Below is the full list of changes courtesy of the Bethblog.

Bethesda also claims to be putting the final touches on the Creation Kit and Skyrim Workshop and will let everyone know as soon as they’re up.

NEW FEATURES

• Skyrim launcher support for Skyrim Workshop (PC)

BUG FIXES

• General optimizations for memory and performance
• Fixed occasional issue with armor and clothing not displaying properly when placed on mannequins in player’s house (PS3)
• Long term play optimizations for memory and performance (PS3)
• Improved compiler optimization settings (PC)
• Memory optimizations related to scripting
• Fixed issue with dangling scripts not properly clearing from memory
• Fixed crashes related to pathing and AI
• Fixed crash in “Haemar’s Shame” if player had already completed “A Daedra’s Best Friend”
• Fixed rare crash with loading saved games
• Fixed issue with accented characters not displaying properly at the end of a line
• Fixed issue where dragon priest masks would not render correctly
• Fixed issue where quests would incorrectly progress after reloading a save
• Fixed issues with placing and removing books from bookshelves in the player’s home
• Optimized bookshelf script in player-owned houses that would occasionally block other scripts from properly firing off
• Fixed issue where weapon racks and plaques would not work correctly in player’s house if player immediately visits their house before purchasing any upgrades
• Fixed issue where the player house in Windhelm would not clean up properly
• Fixed crash related to giant attacks and absorb spells
• Fixed issue with ash piles not cleaning up properly
• Fixed occasional issue where overwriting an existing save would fail
• Fixed memory crash with container menu
• Fixed infinite loop with bookshelves
• Fixed issue where transforming back to human from werewolf would occasionally fail
• Bows and daggers will display properly when placed on weapon racks
• Fixed occasional audio issue that would play sound effects louder than intended
• Fixed bug related to hitching between cell boundaries
• Master Criminal achievement/trophy unlocks properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian
• Fixed issue where traps in Shalidor’s Maze would not work properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian versions

QUEST FIXES

• The Unusual Gem that was inside the Thalmor Embassy is now accessible after finishing “Diplomatic Immunity”
• In “Breaching Security”, the quest token is no longer required to receive a fortune reading from Olava the Feeble
• Fixed issue where Galmar would not complete Joining the Stormcloaks properly if “Season Unending” was an active quest
• Fixed issue where starting “Season Unending” after finishing “Joining the Stormcloaks” would prevent “The Jagged Crown” from starting properly
• Fixed issue where progressing through “Message to Whiterun” while “Season Unending” was still open would block progression for both quests
• In “Arniel’s Endeavor”, fixed issue where a quest journal would trigger multiple times
• In “Forbidden Legend”, the amulet fragment can no longer disappear after player leaves a dungeon without taking it
• Fixed rare issue in “Forbidden Legend” where killing Mikrul Gauldurson while sneaking would make his corpse unaccessible
• In “The White Phial”, the phial can no longer disappear if player leaves dungeon without taking it
• “The White Phial” will now start properly if player already has a briar heart in their inventory
• Player can no longer get stuck in Misty Grove after completing “A Night to Remember”
• Fixed issue where leaving Riften during “A Chance Arrangement” would prevent quest from progressing
• In “Darkness Returns”, a door in Twilight Sepulcher will properly open if the player leaves the dungeon for an extended period of time before completing the quest
• In “Revealing the Unseen”, if the player leaves the Oculory for an extended period of time after placing the focusing crystal and returns, the quest will proceed correctly
• “Onmund’s Request” will now start properly if player has already found Enthir’s staff before receiving this quest
• Fixed instance where Tonilia would stop buying stolen items and also would not give Guild Leader Armor
• “Repairing the Phial” will start properly if player already has unmelting snow or mammoth tusk in their inventory
• Finding Pantea’s Flute before speaking with Pantea no longer prevents her quest from updating
• In “The Break of Dawn”, fixed rare instance where a quest object would spawn incorrectly on the Katariah during Hail Sithis
• Fixed rare issue in “The Mind of Madness” where player is unable to equip the Wabbajack
• Fixed issue in “Pieces of the Past” where Mehrunes Dagon’s Razor will not trigger properly if player leaves the cell for extended period of time before activating it
• “Blood’s Honor” will start properly if you visited and completed Driftshade and an extended period of time passes before starting the quest.
• Fixed rare issue where “Dampened Spirits” would not start properly
• Fixed issue where player would be unable to become Thane of Riften if they purchased a home first
• Fixed issue where killing guards in Cidhna Mine would block progression for “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine”
• Fixed numerous issues with “Blood on the Ice” not triggering properly
• In “Blood on the Ice”, Calixto can now be killed if player owns a house in Windhelm
• In “The Cure for Madness”, killing Cicero then resurrecting him no longer impedes quest progress
• Fixed rare issue in “To Kill an Empire” where an NPC would fail to die properly
• Clearing Knifepoint Ridge before starting “Boethiah’s Champion” no longer prevents quest from starting.

• Skyrim Update 1.4 is Coming – This is What Will Change (PC, Xbox 360 and PS3)
• Bethesda Announces Skyrim Has Uber Successful Launch, Ships Way Over 9000 Copies
• Dead Island PS3, Xbox 360 Patch – Full Patch Notes and Fixes
• RipTen Review: RAGE (Xbox 360)
• “We Have Been Waiting For You” Fallout: New Vegas Old World Blues DLC Trailer
• New Fallout: New Vegas DLC Old World Blues Screens

Ubisoft recently performed a server switch which led to some of its games being rendered unplayable (to paying customers only).

Two of the games which were left unplayable were Anno 2070 and Driver: San Francisco.

The company’s twitter account has apologised for the problems the server switch caused:

We apologize for the inconvenience, it seems some of you can’t connect to games announced as playable during migration.

Before the server switch Ubisoft had said that both Anno 2070 and Driver: San Francisco would not be affected. Of course, for pirates who do not experience DRM, they were right. Those players got better treatment than the paying ones.

• New Driver San Francisco Story Trailer and Screens
• If You Pirate Serious Sam 3, Croteam Will Kill You (In Game)
• Driver: San Fransisco Video Shows New “Shift” Ability
• Bioshock PC DRM “Scaled Back”
• Battlefield Heroes Reaches 1,000,000 Sign Ups
• No, you’re not dreaming: EA pulls Sims 3 DRM

Remedy Entertainment has announced that Alan Wake will be available on Steam on the 16th of February.

The Steam version of the game will be the first out, with other digital versions and a boxed edition coming later. On Valve‘s digital platform the game will be $29.99 for the game and DLC, and $34.99 for the Limited Collector’s Edition.

Markus Mäki, CTO at Remedy, said:

We’ve done our best to do justice to the PC version and do things the way they should be done for PC. The PC version looks absolutely beautiful. We’re bringing the game to life in a whole new way.

Remedy note the key differences with the PC version are as follows:

• “Higher resolutions and higher fidelity”
• Mouse and keyboard support, along with gamepad
• Support for 4:3, 16:9 and  16:10 aspect ratios
• Multithreaded engine that takes advantage of quad core CPUs
• Field of view adjustment and an option to hide the HUD
• Works with AMD Eyefinity 3D 3-screen mode
• Works with NVIDIA NVISION2 Stereoscopic 3D

• Mass Effect 3 for PC Will Not Be Available on Steam
• Steam Sale Day Nine: F.E.A.R, Black Ops 50% off
• Steam Sales Day 5: Dirt 3 66% off, Rage 50% off
• The Steam Holiday Sale is Now On, Until the First of January
• Steam Autumn Sale Day 3: Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Dead Island
• Steam Begins Autumn Sale: Day 1 Brings Savings on Mass Effect 2, Portal 2

EA and 38 Studios released a launch trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

With an all-star creative cast including Ken Rolston (lead designer of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion) as executive designer, fantasy author R.A. Salvatore as the creative force behind the game’s universe, Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn and legendary artist) as leading artist, and Hall of Fame pitcher Curt Schilling (owner of 38 Studios), anticipation for this game is at fever pitch.

Enjoy the trailer below.

Kindoms of Amalur: Reckoning releases February 7 on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

• Latest Battlefield 3 “Back to Karkand” Trailer Goes Back To Wake Island
• New SSX Gameplay Trailer Announces GeoTags and Shows Gameplay Modes
• Battlefield 3 Open Beta Launches September 29th – PC Requirements Revealed
• “We Have Been Waiting For You” Fallout: New Vegas Old World Blues DLC Trailer
• F.E.A.R. 3 “F**king Run!” Multiplayer Trailer Gets F**king Nuts
• New RAGE Gameplay Trailer: “The Shrouded”

Finally,  a 2012 release week with notable anticipated releases. With offerings from such storied franchises such as Final Fantasy, SoulCalibur in addition to inspired DLC and a new IP release has January ending on a high note.

It can easily be said that Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the highest profile release of the week.  While the series’ image is not quite what it was due to recent disappointments, FFXIII-2 adds a revamped combat system and promises less linear gameplay.  Will it be enough? Find out this week as it releases for both Xbox 360 and PS3.

SoulCalibur V picks up 17 years after the events of SoulCalibur IV with new heroes and returning warriors clashing in an epic showdown between good and evil.  This latest offering brings new charter customization and combat features including a new gauge that allows characters to execute “Brave Edge” and “Critical Edge” attacks.   SoulCalibur V will be available on PS3 and 360.

NeverDead is a third-person action game set in a fantasy and horror-influenced universe where supernatural battles between humans and extraordinary creatures blanket a vast city landscape.  The main character has immortalic regenerative powers re-assembling his own body to evade death. In the battle against demons he stands as humanities’ best hope because he is never dead.  NeverDead creeps into retail on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Dead Island fans will no doubt relish the return to the fateful Island with Ryder White DLC.  The DLC will a offer a different perspective on antagonist Ryder White, enabling gamers to understand his motives by stepping into his shoes. It releases on the PC, 360 and PS3.

OOOOOH YEEEAAH!  Some of the most beloved WWE superstars of yesteryear return to the Legends and SuperStars Pack DLC for WWE’12.  With great wrestlers like Mick Folley and Randy Savage on the roster, it would be madness not to get this for the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Pick of the Week: I’m definitely interested in SoulCalibur V, with all the extra features and fighters. But I want to give Final Fantasy XIII-2 a chance. I still have found memories of FF games of generations past which weren’t completely tarnished by the crapfest of XIII. Square-Enix, this is your last chance – Final Fantasy XIII-2

Check out the full list of new releases below:

PlayStation 3

• Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
• Final Fantasy XIII-2
• Final Fantasy XIII-2
• WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
• NeverDead
• SoulCalibur V
• SoulCalibur V CE

Xbox 360

• Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
• Final Fantasy XIII-2
• Final Fantasy XIII-2 CE
• Happy Action Theater (XBLA)
• WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
• NeverDead
• SoulCalibur V
• SoulCalibur V CE

Wii

• Country Dance: Special Edition

PC

• Age of Enigma: The Secret of the Sixth Ghost
• Command Ops: Highway to the Reich
• Dead Island: Ryder White

3DS

• Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D

DS

• Kids Learn 2Think: A+ Edition

PSP

• Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee & Hot Shots Tennis – Get a Grip Dual Pack (PSN)
• Motorstorm: Arctic Edge & Twisted Metal: Head-On – Dual Pack

• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15
• New Video Game Releases Nov. 28 – Dec. 5th
• New Game Releases: 4/11 – 4/17
• New Video Game Releases: Dec. 12 – Dec. 18
• New Video Game Releases: 4/25 – 5/1

There are two reasons why you are reading this article right now, either you’ve recently heard about mechanical keyboards and you’re intrigued by them, or you have no clue what they are, but you know the name sounds fancy.

Either way, let’s get to the point here. What is a mechanical keyboard? Well, a mechanical keyboard looks the same as your regular keyboard, but each key is activated by it’s own mechanical switch. How is this different from your regular or “gaming” keyboard? Those keyboards have a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with contact points on them. A rubber-domed sheet goes over the top of it with more contact points and your plastic keys push the two contact points together to register a keystroke. How would a mechanical keyboard make a difference for me? Well, you don’t have any tactile feedback, no audible click to tell you when the key has been registered, and you have to push down further. But why does any of this matter exactly? With some tactile feedback and the keys pushing back at you, you’re able to know when to pull back and it helps you type faster. With an audible click when a key is registered, your brain subconsciously knows when to carry on with the next key, which one of your other fingers would probably already be on. This means less mistakes and not having letters in the wrong place. It also helps you learn “touch typing” (not looking at the keys when typing). Lastly, when you don’t have to push down further, you’re able to type faster. These benefits are not only good for typists, but for gamers too.

In the last couple of years, mechanical keyboards have started making a big hit in the gaming crowd. I mainly put it down to the company, Cherry Corp, whose keyswitch line, Cherry MX, has become very popular among keyboard manufactures as of late. Mechanical keyboards are not a new thing though. This technology has been around since the 80′s, most notably in IBM’s Model M keyboard, when personal computers were still becoming a thing. The reason why these didn’t survive in the market is because the type of keyboard you’re probably using right now is a lot cheaper to produce. With a $5 keyboard compared to a $100 + (on average) mechanical keyboard using Cherry MX switches, it’s a no brainer for computer companies to go with the cheaper one. Especially when they can just add some lights, mark the price up far beyond its worth and sell it. That’s why mechanical keyboards aren’t so popular anymore, but the good news is that it’s a lot easier to get them now.

What I’m going to show you in this RoundUp is a couple of mechanical keyboards I’ve been sent for review. Sadly I wasn’t able to get a nice range of different keyboards to review, but I have recently played with some other mechanical keyboards with different switches. So I’ll be able to tell you about those ones too, but I didn’t have enough time with them to be able to write full reviews about them. I’ll also give you a bit of a guide on what type switch you should be looking for and also the brand of keyboard you might want to get for your needs.

• RipTen Hardware Review: Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth Edition Keyboard
• Razer Re-Releases Their Best Keyboards For Mac Gamers
• MechWarrior Returns to PC in Free-to-Play Form
• RipTen’s Mobile Roundup – October 20th
• Playing Battlefield 3 on PS3 at PAX Was Just as Glorious as on PC
• Razer Enters the Console Market – Resistance is Futile

Ubisoft has announced the popular and highly acclaimed Rayman Origins will be coming to the PC on March 29th.

Since release on November 15th, Ubisoft’s platformer has sold close to a million copies and has an aggregate score on Metacritic at 87%.

Before Rayman Origins hits the PC, a Vita version is expected on February 22nd followed by the 3DS on March 20th. Below are the Minimum and recommended PC specs:

Minimum configuration

OS: Windows® XP SP3 / Windows Vista® SP2 / Windows® 7 SP1
Processor: Intel Pentium IV 3.00 Ghz or AMD Athlon64 3000+ @ 1.8 Ghz
Memory: 1 GB Windows XP / 1.5 GB Windows Vista – Windows 7
Graphics: 128 MB DirectX®9 / Radeon X600XT or GeForce 6800GT
DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c or higher
Sound: DirectX 9.0-compliant sound card

Recommended configuration

OS: Windows® XP SP3 / Windows Vista® SP2 / Windows® 7 SP1
Processor: Intel Core2Duo E4400 @ 2.00 Ghz or AMD Athlon64X2 3800+ @ 2.00Ghz
Memory: 2 GB Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7
Graphics: 256 MB DirectX®9 / Radeon HD 2600XT or GeForce 8600GT
DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c or higher
Sound: DirectX 9.0-compliant sound card

• The Agency Is Not Vaporware – Scheduled for Release in 2011
• I Am Alive to Release March 7th as Part of XBLA House Party
• RipTen Review: Rayman Origins (Xbox 360)
• Latest Battlefield 3 “Back to Karkand” Trailer Goes Back To Wake Island
• Trine 2 Finally Gets a Release Date
• Rochard Mines His Way Onto PC via Steam Next Week

Paradox Interactive and Neocore Games today have released a demo for King Arthur II. It’s not one of those short 20 minute demos.  The demo allows gamers to play through the title’s tutorial and first mission which should equal about 60 minutes of gameplay.

Download the demo here.

King Arthur II: The Role-playing Wargame releases on January 27th, 2012.

• Bioware Has Plans For Mass Effect 3 Demo
• PSA: Crysis 2 PC Multiplayer Demo Released
• PC Crysis 2 Demo Confirmed for March 1st
• Crysis 2 Getting PC Demo – As If There Was Any Doubt?
• Futuremark Releases Magnificent New Direct X 11 Tech Demo
• Mafia II Makes Me Proud To Be a PC Gamer

Minecraft has passed review by LEGO, and will likely become an official product, though a timeframe was not given.

Last month Mojang (Minecraft’s developer) submitted a design to LEGO Cuusoo, a site which allows users to submit designs for sets. It quickly reached the 10,000 supporters it needed to turn it into a real product.

It is still too early to say whether a Minecraft play set will become a LEGO product as it still needs to go through a review and approval process to ensure it meets our usual LEGO standards, but it is certainly a lot closer.

This is great news, not only because LEGO is fantastic, but because it will introduce the magic of Minecraft to loads of kids if it goes into production. I would have loved Minecraft when I was a child, mostly because I loved LEGO- there’s a clear link between them.

Via [Joystiq]

• Minecraft Hits 20 Million Registered Users
• RipTen: Adventures In Minecraft – Part 1
• Town from Red Dead Redemption Recreated in Minecraft
• Indie Game Music Bundle Offers 10 Sweet Soundtracks For A Dollar
• Geeked Out: The Minecraft Pickaxe of Destiny
• Five O’Clock Fan Art: Minecraft

The UK’s games trade body UKIE has announced that a beta version of its PC Download Chart will launch in February.

The chart comes thanks to both UKIE and “Disney Interactive Studios, Focus Multimedia, Get Games, Green Man Gaming, Mastertronic, NCsoft, Sega, Square-Enix, Ubisoft, Warner Bros and other top PC game publishers and digital distributors.” This is the first time a digital chart has been attempted.

After this PC chart is established the body will move on to PSN and Xbox Live charts.

Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE said:

Having this digital data alongside our UKIE Games Charts for boxed products will allow the games industry to lobby government even more effectively and allow our members to make informed and fact based commercial decisions.

It will certainly be interesting to see exactly how well digital downloads are doing. I rarely buy disc-based PC games, and I’m sure many other are like me- so I’m expecting big numbers. Let us know what you think below.

• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15
• RipTen Review: Trine 2 (XBLA)
• Gotham City Impostors Is Not Your Average FPS (Hands On)
• Limbo Officially Coming To PC And PSN
• Carmageddon: Reincarnation Coming 2012
• Warner Bros Announce New Batman Game: Gotham City Impostors

Another release week without, yet again, a full physical release title. Though this week won’t be a complete dissapointment with a few key digital releases.

PS3 shooter fanatics should should be thrilled with a PS3 release of the PS2 shooter classic Killzone. Disappointingly, Killzone will not be getting the HD treatment, but it should make for a great pick-up for those who missed out on the PS2 classic.

The PSN finally gets ScaryGirl which can best be described as wondrous adventure into a distinctive and beautifully bizarre world.

The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff adds some sizzle to their home life! From stylish bedroom sets to spa-inspired bathroom furnishings to romantic new lingerie and hairstyles, your Sims will relax in comfort and style with this add-on available on the PC.

Play Oil Rush and engage in a global war for oil in the flooded post-apocalyptic world of Oil Rush, a real-time naval strategy game based on group control that combines strategic challenge of classic RTS with sheer fun of Tower Defense, all wrapped in state-of-an-art visuals. Oil Rush will be available for PC.

Pick of the Week: When Guerrilla games first released Killzone in 2004, it was created as a Halo killer. While it did not reach its lofty goal, it was still recognized for Amazing graphics and an intense gameplay experience. Being that I have never played the original, I will definitely pick-up this PSN re-release (although I’d be happier if it were in HD) – Killzone 

Check out the full list of this week’s new releases below.

PlayStation 3

• Assassin’s Creed: Revelations-Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack (DLC)
• Killzone (PSN)
• Scarygirl (PSN)

Xbox 360

• Assassin’s Creed: Revelations-Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack (DLC)

Wii

• NADA

PC

• Oil Rush
• The Sims 3: Master Suite Stuff

3DS

• NADA

DS

• Kids Learn 2Think: A+ Edition

PSP

• Stick Man Rescue (PSN)

• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15
• New Video Game Releases Nov. 28 – Dec. 5th
• New Video Game Releases 5/30 – 6/5
• Brink Updates Will Adress Lag Issues – Should Be Coming Next Week

The desolate winter season of new releases continues with such a sparse release week that if I were to not include DLC, would only have a total of three measly releases.

The big release this week is ScaryGirl on XBLA. Based on Nathan Jurevicius’ Scarygirl graphic novel, Scarygirl presents a wondrous adventure into a distinctive and beautifully bizarre world. Main character Scarygirl is an abandoned child with a tentacle arm who dresses like a pirate. Joining with friends such as Blister the giant octopus and Bunniguru the mystical, kung-fu rabbit she sets out on an off-beat adventure.

The other full game releases include Jungle Speed for the Wii and What’s Your Type? for the DS. Jungle speed is a twitchy, fast-paced card game while What’s Your Type? is an interesting game that helps you predict you and your friends’ personalities, using a combination of proven scientific methodologies.

This week we get DLC for major games like Gears of War 3, Saints Row The Third and Gran Turismo 5. Gears of War 3 gets the Fenix Rising Map Pack. Gran Turismo 5 gets two new DLC packs with the Car Pack 3 and the Spped Test Pack. Saints Row fans can go Genki crazy with the Genki Bowl VIII or go cheap with the free CheapyD Pack.

Pick of the Week: An Easy Pick actually. ScaryGirl wins almost simply by default. It’s off-beat style and interesting story should captivate gamers more so than anything else this week – ScaryGirl

PlayStation 3

• Gran Turismo 5 Car Pack 3 (DLC)
• Gran Turismo 5 Speed Test Pack (DLC)
• Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
• Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

Xbox 360

• Gears of War 3: Fenix Rising Map Pack (DLC)
• Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
• ScaryGirl (XBLA)

Wii

• Jungle Speed

PC

• Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
• Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

3DS

• NADA

DS

• What’s Your Type?

PSP

• NADA

• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15
• New Video Game Releases Nov. 28 – Dec. 5th
• New Game Releases: 4/11 – 4/17
• New Video Game Releases: Dec. 12 – Dec. 18
• New Video Game Releases: Dec. 5 – Dec. 11

Notch, the creator of Minecraft, has said that the game now has over 20 million registered users.

He wrote:

Minecraft now has 20 million registered users. At 70 kg each, that’s 25% of the weight of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Notch, however, wasn’t counting on the fact that Dave Oshry is one of the registered members, and thanks to being a gigantic beefcake he makes up 25% of the weight of the Pyramid alone. All muscle.

I feel it should also be pointed out that not every one of these users is actually playing the game. Like me- I tried it and can see the appeal, but I soon realised that my complete lack of creativity or patience killed the fun straight away. I made a house which got blown up by a creeper and never came back.

Via Davetaku

• Minecraft LEGO Will Likely be a Real Thing Soon
• Geeked Out: The Minecraft Pickaxe of Destiny
• Legal Saga Between Mojang and Bethesda Over ‘Scrolls’ Trademark Continues
• Behold The Official Minecraft 1.8 Trailer!!
• Notch Challenges Bethesda To Quake 3 Match Over Lawsuit
• Minecraft Hits 3 Million, Bethesda Sics Lawyers On Notch

Last year, many large EA-published titles including Crysis 2 and Dragon Age 2 were inexplicably removed from Steam. After some inquiries into the problem, EA revealed that it had a problem with Valve’s terms of service that restricts content provider’s ability to provide patches and content.

However, when Sims 3 ended up appearing on Steam, it appeared that EA and Valve had come to some sort of agreement to allow EA games to show up on Steam.

Apparently, this isn’t the case.

In a Q&A about Origin and Mass Effect 3, Bioware Community Coordinator Chrs Priestly revealed that, for now, Mass Effect 3 would not be coming to Steam, for the same concerns that EA has had before:

During initial release Mass Effect 3 will be available on Origin and a number of other 3rd party digital retailers, but not on Steam at this time. Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content.  We are intent on providing Mass Effect to players with the best possible experience no matter where they purchase or play their game, and are happy to partner with any download service that does not restrict our ability to connect directly with our consumers.

We can only hope that EA and Valve pull another Sims 3 to have Mass Effect 3 up on Steam.

• Dragon Age II Removed From Steam, Terms of Service are the Culprit
• Report: EA Pulls Crysis 2 From Steam to Make it Origin Exclusive – EA Denies Claims, Says Valve is to Blame
• 84% of PC Gamers Will Want To Upgrade For Battlefield 3
• EA’s Origin Not Required For The Old Republic
• Alan Wake Coming to PC on February 16
• Steam Sale Day Nine: F.E.A.R, Black Ops 50% off

The PC version of Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition will be getting a 2012 update at the end of February.

The patch itself will likely address concerns with character balance, as an update to this nature has already been released for the console versions. The Capcom blogger writes:

Our development team has been cracking the whip on this project, and are aiming to have the 2012 update ready for you all by the end of February. We will have additional updates in these upcoming weeks. so keep an eye on this space for more info.

Good to see continued support for the PC version, something we don’t often see with ports like this. Thanks, Capcom, you’re a peach.

Via RPS

• Watch Serious Sam Blow Up Your Christmas
• Brink Updates Will Adress Lag Issues – Should Be Coming Next Week
• Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Patch Brings Three New Cars
• Super Street Fighter IV (3DS) Impressions
• DC Universe Online Patch 1.02 – What it Fixed
• PC Fix for Super Meat Boy Coming Today

When asked about a Dark Souls PC port, Namco Bandai employee and forum administrstor shoupinou responded that fans should petition:

“There is always possibilities to have games adapted on PC and the good news is that Dark Souls is not a 100% typical Console game so the adaptation is possible. Now to make things happen, let’s say the demand has to be properly done. someone to make a successful petition?”

Upon hearing this, Dark Souls fans immediately gathered together a petition with the Bureau of Petitions. At the time this article was written, the petition already has 39,157 signatures. Even if you’re not a PC gamer, add your signature to the list and help them out. It’s not like signing such a petition is going to hurt you.

[Via Joystiq]

• Dark Souls PC Petition Gets Namco-Bandai’s Attention
• Think You’re Good At Dark Souls? This 90 Minute Speed Run Will Make You Look Silly
• Dark Souls – All Saints Day Trailer
• Getting Dark Souls Early, Punk? Prepare To Be Slaughtered by the Devs
• Dark Souls Gets Third Prologue Trailer
• More Dark Souls In Prologue Video Part 2

Now that we’re past the holiday season, we can start to look for an increase in both the quantity and quality of new releases. While the end of January no doubt holds promise, we are unfortunately saddled with a mediocre release week.

Arguably the biggest mutliplat release this week is Choplifter HD. An update of the successful 80′s Sega arcade and Master System hit. Choplifter HD distinguishes itself from other games in the genre as the focus is more directed at rescuing. Choplifter HD will be available on  XBL, PSN, and PC.

Another title to look for is Amy, an innovative survival horror title from the original creator of the 90′s classic Flashback. Amy takes place in an apocalyptic future populated by zombies, demons and other unsavory types. The cooperative gameplay featured in Amy is a deep and unique system that requires players to strategize in order to protect Amy and keep both characters alive. Amy releases this week on both PSN and XBL.

Pick of the Week: The original Choplifter serves as one of those 80′s arcade classics that is still playable today and this HD modern update looks to be both entertaining and addicting. Meanwhile, Amy has more than a few features that make it unique and a pedigree you can’t deny – Amy

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

PlayStation 3

• Amy (PSN)
• Choplifter HD (PSN)
• Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat
• National Geographic Challenge!

Xbox 360

• Amy (XBLA)
• Choplifter HD (XBLA)
• Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat

Wii

• Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Case of the Crumbling Cathedral (WiiWare)

PC

• Choplifter HD

3DS

• Crush 3D
• My Pet Puppy 3D

DS

• What’s Your Type?

PSP

• NADA

• New Video Game Releases: Feb. 6 – Feb. 12
• New Video Game Releases: 4/25 – 5/1
• New Game Releases: 4/11 – 4/17
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6
• New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22
• New Video Game Releases: Dec. 12 – Dec. 18

The big Steam Christmas holiday sale is now on, lasting until Sunday, January 1, 2012.

The daily deals return, but there’s a bit more to it than just a sale this time.

The “Great Gift Pile” provides challenges for steam users, giving the chance to win a free game or discount coupons. You can also win a bit of coal, which can be crafted into a gift (7 lumps = 1 gift) or saved for later. Coal is the ticket to enter the “Epic Holiday Giveaway”, where “the more coal you have, the better your chance of winning.” What do you win? Well, the first prize is every game on Steam, so you’ll want to be winning that, right?

There are numerous packs and publisher catalogues on offer throughout the sale, as well as many individual games on sale. We recommend, however, that you don’t buy any of these until the end of the sale, when you’re sure they haven’t come up as a daily deal at a bigger discount.

Today’s Daily Deals Include:

• Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Franchise
• F.E.A.R. Franchise
• Stronghold 3
• Disciples III Franchise
• Select Star Wars titles
• Cities in Motion
• Prince of Persia Franchise
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Gothic Franchise
• Terraria
• Sequence
• Solar 2

My recommendations today are Prince of Persia and Dawn of War. Prince of Persia (just buy Sands of Time, it’s the best) is a decent time-travell

• Steam Sales Day 5: Dirt 3 66% off, Rage 50% off
• The Steam Holiday Sale is Now On, Until the First of January
• Steam Autumn Sale Day 3: Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Dead Island
• Steam Summer Sale is on, Say Farewell to Your Savings
• Steam Begins Autumn Sale: Day 1 Brings Savings on Mass Effect 2, Portal 2
• Steam Sale Day 4: Mass Effect Series, Blur 75% off

The big Steam Christmas holiday sale is now on, lasting until Sunday, January 1, 2012.

The daily deals return, but there’s a bit more to it than just a sale this time.

The “Great Gift Pile” provides challenges for steam users, giving the chance to win a free game or discount coupons. You can also win a bit of coal, which can be crafted into a gift (7 lumps = 1 gift) or saved for later. Coal is the ticket to enter the “Epic Holiday Giveaway”, where “the more coal you have, the better your chance of winning.” What do you win? Well, the first prize is every game on Steam, so you’ll want to be winning that, right?

There are numerous packs and publisher catalogues on offer throughout the sale, as well as many individual games on sale. We recommend, however, that you don’t buy any of these until the end of the sale, when you’re sure they haven’t come up as a daily deal at a bigger discount.

Today’s Daily Deals Include:

• Rage
• Saints Row The Third
• Dirt 3
• Railworks 3: Train Simulator 2012
• From Dust
• Cities XL 2012
• Cave Story+
• Aliens vs. Predator
• Back to the Future
• E.Y.E.: Divine Cybermancy
• Frozen Synapse
• Audiosurf

My recommendations today are Dirt 3, because it is a great rally game with proper classic cars in it, and Audiosurf, which is a fun little your-own-music based game.

• Steam Sale Day Nine: F.E.A.R, Black Ops 50% off
• The Steam Holiday Sale is Now On, Until the First of January
• Steam Autumn Sale Day 3: Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Dead Island
• Steam Summer Sale is on, Say Farewell to Your Savings
• Steam Autumn Sale Day 4: The Witcher 2, RAGE
• Steam Begins Autumn Sale: Day 1 Brings Savings on Mass Effect 2, Portal 2

It’s no secret that Serious Sam likes to blow shit up.  Well, Christmas time is no exception.  With the latest update to Serious Sam 3, you can dress up as a sexy santa and wreak havoc all over Bum Fuck Egypt.

Oh yeah:

Want some? Serious Sam 3 is on Sale on Steam for $29.99 til January 2nd!

Be sure to check out the RipTen Review!

• In Five Minutes We Can Show You Why You Should Want Serious Sam 3
• The Steam Holiday Sale is Now On, Until the First of January
• RipTen Review: Serious Sam 3: BFE
• Serious Sam 3 Is So F**king Old School It Hurts (Hands On)
• Brink Updates Will Adress Lag Issues – Should Be Coming Next Week
• PC Fix for Super Meat Boy Coming Today