Eidos Montreal has officially revealed the successor to Thief: The Dark Project. Currently under the working title “Thief 4″, which, according to general manager Stephane D’Astous, is in early stages of development. No other information was revealed, and if the game is indeed in early stages of development, it’s doubtful that we’ll head more about Thief 4 at E3 next month.

Though this game has been around for some time now, it is still widely played. And ever since the change in game play where it is practically a turning into a simulator, the challenge is there no matter how simple it may seem to be. You can’t believe how realistic players can seem as you serve, volley and lunge for balls.

But the game gives you less help than before in body movements and swings, so you really have to practice and learn to position yourself exactly right to hit that little ball on the screen or you’ll lose. And the controls are a little tough to master. So, if you’re looking for a challenging, lovely, frustrating game, this is one. It’s selling in used game stores for $15 for Xbox 360 and PS 3, and $10 for Wii and DS. It’s rated “E.”

(Source) Times Picayune

Another studio has been formed by ex-developers from the closed studio Ensemble. The new studio, called “NewToy”, is apparently focusing on iPhone development, and their first game, World War Robot, is in development with acclaimed comic book artist/game developer Ashley Wood. The new studio is betting on collaborating with other artists to create games, rather than relying on conventional development. Check more about World War Robot at the official page here.

3D Realms has officially shut down and has posted a “Goodbye” message on the official website. A photo of the team and a simple message reading “Thanks for being fans and for all your support”.

Last April, EA announced the launch for Ultima Online: Stygian, an expansion pack for the famed Ultima Online series. Today, EA has announced that it is opening its doors to beta testing. Beta testers for Stygian Abyss, the upcoming expansion to one of the longest-running MMORPGs in history, will have the chance to experience the playable Gargoyle race before anyone else.

The closed beta, set to begin later this month, has a limited number of available spots for eligible applicants. Closed beta testers must be current Ultima Online subscribers and will be selected based on computer system specs, previous testing experience, community involvement and other criteria.

To apply for the closed beta, please visit http://www.uoherald.com/beta.

(Source) Press

Starcraft II external beta coming this summer
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Remember how we told you a few days ago that you could sign up for the Starcraft II beta? Well, that signup may be put to use sooner than we thought.

In a recent Activision Blizzard earnings call, Blizzard President Mike Morhaime was quoted to say that Starcraft II’s external beta testing will take place this summer.

So yes, this means that the general public (those who signed up) will actually get access to a beta form of Starcraft II. Hell, maybe us simple folk (those who didn’t sign up) will be treated to an open beta.

Hey, we can wish, can’t we?

Read (VG247)

Ever since the game’s trailer was released some time ago there has been some speculation over whether or not Modern Warfare 2 would be dropping the Call of Duty name.

Destructoid points to the fact that Activision’s Michael Griffith referred to the highly anticipated title as Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 in an earnings call yesterday along with the fact that Amazon and GameStop both have the game listed as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

However, they promptly contacted Activision who responded with, ” The name of the game is Modern Warfare 2.”

That’s it, no more speculation, the game will be called Modern Warfare 2, it’s coming on November 10th, and it’s sure to kick ass.

Just yesterday Activision gave us a first look at the controller for their upcoming DJ Hero title. Today, Kotaku has gotten their hands on some press images of the controller for competiting title Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.

As you can see, the controller is somewhat similar to DJ Hero‘s since it has a turntable and a cross-fader but it also includes 5 colored buttons and was created by actual turntable maker Numark. Oh yeah, that turntable is also free spinning and touch-sensitive.

Now, there’s no telling when Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be out but if it does actually hit store shelves DJ Hero is sure to get a run for its money.

NIS America has recently released the above trailer for their upcoming Wii title Phantom Brave: We Meet Again, a game that is sure to appeal to fans of classic SNES-esque RPGs.

The developers are calling this a “strategy RPG that lets you do whatever you want” with over 500 skills, 9999 level limit and 8 directions of movement.

No honestly though, Phatom Braave: We Meet Again is shaping up to be a worthy sequel to the PS2 title Phantom Brave. We’ll have to hold judgement until we get our hands on the game come June.