetooth, but is mum at this time about Internet play on the iPhone / iTouch version of Street Fighter IV. There is a 'training mode' included in the game, and the onscreen controls can be customized in several ways (transparency, 4 different layouts, etc). No word yet on price. | Super Street Fighter 2: Turbo Revival (Game Boy Advance) | Street Fighter: Anniversary Collection (PlayStation 2) | Street Fighter IV (PlayStation 3) | Street Fighter Anniversary Collection (Xbox) | Street Fighter II Hyper Fightin. . .

Nothing else to say. Just watch. Video Games | God of War III | Exclusive Chaos Will Rise Trailer . . .