While weekly updates were what was originally intended, Microsoft’s Game Room service hasn’t seen an update since its initial rollout a month ago. Plans were to begin seeing weekly releases for Game Room about now, but things don’t seem to be going well for Microsoft’s virtual arcade service. Microsoft Europe Xbox Live editor Daniel Maher posted to his Twitter account, indicating the planned game releases had been placed on indefinite hold:

The latest batch of Game Room content has also been delayed until further notice – I’ll let you know once a new date is confirmed.

And before you get excited thinking that only applies to Europe, Microsoft’s American response (via Larry Hryb) was a bit more cryptic, though equally as informative:

“We’re working to bring you additional Game Room titles as soon as possible! We appreciate your patience, and we’ve been thrilled by the community response so far. We want to provide you with the best experience possible, so stay tuned!!”

So that’s all we know at the moment; no official word on why the delay is happening; no estimated release window. We’ll keep you updated as we get more news on this.

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The devs at Bungie are psyched as hell about multiplayer in Halo: Reach. If you share their passion for all things ballistic, then you must check out the new Carnage Carnival vidoc. Its 8+ minutes of in-depth exploration of the weapons, gadgets, and maps that will soon be unleashed on players. The Reach multiplayer beta (for those that have a copy of Halo 3: ODST) starts May 3rd; Halo: Reach hits the streets later this year.

If you learn one thing today, know that EA DICE isn’t shy of taking on the 800 lb. gorilla named Modern Warfare 2. The same day (March 30th) gamers will see the first map pack hit for MW2, DICE will bring out its second VIP Map Pack for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. The new content will allow gamers to tackle Arica Harbor in Conquest Mode and Laguna Presa in Rush Mode.

EA DICE was more than happy to point out that their DLC will be available for all systems day and date (unlike the timed-360-exclusive DLC for MW2) and, further, they’re excited to offer their new maps ‘free’ of charge to ensure everyone can play together. Getting the new maps ‘free’ only applies if you purchased the game new; the same unlock codes that got you the first on-disc maps when BBC2 launched will also score you this one for free. If you picked it up used however, you’ll be shelling out more cash to get the new goodies. Hope you got a decent priced on the used copy to start with…

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Sadly, we’ve known for some time that Microsoft will soon be discontinuing support for original Xbox titles on Xbox Live. However, they are taking steps to ease the pain of their customers; or at least the ones who play Halo 2. Microsoft will be giving out 3-moth gold memberships, 400 MS points, and invites to the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta to console (get it?) the loyal players still supporting the franchise’s first sequel. Though they’ll probably miss playing the originals, we can’t imagine avid Halo fans being too upset about getting in on the Reach beta.

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SCEA top dude Kaz Hirai spent some time at CES 2010 laying out Sony’s strategy for leveraging PSN on other platforms. In the broad strokes, Sony is going to be bringing PSN video services to televisions, Blu ray players, and Windows PCs. Hirai stated that SD and HD streaming movies would be available on these devices in the U.S. starting in February 2010. Check out the video after the jump for more details.

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In a move that brings us one tiny step closer to the game’s actual release, Polyphony Digital has unveiled the box art for their seminal driving simulator Gran Turismo 5. The cover car is none other than the new Mercedes SLS AMG. Typically cars bearing the AMG badge are high-performance variants of the Mercedes line; the SLS is unique in that it was designed by AMG engineers and that its stupid fast (top speed 197mph).

Back to gaming news: For those who want their GT fix now, Gran Turismo 5 Time Trial is currently available for download via PSN. As for the game itself, the PS3-exclusive racer is slated to arrive sometime this year in both Japan and North America.

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This is totally sweet…Capcom is releasing a retro NES-styled throwback title to support it’s upcoming (and rather cool looking) Dark Void. Titled Dark Void Zero, the DSi Ware title not only delivers additional background into the game’s story, but totally plays up the 8-bit theme with an original score, cinematic sequences, and even interactive elements such as “blowing” into your cartridge (the DS mic) to get it to play…How cool is that?

Anyway, if you want some good insight into the project, you should check out this hands-on report over on GameSpot, but view the video below first to get a frame of referrence.

Dark Void Zero is expected to land in January and be available for 500 DSi Points. We’ll keep you posted on any additional details as they emerge.

Rockstar has announced their Legacy Collection for the PSPgo, which is a fancy way of saying downloadable versions of titles previously on UMD. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, Manhunt 2 and Midnight Club: L.A. Remix are the first three games to get the digital-download makeover and are available now.

Following up on October 22 we’ll see Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories, Liberty City Stories, Beaterator, and The Warriors joining new release Chinatown Wars. And of course, no member of the Self Respecting Gamers Club would every consider purchasing through anything but the branded Rockstar storefront on PSN, which happily also debuts on Oct 22nd.

via Destructoid

The Ballad of Gay Tony, the latest content add-on to Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV is just around the corner and we’ve got some new screens and details highlighting the multiplayer component of the game. So what are we talking here? For starters, there will be new weapons, tanks, parachutes, and attack choppers. Stat tracking also gets a bump with streak kills and assists.

The Ballad of Gay Tony will hit Xbox Live and retail shelves (along with The Lost and Damned as part of the GTA: Episodes from Liberty City disc) on October 29th. Check out ten new screens in the EBA Gallery.

Today, Blizzard launched their new service allowing players to switch factions for their existing World of Warcraft characters. The service breaks down roughly like this:

• players can switch an existing character (level 10 or higher) from Horde to Alliance or Alliance to Horde
• players can re-customize their character, select a new race, and change names
• non-faction-specific equipment and mounts will be retained, others will be replaced with a cross-faction equivalent

Blizzard has put together and in-depth FAQ that should answer all your questions. The new Faction Change service costs $30 per character, per faction change.

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