Tom Petty, Go-Go's, Kelly Clarkson, and P!nk

Next week’s Rock Band 2 and LEGO Rock Band content updates include six tracks by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, taken straight from the band's upcoming 48-song album, The Live Anthology.  The album is comprised completely of live recordings and releases this Tuesday, the same day the DLC.  If you like Heartland rock, give their tunes a whirl.

• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “A Thing About You (Live)”
  
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “American Girl (Live)”
  
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Even the Losers (Live)”
  
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Here Comes My Girl (Live)”
  
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Mary Jane’s Last Dance (Live)”
  
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Refugee (Live)”
  
• The Go-Go’s – “Our Lips Are Sealed”
  
• Kelly Clarkson – “Miss Independent”
  
• P!nk – “Who Knew”

Lead producer for Gears of War and Shadow Complex franchises

A job listing from Microsoft Game Studios has been turning heads lately.  Looks like they're seeking a lead producer to work the highly successful Gears of War and budding Shadow Complex franchises.

The job opening is for an experienced individual who will be working with Epic Games to "drive the success of Gears of War" and "lead the publishing side of games made by Epic," which includes both Gears and Shadow Complex.  The applicant must also have a "deep experience shipping games," specifically "AAA current generation games" throughout the production cycle.

It's just one of 29 new game-related "help wanted" adverts Microsoft has put up in the last two weeks, on top of the existing 25 vacancies thave we've seen since October.  Here's hoping the next Gears of War isn't being reserved to a next-gen console.  As for Shadow Complex, the efforts for recruitment bode well for Epic and Chair Entertainment's highly successful platformer.  We could use more games like that on the market.

These bad guys look remarkably like Geth

Capcom released a new Dark Void video today, and through it we see some of the baddies our hero Will has to contend with.  These creatures are called "The Watchers," and as the video shows, there were a crap-ton of them running around.

One scene in particular suggests that perhaps these robot bodies are not their native forms, and another shows something transforming into a human.  Yeah, that's not creepy at all or anything.  There's no commentary with this video, but plenty of crazy lookin' enemies.  Perhaps it's better this way, after the developers insulted the entire realm of Western gaming in their last developer diary.  Ironically, the robotic bad guys look a lot like the sentient Geth from Mass Effect.

Has your interest been piqued?  Dark Void will be out in North America on January 19 for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 -- January 22 for Europe.  As for that upcoming film adaption starring Brad Pitt?  We have no idea, and some of us are still hoping the movie news was an elaborate prank cooked up by someone's publicist spending too many hours with the company bong; video game movies make us cry inside.

Scouting prospective recruits through dashboard ads and streaming in-game video banners

Pleased with their efforts back in 2007 to promote awareness of their institution and resposibilities through video games, the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is looking to return to make a scene through in-game advertising once again.

The British intelligence agency is planning a new, six-week Xbox LIVE campaign where they solicit in-game advertising in some of the holiday season's biggest titles including Assassin's Creed II, Left 4 Dead 2, and Modern Warfare 2.  They'll also be pushing GCHQ themes and gamerpics for download.

The GCHQ believes video games are a natural outlet from which they can appeal to prospective recruits, acknowledging the "quick thinking, problem solving, and teamwork" inherent in gaming make for positive GCHQ material.  Now before you start dreaming about being the next Bond thanks to the agency's involvement with MI5 (Security Service) and MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service), the GCHQ notes that their latest recruitment drive looks to staff around 250 "graduate and professional level" positions in IT and other technical fields.  Nevertheless the agency is looking forward to better promoting their cause to a suitable target group through Xbox Live.

Tis the season...

Need for Speed SHIFT is getting even better next month with the free 'Team Racing pack', which includes a new mode and five new cars.

The mode, of course, is Team Racing. This new way to play pits two teams of six against each other in the online arena -- team tactics will be needed to get the advantage on your opponents.

As for the new cars, these are pretty legendary machines (all but the Supra are pictured):

• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427
• 1967 Shelby GT-500
• 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
• 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T
• 1998 Toyota Supra Mark IV

Launch date for the DLC is December 1 on Xbox 360 and December 10 on PlayStation 3 (December 3 for Europe). EA tells us it's set for PC December 3, "the same day as the Xbox 360 release", so, either the third or first, then.

If you've not tried the game yet, a demo is out for consoles and PC. It's not a traditional NFS title by any means, but just as great.

Atlus finds pixels sexy

Following a recent announcement to get in on Silicon Studios' 3D Dot Game Heroes, Atlus has released a launch trailer for the beautiful pixely game.  If you never thought pixels could look so nice, then perhaps the video will change your mind.

The trailer also presents the game's backstory and the kingdom of Dotnia (an appropriate name), which is being threatened by some sort of evil.  The game's greatest draw may be its unusual take on 8-bit visuals; every corner of 3D Dot Game Heroes is occupied by a shiny square pixel.  Talk about a new take on the classics.

The aesthetics should appeal to a wide range of gamers (the casual sort even), but old school enthusiasts might appreciate this trip down video game memory lane.  Just wait until May 11, when the game arrives for PlayStation 3.

Going beyond the tongue-wagging

There’s a nice treat in store for both Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero players this week, as one of the most recognizable rock groups of all time graces both games with their music.  That's right, we're talking about KISS.

The "KISS Track Pack," now available for download via Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, and Wii Shop Channel, includes three songs from these music legends.

• I Was Made For Lovin’ You
• Lick It Up
• Modern Day Delilah

But the DLC alone isn't going to cut it for KISS fans, so a trailer and concert invitation has been prepared in anticipation for the "KISS Track Pack" release.  Have a look at the cast of Guitar Hero rock out to the new songs and sample some of the notecharts for your instrument of choice:

DW: Strikeforce for console to support online play, plus February release date

Today is a joyous day for Dynasty Warriors fans.  Koei has revealed that the console versions will include online multiplayer and support up to four players.  I know what you're thinking: "Hallelujah!"

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gamers will also get 40 exclusive missions, command up to three other officers in combat, an enemy "Hyperbreak" gauge, special combat tactics, online officer trading, and the larger-than-life Meng Huo.

During Tokyo Game Show 2009 in September, Koei announced console-specific guest characters for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.  Just as a refresher, Warriors Orochi's Nu Wa will be a guest in the Xbox 360 version, and Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa is appearing on PlayStation 3.  You'll need to complete the guest character challenges to win their signature weapons for use in combat.

But who cares about that when we've got online multiplayer!  Time to start counting the days 'til February 16.

NCSoft, Sony, Turbine, Blizzard, Jagex named in lawsuit over multiplayer technology

New York-based holdings company Paltalk Holdings just can't stand seeing these damn MMO publishers making money off their technology.  So they did the only sensible thing they could think of: sue the crap out of everyone.

If Paltalk sounds familiar, you may remember them from a 2006 case, in which the company faced off against Microsoft over multiplayer technology found in Halo games.  That particular incident was settled out of court mid-trial.  While Paltalk didn't exactly win, they didn't actually lose either.  Now they're going after the MMO developers and publishers, having named Sony, NCSoft, Activision Blizzard, Turbine Studios, and Jagex Ltd. in this latest patent lawsuit.

So what's the issue this time?  Paltalk is asserting that the multiplayer technology that allows players to interact in the same digital environments simultaneously is currently theirs, following their 2002 purchase of various related patents.  Now these big shots are using that very same technology in their respective games, which Paltalk sees as an obvious violation.

The suit was filed in Marshall, Texas, where Paltalk's case against Microsoft was also being tried.  As it turns out, most patent legal lawsuits start there because its courts are considered plaintiff-friendly.

Check out all these screenshots and dev video

A sequel to one of the arguably better RTS games of the last 5 years, Supreme Commander 2, has been officially announced to be arriving next Spring. Some new screenshots were released with today's release date announcement, showing off the new engine in action.

Supreme Commander 2 features future-humans and two alien races, for factions in the game. The three races don't like each other all that much. In fact, they are locked in an Infinite War. Which means that there probably be many more sequels for to this game.

Supreme Comander 2 is being made by Gas Powered Games, and published by Square Enix. The lead designer for the game is Vancouver-born industry veteran Chris Taylor. "The partnership with Square Enix has been a highlight of my career," Chris was quoted as saying. "I couldn’t be more proud of what the team has accomplished, as the game has continually exceeded all of my expectations throughout its development."

Like the first game, you can expect to battle on ground, in the air, and in the sea. The sequel will feature enhanced customizable armies and deadlier, bigger, skull-crushing robots with giant laser cannons for arms. In the game, you actually play as the Supreme Commander -- a robot battlesuit from which you command your armies. Lose your commander and it's all over.

In this video, Mr. Taylor does a walk through of the game. With PC games it seems it is pretty rare that a company actually makes its release date -- but for Supreme Commander 2, it is looking like they'll actually be releasing in the Spring, just like they've been saying. Check it out:

Supreme Commander 2 will be available for the PC and the Xbox 360, this time around. Perhaps like the first game, the sequel will be one of the very few games with well implemented, specialized dual monitor support.

Firmware update to apply to all PS3 models, meaning all owners can potentially benefit from 3D display support

We all know thanks to former SCE boss Ken Kutaragi that the PS3 will be the only console to someday realize graphics in the fourth dimension (boasting "living" visuals), but for the time being Sony will be hard at work making it compatible with upcoming displays supporting stereoscopic 3D technology.  The 3D presentation generally requires the use of new-fangled eyepieces that users don to witness the stereoscopic effects.

Sony is already in the process of implementing stereoscopic 3D into their lineup of HDTVs, and the company hopes to get a PS3 firmware update out around the timeframe these new 3D displays launch to let early adopters witness the advantages of the technology from day one.  By introducing 3D gaming to the PS3 through firmware update, Sony intends on enticing as much of the console install base as possible to embrace the new display technology.

Put another way, Sony is eyeing 3D HDTVs in as many homes as possible by the end of 2010, and the PS3 is expected to be the key driver for adoption.  This push to 3D gaming also extends to support for developers as well, with plans to offer the proper tools needed to realize what could be the next big step in high definition visuals for PS3 software.

Sony's big plans for 3D displays and gaming are all part of the commitment to innovate their hardware and software products, with the ultimate goal of "consistent profitability" across its core hardware product businesses.

Comes with soundtrack CD, art book, vinyl LP and more

BioShock fans will be happy to hear that details concerning a new Special Edition of the second game have been unveiled today. 

The kit will set you back a hundred clams if you live in the US (or $90 for the PC version), but it appears it will be worth it. Besides the game, you get a soundtrack CD, a 164 page art book showing concept drawings and such, three Rapture propaganda posters, and a vinyl LP featuring BioShock's orchestra music.

Sounds pretty good, though the vinyl LP might not impress everyone, as working record players have grown more rare than white buffaloes. Instead of the vinyl LP, maybe they should have thrown in some EVE hypos instead.

Once these Special Edition versions are sold out, they aren't coming back. So if you want to get one, pre-order it pronto. It will be released on the same day as the regular version of the game, on February 9th.

Bad decisions make for shame, says former employee

Makers of the forthcoming vigilante romp The Saboteur, Pandemic Studios, are shutting down, if you haven't heard. Following the news, an anonymous developer has posted on the NeoGAF forums, an occasional hangout for industry types, giving his thoughts on the decision.

Emotions have run high for many people since the announcement, for gamers, publishers and developers alike. Those familiar with Pandemic's work, for example, have said it's deserved on some level, as mismanagement has been abound at the company for years. The developer in question here, posting under the name Zeenbor, reveals this is indeed the case:

"The reason why the studio closed down has everything to do with the existing Pandemic management. From what we were told, Pandemic management was given free reign to do as they please. Time and time again, they dropped the ball with bad decisions (promoting/keeping people based on loyalty, no production accountability, misallocation of resources, poor milestone objectives, no mentoring, etc.). It's a true shame, as there was a lot of talent and passion at the studio."

One member responds later in the thread with, "Sad news dude. Although if I were you I don't know if I'd go around bad mouthing management no matter how true it is. The industry is pretty small and something like this could get back to you." Zeenbor's thoughts? "F*ck it":

"See, that's the problem with humanity. Everyone is looking out for themselves. I say f*ck it. The truth needs to be told.

Philosophy aside, I'd say the circumstances warrant the truth. A lot of misconceptions are going around and EA management is being ragged for something that isn't necessarily their fault."

He notes Pandemic was an expensive studio to maintain, and the last two games, Mercenaries 2 and The Lord of the Rings: Conquest weren't "up to snuff", as the community has attested to.

We wouldn't feel terribly bad either if it wasn't for The Saboteur, a game featuring a "street-tough Irish racing mechanic" out for revenge in Nazi-occupied Europe that looks to be full of flavour and awfully promising. "Zeenbor" says, continuing, it's definitely a shame:

"EA is totally sending Saboteur out to die. And it's a f*cking shame. It's easily Pandemic's best game yet. Of course, I am a bit biased having worked on the game for so long. If you were disappointed with Mercs 2 and LOTR (who wasn't?) and enjoyed previous Pandemic games, give Saboteur a shot."

New costumes, content, Mercenaries mode, plus release schedule and screenshots

Looks like Capcom might just make up for the whole "Versus" fiasco, as the upcoming DLC should appease all you angry gamers.

Coming in 2010, the new Resident Evil 5 content will include two new downloadable episodes, a bunch of new costumes (if that's your thing), and a "MERCENARIES REUNION" mode, with eight new playable characters and weapon loadouts.

Although Western gamers had voted for a DLC release, those who prefer their content on disc can purchase the Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which will include the original game plus all the new goodies mentioned above.  The entire package will go for $49.99 USD on Blu-ray for Playstation 3 or DVD with a DLC token for Xbox 360.

Update: Capcom confirmed several release dates an some details on the new episodic content.  The first new episode will be "Lost in Nightmares," which takes us back to the investigation of Ozwell E. Spencer.  Players will be filling the shoes of Chris Redfield and his partner, Jill Valentine -- before she was implanted with the mind-control device and started running in a weird posture (bodysuit too tight, maybe).  See where it all began, and check Wesker without the cat eyes.

Along with the new chapter, RE5 will be getting new costumes for Chris and Sheva, which you can view in-game or with the cutscene playback feature; we all know how much Capcom loves costume packs.  The revamped Mercenaries Mode, "Mercenaries Reunion," seems to be sticking with the timed challenge theme, though players will have new weapons this time around.

With each new DLC, we'll be getting two more playable characters.  Those who purchase the entire Gold Edition unlock all eight right off the bat.  You'll find release details below, along with Gold Edition pricing; the individual episodes will go for 400 Microsoft Points or $5.00 USD, with costume packs at 160 MS Points or $2.00 each.

Reclaim the honour of Ferelden's fallen king this winter

Keeping to their word on the two-year plan for Dragon Age: Origins, BioWare will be releasing the first batch of post-launch DLC this holiday season for North Americans and Europeans. Titled "Return to Ostagar", it sees you heading to the site of the Grey Wardens' near-extinction by the darkspawn, a place thought lost to bloodshed and time, now covered in snow and infested by the enemy.

With rumours a survivor of the battle has escaped captivity and is seeking the help of the Grey Wardens, it is there you will exact your revenge, reclaim the honor of Ferelden's fallen King Cailan, discover his political secrets, and search for his powerful arms and armor.

"Return to Ostagar" will also provide a second opportunity to add the Mabari hound 'Dog' to your party.

No specific launch date is set for the new content, but we do know it will be selling for $5.00 USD on PSN and 400 points on PC and Xbox 360.

Has the reformed pirate walked the plank?

Tales of Monkey Island is coming to an end with the final episode, Rise of the Pirate God, coming December 8.  But a big problem has come to light: the hero, Guybrush Threepwood, has disappeared.

It seems that the mightiest pirate to ever grace the Caribbean has vanished without a trace along with his wife Elaine Marley-Threepwood as a result of the events in The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood.  The inhabitants suspect Guybrush’s nemesis LeChuck (who has been thrice defeated in ghost, zombie, and demon forms) may have something to do with the missing couple, but even he is nowhere to be found.  The answer to these mysteries, including other lingering questions, shall be revealed in this last episode.  Or maybe they haven’t checked the water yet since Guybrush does have an uncanny talent for holding his breath underwater -- as long as 10 minutes.

Telltale Games is honoring the seemingly doomed pirate by offering the current four episodes of Tales of Monkey Island for $8.95 each.  Already bought an episode?  You also have the option of upgrading to get the remaining chapters at a discount price.  Either way, don’t miss out on the long-awaited continuation of the Monkey Island series.

New project surrounding Left 4 Dead 2 rock group

Ever hear of the Midnight Riders?  Think about the "Dark Carnival" campaign in Left 4 Dead 2 -- ring any bells? 

For those who still haven't got a clue, the Midnight Riders are a fictitious rock group in Left 4 Dead 2, and players see posters for their concert all over the fairgrounds.  In fact, if you hang around one of the safe houses long enough, Ellis (or "Ellie," as I call him) and Coach begin chatting about the group, with more references throughout the corresponding mission.  Apparently the band was known for their kickass stage effects, including lasers and fireworks.

Seems Valve is planning to do something with the group too.  A Midnight Riders website was discovered in these past couple days, though there's nothing on the page except artwork of the band members and a "Coming Soon" notice.  Glancing at the page info, we see the site was last edited on November 17; seeing as how it was picked up by most media outlets today, it may have launched just yesterday.

There's nothing solid on the Midnight Riders project, so we've only got the teaser website to go on for now.

Objection! Wait, this is a good thing...

Capcom has announced today that the Ace Attorney series will be available via WiiWare in 2010.  Phoenix Wright on the Wii?  Win!

The former DS exclusives will be released one at a time, starting with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney in January, when Wright defends his childhood friend Larry Butz and inadvertently gains courtroom fame.  The second game, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: JUSTICE FOR ALL follows up in March, with TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS set for May.  Wii owners can also pick up the Ace Attorney bonus episode in May from the DS version, for an additional 100 Wii Points.

Each game will go for 1,000 Wii Points, or $10.00 USD, which isn't at all steep considering you'll be playing one of the most beloved handheld franchises to date; due to unexpected popularity in the West, the entire series has sold over 3.7 million units worldwide.  The touch screen features will likely be gone, unfortunately, unless Nintendo unveils a touch-sensitive television monitor peripheral between now and January 2010.  Otherwise, you're getting the same product as seen on GBA, from visuals to sound, without any Wii-exclusive content.

Now if anyone knows who those two cosplayers are, please send the Miles Edgeworth my way.

Artificial Mind & Movement CEO discusses how the industry cheats the system

A panel at the Montreal International Game Summit revealed some interesting but unsurprising issues within the gaming industry.  Seems publishers "cheat" the ESRB to get lower ratings. 

In theory, a lower ESRB rating means the game will reach a wider audience.  As such, publishers will make an effort to earn a lower rating, even when the game in question is clearly "Mature."  To clarify, the ESRB states that games rated "Teen" are suitable for kids 13-years and up, while "Mature" games are for young adults above 17.

During the panel, Artifical Mind & Matter (A2M) CEO Remi Racine noted that in his experience, many publishers will actually intentionally deceive the North American ratings board:

“As a developer who has worked with a lot of different publishers, we’re aware of many that have tried to cheat the rating. They say to the ERSB that it’s a Teen rating rather than an Mature to try and sell more; you can do this just by sending them a video that doesn’t show the most violent stuff and then you’ll get the rating that you want rather than the rating you should get.

“We have to make sure that everyone behaves and that the ERSB is duly diligent. Maybe getting your game out at a certain rating will help that game, but it’s really not going to help the industry as a whole.

Racine believes that the industry isn't handling the ratings issue properly and more effort needs to be made.  Still, it's not all on the publishers to educate concerned parents; rather, the responsibility falls on everyone involved in the process:

“Right now I don’t think the industry is doing enough to educate the audience. The ERSB is supposed to do it, but it feels like we just kind of expect these kind of industry or government bodies to do the job for us. As much as I don’t think it’s the place of EA or Activision to go off and try and inform parents on their own, a more active role needs to be taken by all participants to ensure our artists are free to express themselves and that content can be enjoyed responsibly.”

Eidos Montreal's Stephanie D'Astous agrees that parents do have a responsibilty to educate their children, but publishers also have a responsibility to those parents.  Far Cry 2 creative director Clint Hocking noted that ratings aren't just about protecting kids, as developers want their games to reach the appropriate audience -- one capable of appreciating their work:

“We must empower and enable artists to say something meaningful with what they create ... on a corporate level the vast majority of our efforts should be allowing artists to say the things that are important for them to say, without fear.”

After the panel session, ESRB spokesperson Eliot Mizrachi clarified the board's position, stating that publishers have little to gain by hiding content; even if they do, the ESRB finds out sooner or later, and there will be hell to pay:

“ESRB takes full disclosure of content during the rating process extremely seriously, and companies that submit their games to ESRB know this very well. We regularly check games post-release to verify that submissions were complete, and it’s very likely that if a game contains undisclosed content that would have affected the rating assigned, we’ll find out about it. In such cases ESRB can actually impose fines up to $1 million as well as require corrective actions like re-labeling or even recalling product, both of which can obviously be very costly. There’s no incentive whatsoever for publishers to withhold content from ESRB in an effort to receive a lower rating, and those that would do so risk significant penalties.”

Plus, some of the oddest imagery you'll see in a game

February is still a while away, but EA and Visceral Games are busy building us up for Dante's Inferno.  The latest trailer is a massively beautiful cinematic that shows us Beatrice in her final moments.

Our hero Dante stumbles upon her body, and as he mourns, her spirit is taken away by Satan.  Yes, Lucifer is a dirty dirty lech who steals beautiful women's souls.  Aside from that though, we actually get to hear Dante's sweetheart speak, even addressing Virgil. 

And the rest, as they say, is history.  Dante descends into Hell to find his lover's soul, encounting all the nasties that dwell in the nine Circles.  Fans of the epic poem will get to hear familiar names and locations, as well as see them recreated in HD visuals.  Oh, and there is some strange imagery in the video; don't say we didn't warn you.

Fate has a funny way of showing itself

"I don't know who started this conspiracy; but I know who will end it."

Assassin's Creed II hit shelves just yesterday, and today we've got the launch trailer for you all.  With all the competition out there this month, you may be debating which game to spend your hard-earned cash on. 

Well, like any other publisher out to make some money of their own, Ubisoft released a tantalizing launch trailer, hoping that Ezio's rich accented voice and the game's general shininess will catch your attention.  In this video, we again see Ezio's father at the gallows, while the poor (not literally) young man is left brimming with hatred.  While he initially sets out on the assassin's path for revenge, he soon discovers that he is a part of something much bigger.

You'll need to play the game to learn more.

Breaking video game and movie sales records, Activision rolling in (even more) dough

Well, Activision and Infinity Ward certainly have even more reason to celebrate now.  Five days after its release, Modern Warfare 2 has now made $550 million in sales, breaking all previous first-to-five day entertainment industry box office records.

You can bet Bobby Kotick is pleased.  The CEO of Activision Blizzard happily issued this statement:

“In just five days of sell through Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has become the largest entertainment launch in history and a pop culture phenomenon.  The title’s success redefines entertainment as millions of consumers have chosen to play Modern Warfare 2 at unprecedented levels rather engage in other forms of media.”

Activision also released some revenue figures from other entertainment record-breakers (books, movies, video games) for comparison.  The numbers are certainly impressive, but it looks like Modern Warfare 2 does indeed come out on top, showing Batman, Harry Potter, and Niko Bellic who's boss.

• The largest reported five-day opening worldwide box office gross figures, held by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($394 million)
  
• The largest reported five-day opening domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($203.8 million)
  
• The largest reported five-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (6 million units, $500 million)
  
• The largest reported opening first-day domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($66.4 million)
  
• The largest reported first-day book sales in dollars, held by Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows ($220 million)
  
• The largest reported first-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (3.6 million units, $310 million)
  

Microsoft contributed a few fun facts of their own, adding to all this Modern Warfare 2 posturing.  It's not totally unwarranted; the game broke Xbox LIVE user activity records as well.

• More than 5.2 million multiplayer hours were logged playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on the first day alone.
• More than 2.2 million unique gamers played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in one day on November 10.  A new one-day record for Xbox LIVE.
• More than 11 million Achievements were unlocked on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on the first day.

Despite all this, Activision noted that they are not yet ready to breathe easy given these shifty economic times.  We're not sure why given those mind-numbing figures, but we're business people.

Some free, more next month

Every copy of Forza Motorsport 3 comes with a code to download some classic content from the previous games but now it's high time for some new stuff to come in, and Turn 10 had delivered. In today are several new car packs, some of which you can download for free.

Available today for Xbox Live Gold Members is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe Car Pack, which offers the 300-horsepower auto in three different paint jobs including a Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull racecar pattern, an HKS Genesis Coupe decked out in a ruby-red color, and a one-of-a-kind design solely made for Forza Motorsport 3. You can check these out in the images below.

Another series of cars will be bundled in the Hot Holidays Car Pack on December 8 for 400 Microsoft Points. The Forza Motorsport 3 website will be revealing the ten cars featured in that pack in the coming days but in the meantime confirmed is the Ferrari 458 Italia.  If you'd like to sample the sort of vehicles that will be offered in the Hot Holidays Car Pack, a 2010 model Audi S4 will also be downloadable for free the same day the pack becomes available.

To tide everyone over til the release of the December 8 downloads, Turn 10 invites everyone to visit the official website to partake in daily photo trivia contests.  If you can identify the model, make, and year of each car, you have a chance to win some real prizes and in-game goodies.  It's a good way to pass the time and maybe earn a little something on the side to boot.

Pre-order at GameStop, unlock Wesker

If you thought we were joking in the headline, then you'd be wrong.  Capcom has announced today that pre-ordering Lost Planet 2 at participating GameStop retailers will get you a special someone from Resident Evil.  That's right, we're referring to Wesker.

Albert Wesker is back from the dead and unlockable as a playable character in Lost Planet 2.  He'll be sporting his massive revolver (that's not overcompensating), which Capcom describes as a "nimble yet extremely powerful firearm" fulyl capable of one-shot kills.  Hey, if you can't take someone down in one hit with that thing, it's probably your aim, not the gun.

The game will be out for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this winter, so your window of pre-order opportunity is short.

Dotnia requires a blocky hero once more

Publisher Atlus has been getting cozy with From Software as of late, with one of their most high-profile titles being the North American localization of the developer's well-received action RPG Demon's Souls.  Now Atlus will team up with From Software once again to release Silicon Studio's newest and most stylized RPG yet, 3D Dot Game Heroes for the PS3.

As you'll gather from the screens and promo materials, 3D Dot Game Heroes adopts a pixel art look for characters and backgrounds, but delivers them in high-res 3D for a distinct look.  If you thought Demon's Souls started to look a little too grimdark and dreary, 3D Dot Game Heroes could be the change of pace you're looking for while keeping the all the combat and exploration.  Heck, you can even create and customize your own 3D block character, and this time you can trade your in-game avatar with friends!

About 3D Dot Game Heroes
A long, long time ago, the Dark King Onyx brought an age of darkness upon Dotnia Kingdom. Only by the bravery of a hero with a legendary sword was Onyx sealed in an orb, restoring peace to the world. But Fuelle, a powerful Dark Bishop, has stolen the orb, and with it, peace. Dotnia requires a hero once more! Can you live up to the legend?

Key Features

• Ultimate retro love letter -- Seamlessly fusing new and old, the golden era of gaming is felt in every detail of this lovingly-crafted adventure. Eye-popping visuals capture the nostalgic charm of pixel graphics in cutting edge 3D. Simple, but deep action-adventure gameplay is a throwback to the 8-bit era. Veterans will find references and jokes that pay homage to the great games of yore.
• Awe and adventure live again -- Embark on the next generation of classic exploration and discovery in a grand story-based quest. A hero sets out to gain the power of the six sages and the six orbs that protected the kingdom of Dotnia, which now stands on the verge of destruction.
• Customize your hero -- When pixels are your building blocks, the possibilities are unlimited. Freely edit the look of your character, or design one completely from scratch, and then trade designs with friends via a compatible USB storage device. Your hero's blade is also upgradeable, letting you add length and width to create a sword that fills the whole screen!

The North American release of 3D Dot Game Heroes (already available in Japan) is currently scheduled for May 11th, 2010 with suggested retail pricing of $39.99 USD.