Microsoft announced at CES that Project Natal will be released this holiday season. No definite date was nailed down, nor was a price mentioned, or even a real name for the technology. I'm guessing closer to release we'll get more info. Stay tuned to Gamercide for updates as we get them.

Reportedly during their keynote address at CES, Microsoft will announce an "Xbox Game Room" to give gamers a retro gaming experience. Robbie Bach, president of the entertainment devices division, announced in a video interview earlier today that Microsoft plans to offer something akin to the compilations of older games that have been hitting the market lately. See Bach's quote after the break.

"It's sort of a retro approach. It's interesting, there's a generation... who grew up with a set of games like Centipede. They look almost like casual, fun games today, at the time, they were high-end, edgy games. So Game Room is the idea of bringing that back to the market."

It will be interesting to see what games are offered in this new "Game Room". Hopefully it won't just be a link or repository for the retro games that are already available on the Marketplace.

(Update)

As expected, Game Room was announced. Interestingly enough it will be available on PC as well as Xbox and the games will be playable on both systems. The pricing structure will have 2 tiers. First you can purchase the games for 240 MS Points to play on one system (360/PC) or 400 MS Points to play on both systems (360/PC). You can also make it feel just like a real arcade and spend 40 MS Points for one play. Supposedly there will be over 1000 games available from the likes of old Atari and Intellivision games. Check the announcement video below:

At CES Kaz Hirai, Sony Computer Entertainment Chief, somewhat detailed Sony's plan to unify all their products and offer premium media across the PS3, Vaio, Blu-ray, Bravia TVs, etc. A new studio called "Sony Network Entertainment" will be formed and Kaz will head this new studio. All this will use one username/password to access and purchase the content across all Sony devices.

This could be big news for all those hardcore Sony fans that refuse to buy anything not branded with their logo. I'm sure more information will become available after the Sony keynote at CES. I'll be sure to update as more becomes available.

Guildford, UK – January 5, 2009 – Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc, announced today Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, the first official expansion pack to Dragon Age: Origins, the recent recipient of Spike TV’s Best RPG and PC Game of 2009, IGN’s Best RPG of 2009 and CNN.com’s Best RPG of 2009. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC on March 16, 2010.

Designed and written by the same team that brought you Dragon Age: Origins, the Awakening expansion pack offers a brand new area of the world to explore known as Amaranthine, featuring an epic story that will allow players to unravel the secrets of the darkspawn - and their true motivations! Players will face a range of horrific and terrifying creatures including an evolved, intelligent breed of darkspawn and other menacing creatures such as the Inferno Golem and Spectral Dragon. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening provides exciting new ways for players to customize their heroes and party, including the ability to re-spec their character attributes, allowing even greater customization and replayability. Featuring an increased level cap, new spells, abilities, specializations and items, plus five all-new party members, players can continue their adventures from Dragon Age, or begin with a brand new party.

“Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening shows BioWare’s commitment to our fans by delivering new story-driven experiences which enrich the dark heroic fantasy universe our fans have come to know and love,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group, EA, and Co-Founder, BioWare. “The vibrant worldwide community of Dragon Age fans will relish uncovering the secret motivations of the darkspawn, revealing how the darkspawn continue to infest the world despite the defeat of the Archdemon.”

Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, BioWare’s next thread in the Dragon Age: Origins tapestry, occurs following the events of Dragon Age: Origins and puts players into the role of a Grey Warden Commander entrusted with rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens. In addition to rebuilding the ranks of the Grey Wardens, you will be tasked with uncovering the mystery of how the darkspawn survive after the slaying of the Archdemon dragon. How players choose to rebuild their order, resolve the conflict with the mysterious “Architect,” and determine the fate of the darkspawn are just some of the many intriguing moral choices that will shape each player’s heroic journey. Players will be able to import their character from Dragon Age: Origins or start out as a new Grey Warden from the neighboring land of Orlais.

Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be released March 16, 2010 worldwide on the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 console and PC. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be available for $39.99 on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles in North America and will require Dragon Age: Origins to play. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is rated M by the ESRB and 18+ by PEGI.

For more information on Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, please visit www.dragonage.com/awakening.

The new range of accessories marks the first Nintendo licensed products to be released by Mad Catz on Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. Check out the full list after the break.

The new range of licensed accessories include:

· Wireless SenseBar – Wii

Battery or AC adapter powered, the Wireless SenseBar features a built-in timer which can be set for one, two or three hours of operation in order to conserve the lifespan of your batteries.

MSRP: $19.99

· Premium Suede Folio Case – Nintendo DSi

Ideal for the discerning gamer, the Premium Suede Folio Case presents a fashionable yet practical solution for carrying the Nintendo DSi, up to 6 DS games, and up to 2 extra styli. With micro-suede inner lining, the console, games and extra styli are certain to travel in style.

MSRP: $14.99

· Premium Suede Game Wallet – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite

The Premium Suede Folio Wallet presents a fashionable yet practical solution for carrying up to 6 game cartridges and up to 2 extra styli on the go. Featuring micro-suede inner lining, games and extra styli are sure to travel in style.

MSRP: $19.99

· Brain Pak – Nintendo DSi

Comprised of a protective hard case with a built-in adjustable strap, the Brain Pak helps ensure that the handheld stays in the palm of the player when held in a horizontal or vertical position. Perfect for puzzle or ‘train your brain’ style games, all Nintendo DSi buttons and ports are still accessible when the console is safely nestled within the play-and-protect case. Includes two clear styli to match the protective clear case.

MSRP: $14.99

· ArmorStore Case – Nintendo DSi

Provides convenient storage and protection for Nintendo DSi, three DS games, three SD cards and an extra stylus. The durable, impact-resistant case permits access to all buttons and ports, allowing for unhindered game play. The easy-to-install design allows the console to be stored and protected, making the ArmorStore Case the ideal solution for the gamer on the go.

MSRP: $9.99

· Sockz 2-Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite

The Sockz are durable, washable, and compatible with both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite. Vibrant colors, high quality design and plush feel make the licensed Sockz a fun and contemporary method for storing and protecting the console. Includes two different color Sockz in each pack.

MSRP: $9.99

· Stylus and Screen Protector Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite

Features a trio of high-quality styli, ideal for all handheld gaming needs. Designed for comfort and provided in colors which match the console, the Styli have been designed to fit flush in either the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. A set of screen protectors (with a squeegee to simplify application) for both consoles is included as an added bonus.

MSRP: $7.99

· Stylus Pak– Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite

Features twin high-quality styli, ideal for all handheld gaming needs. Designed for comfort and provided in colors which match the console, the Styli have been designed to fit flush in either the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. A unique thumb stylus which simulates analog joystick control, is included in pack, providing an alternative method of handheld game play.

MSRP: $7.99

· Screen Protector Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite

Consisting of two sets of high-quality protective layers, the Screen Protector Pak will help shield the screens of your Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite systems from scratches, smudges and fingerprints, helping to keep your handheld in prime condition at all times.

MSRP: $5.99

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented:

We are excited to announce our new line of officially licensed Wii, Nintendo DSi, and DS Lite accessories. We look forward to further developing our range of Nintendo licensed products in 2010.

The new range of Mad Catz licensed accessories is expected begin shipping to North America and key European territories beginning spring 2010.

Divinity II - Ego Draconis

Darksiders

Bayonetta

My Fitness Coach 2: Workout and Nutrition

Fast Food Panic

With EA shutting down servers for older games in early February, the guys over at Xbox360Achievements.org are trying to organize 1,000 users online at once yet again on 1/31. If anyone is interested, check out the info below for the scheduled time for your time zone:

7PM: Central Europe (GMT +1)

6PM: UK (GMT)

1PM: US Eastern (GMT -5)

Noon: US Central (GMT -6)

11AM : US Mountain (GMT -7)

10AM : US Western (GMT -8)

Via Xbox360Achievements.org

According to Twin Galaxies International, the official organization for scorekeeping on all eras of video gaming since 1981, the fictional 860,630 points held by Seinfeld character George Costanza (played by Jason Alexander) has been broken on an original Frogger machine for the first time in history by Pat Laffaye of Westport, CT.Mr. Laffaye's new World Record mark of 896,980 points was verified by Twin Galaxies referee Eric Akeson and announced by Twin Galaxies at the stroke of midnight on New Years as the ball dropped in Times Square.

"Even though it was imagined by television writers, Pat has broken one of the most famous scores in pop culture," Twin Galaxies Division Manager Patrick Scott Patterson said. "Pat's amazing score will now forever be attached to not only Twin Galaxies history, but pop culture trivia as well."

Pat Laffaye, also a record holder on the classic game Paperboy, has been in a long-running duel with gaming champion Donald Hayes for the top Frogger ranking. Twin Galaxies offered a cash prize to any gamer who could top the Seinfeld score in 2005 that no gamer was able to claim before the deadline or since until Laffaye's score.

Twin Galaxies, established in Iowa in 1981, tracks record scores and times for video games going as far back as the 1970s to current day hits for the Nintendo Wii, XBox 360, and PlayStation 3 via it's website at: http://www.TwinGalaxies.com

February 2, 2010 Online Service Shutdown

UEFA Champions League 07 PC and x360

Facebreaker x360 and PS3

Fantasy Football 09 x360 and PS3

FIFA 07 PSP, PS2, PC

Fight Night Round 3 PS2

Madden 08 Wii

Madden 08 PC

Madden 09 Xbox1

Madden 09 Wii and PSP

March Madness 07 x360

NBA 07 PSP, x360

NBA 08 PS2, PSP, Wii

NBA 09 Wii - Europe only

NBA Street (2007) PS3 and x360

NCAA Football 08 PS2

NCAA Football 09 PS2

NASCAR 08 PS2

NASCAR 09 PS2

NASCAR 09 PS3 and x360 - Europe Only

NFL Tour PS3 and x360

NHL 07 PSP and x360

NHL 08 PC

Tiger Woods 07 PC

Madden 09 x360 and PS3

Madden 07 Xbox 360

via EA

9 year old Anthony Maldanado was spending the weekend at his uncle’s house playing Tony Hawk: Ride on his PS3 when around 3 am some relatives took a break to get snacks and during this time 25 year old Alejandro Morales took out a knife and stabbed the child several times in the chest which police believe resorted over an argument over the skate boarding game. Anthony made it to his uncle’s room where he collapsed and later died at a hospital due to his injuries.

Our thoughts and prayers here at the Gamercide community go out to Anthony’s family and friends.

On a personal note, I can only hope that the media will not go on an “anti-video game” rampage, but sadly that will not be the case. Instead of looking at it as a 25 year old man that obviously was disturbed, they will take advantage of this tragedy and twist the story to their advantage. Tony Hawk: Ride did not tell this man to brutally kill this child. He did it on his own free will and because of that, I hope he gets put away for the rest of his miserable life.

via dualshockers

In an interview with Kelowna, DJ Guetta who is the European Ambassador for DJ Hero has announced that he will be working on DJ Hero 2.

“I think it's amazing, this game, and I'm going to work on the No. 2 version,

“It's a really crazy game. After 10 minutes, you get the rush that a DJ gets after 10 years of practising. I have fun with it, but you know what? I can't go to the maximum level. It's too difficult for me. It's crazy.”

Nobody from Activision has confirmed that DJ Hero 2 is in the works, but it appears from this little slip that gamers will definitely be scratching the tables a bit longer.

via 1up

MIDLOTHIAN, VA - December 29, 2009 – Leading videogame publisher, SouthPeak Games, today announced Blood Bowl® for Windows PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system coming in 2010. The hard-hitting fantasy football title previously available exclusively as a Windows PC downloadable game is lobbing a ‘Hail Mary’ pass straight onto retail shelves in 2010.

Just in time for the human football season’s end, SouthPeak is here to offer a less than traditional spin on classic football. With a rich heritage of table-top gaming, Blood Bowl is poised to tear your Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PSP system a new end zone. With turn-based gameplay and each play teetering on the roll of the dice, Blood Bowl will keep you on the edge of your seat from kickoff to final score. Inspired by the infamous Warhammer® series, Blood Bowl brings some of the most vicious gameplay, dirty tricks and lest we forget – secret weapons – to the field in an all new way.

“We’re thrilled to have a part in bringing a proper retail version of Blood Bowl to North American gamers on Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PSP.” said Aubrey Norris, Manager of Human-Orc Relations at SouthPeak. “It’s never easy to get all these races to agree on something – but if there’s one thing they love its good competition with a lot of bloodshed!”

Blood Bowl’s retail Windows PC and Xbox 360 packages will kick-off in January 2010 with the PSP system version taking the field in Spring of 2010. If you’ve never seen a goblin thrown into the end zone by a troll to score a touchdown, then prepare to be amazed! More details are sure to pop up as the teams get themselves in order and the pre-season action begins.

For more information, please visit

www.southpeakgames.com

Marketplace

I am sitting here typing this up as my punishment. That’s right. They decided to punish for me for my latest antics. “I guess you haven’t learned your lesson from the last two times,” is what they said. So they took away my pretty blue controller and my hard drive and memory unit. “You can have it when you are ready to beat this demon,” is the last thing they told me before they locked my precious’s away in a small gray safe complete with a lock. A freaking lock! Come on now. Then if that wasn’t bad enough, they took my beautiful black beauty of a 360 and smashed it to pieces right in front of me. In front of me! I did everything I could to hold back the tears, but it was no use. I bawled like a baby and tried to take a couple swings at them, but the bigger one held me back. The smaller one brutally attacked my 360. I crumpled to the floor as the last swing ended the life of my sole reason for achievement glory. They kept telling me “It’s for your own good Siren. You will understand one day”. Understand what? That some crazies that are jealous of my achievement hunting skills wanted my gamerscore out of the picture so that they could take the lead? That is all I understand.

So what led to this madness this time you ask? I’ll tell you. My friend's list on the 360. One of my friend’s was getting a bit to close to my gamerscore and was plotting to pass me. See as a recovering achievement addict things like this are dangerous, because they can easily cause a relapse. In the end, I could not resist the demons telling me, “Do it Siren. Buy a crap game for the achievements”.

I began to get feverish as I was browsing the internet looking for a game that was cheap and easy, just how I like my achievements to be. Nothing really caught my eye. Most of them of were teases or only had 10 achievements, but would prove to be a prude so those weren’t going to cut it. I needed something that could pull a gaming quickie off. None of that cuddling and foreplay crap. Then I saw it. A true achievement hunter’s dream, CSI: Deadly Intent.

With CSI: Deadly Intent I knew what to expect after playing through CSI: Hard Evidence. Boring, repetitive game play, that makes you want to gauge your eyes out with your very own fingers, but you know what? I didn’t care. It was going to give me 1000/1000 blipping bliss.

I carefully covered my tracks. I learned my lesson from the last time. I cleared the history on the laptop and remembered to close the page I was viewing. No way was I going to get busted this time. I shut the 360 off and pondered my move on how I was going to sneak in the contraband from the game store. Then it came to me. I’m pregnant! I’ll hide it under my shirt and they’ll never know! Brilliant I know.

I heard the door open and footsteps move across the floor to the living room. I hid my excitement and sweaty palms the best I could. They sat down across from me and turned on the 360. This is when I made my first mistake. I began to shake my foot nervously causing one of them to ask if I was okay. I simply nodded and as one of them signed into XBL, I began to bite my fingernails. My eyes started darting back and forth as the friend that was about to pass my gamerscore sent one of them a private chat invite. It was accepted and they began chatting. That is when it happened. The friend muttered something about passing my gamerscore soon and I tried to remain calm, but the friend tossed in a chuckle as if to taunt me and I muttered “that’s what you think”. Boy was that a mistake. When asked what that meant, I began to back peddle, but I screwed all of the words up and ended up tossing my hands up in the air and admitting to my plan.

They began to lecture me and all I heard were the chuckles of the friend over the speakers on the TV and I lost it. I jumped up and grabbed the headset shouting into it, “YOU’LL NEVER PASS ME! EAT IT CHUMP!” Before I knew it hands were on me trying to restrain me, but I was like a raging blonde bull. “YOU’LL NEVER PASS ME! WOO! WOO!”

Before I knew what was going on, I was being forced to watch my toys being locked up and then…I can’t even repeat it again without bringing a tear to my eye. The destruction of my 360. How am I suppose to go on?!

Anyway, they want me to write down what I learned from all of this and what I am going to do to get better. I suppose I am going to start over and repeat the mantra, “I am an addict” and detox from games for awhile. They say, “Give it a chance Siren, you will see.” All I see is relapse after relapse.

Who knows, maybe next time you hear from me, I’ll be preaching to you the joys of being sober from my achievement addiction, but until then….

What can gamers expect from Ostagar? Revenge, fighting, and the fate of a King will be discovered.

(Image via Bioware)

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 22, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Fans of one of the most-popular online multiplayer games ever can now get the entire collection of Call of Duty: World at War downloadable maps in one shot with the Call of Duty: World at WarMap Pack Bundle. Available starting today in North America on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 2000 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation®Store for the PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system for $24.99, the bundle from developer Treyarch and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) features the complete collection of nine multiplayer maps and three co-op Zombie maps from Call of Duty: World at War Map Packs 1-3.

Fight through war-torn Berlin in "Nightfire," battle through the jungle and waterfalls of "Banzai," and defend an armored island in "Battery." Zombies and Hell Hounds attack in "Verruckt" (Zombie Asylum), "Shi No Numa" (Zombie Swamp), and "Der Riese" (Zombie Factory). Survive against the onslaught of Zombies with the help of Perks-a-Cola machines, Monkey Bombs, and the powerful Wunderwaffe DG-2.

The release of the bundle begins today with worldwide availability on Xbox LIVE and in the United States and Canada on the PlayStation 3 system. It will launch in Europe on the PlayStation 3 system starting on January 7th.

Call of Duty: World at War is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB, 18 by the PEGI and 15 by the BBFC for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore. For more information and exclusive updates about Call of Duty: World at War, visit www.CoDWaW.com.

Speaking to Game Informer, Divnich says, "....I think there won't be any playable stuff. I think they'll give you some type of teaser, because we do think that a year from then in 2011 we're going to see another Grand Theft Auto."

Sounds like if Grand Theft Auto 5 makes an appearance at E3 2010 it will be a battle of gangsta proportions. Saint's Row 3 is supposedly going to make an appearance as well according to the wiki for the game.

Nothing has been confirmed from GTA's camp, so for now mark this as a rumor.

CVG