Crysis and more importantly CryEngine 2 has been known as one of the most graphic intensive game engines on the market today. That’s all about to change as Crytek has just come forward to let us know that CryEngine 3 has officially launched which means we should be seeing a whole slew of titles using the engine.

One of the most important features of CryEngine 3 is that it allows for painless mutliplatform development so if you can make something for the PC, chances are it will convert to PS3 code almost effortlessly.

Below Crytek head honcho Cevat Yerli comments on the engine’s release:

“With its scalable graphics and computation it is next-gen-ready and with new features like CryEngine 3 Live Create the best choice for game developers and companies developing serious games applications alike. It is the only game engine solution that enables real-time development and can ensure teams are able to maximize their own creativity, save budget and create greater gaming experiences.”

via joystiq

Nvidia’s Tegra chip, which includes CPU and graphics in the same, lower powered chip, is rumored to be featured in Nintendo’s next DS update. The Tegra chip can already be found in Microsoft’s Zune HD, which can, among other things, play 3D games and stream HD video. The basic Tegra chip configuration runs at 600 MHz, while the two chips found in the DS run at a meager 67 MHz and 33 Mhz. The rumors suggest that the new DS might wait and get the next generation of Tegra chips, which are due in about a year from now.

It’s a sad day for Mario fans, as the actor who played Mario on the TV series The Super Mario Bros Super Show, Lou Albano, passed away today. He was 76.

EA has announced that a cut-down, arcade version of Madden will make its way to the Xbox 360 and PS3 in form of a download-only game. The game, which features 5-on-5 only play with all 32 NFL teams, and will cost $15 (or 1200 MS points) and will be available this December. NFL Arcade will also feature all the real stadiums with a shorter, 60 yard field and just enough team stars to build a decent 5 man squad.

Tech site Fudzilla is claiming it’s got information that Microsoft has already given the deal to build the graphics chip for the upcoming Xbox console to ATI. ATI, which already makes the “Xenos” GPU used in the current Xbox 360, apparently has Microsoft satisfied with the current GPU and wants to do more business with ATI, which we can certainly understand — the GPU in the Xbox 360 has pretty much been the only stable part of the console over the years. The rumors also suggest that the new Xbox will launch i 2012.

However, Fudzilla, as usual, never cites any sources so this is pure speculation, at best, and the site isn’t known for having the best track record out there when it comes to rumors.

GameFly filed a complaint against the United States Postal Service back in April where it accused the USPS of favoring Netflix and Blockbuster mail, and overall treating the GameFly mail with little care. This time, GameFly is complaining about “Netflix only” post boxes set up around the country, and has filed a petition of information regarding the matter. GameFly also elaborated on the complaint that its parcels were mistreated, to which the USPS noted that GameFly should update its packaging. We’ll see how this ends. Any GameFly members out there with bad experience with the service from the USPS?

Following the ban of dozens of online games, the Chinese communist regime has bannedall foreign investments in games, whether they are through joint-ventures with Chinese firms, or wholly owned companies. The Chinese General Administration of Press and Publication, which put in the ban, estimates that the Chinese online game market is worth $4 billion annually. No reason to give parts of that to pesky foreigners, apparently. What’s even more ludicrous, is that foreign technology companies are banned from even exporting their tech to China, for instance, game engine makers. So if you were looking for some Unreal Engine 3 powered Chinese games, you’re outta luck.

The last few season, the NBA Live series has been in serious decline, and EA has worked hard towards getting out of that slump with NBA Live 2010, finally giving some competition for the rival NBA 2K10, which we reviewed yesterday.

You’ll notice right away that NBA Live 2010 does improve on a few things quite drastically, like the presentation. The visuals have received an overhaul, everything from the animations to the crowd and the stadiums look great, the player models however, while improved over last year’s edition, still lack behind in detail and realism compared to NBA 2K10, but overall, it’s still a pretty game. Gameplay wise, the action is definitely more fluid, and while some animations can seem out of place, it’s still better than last year. However, it’s not about being better than last year, where NBA Live 09 was virtually the low point of the series the past few years. Instead, it’s about how the gameplay compares to the rival NBA 2K10. The Live counterpart does have a more fluid play, but the 2K version seems far more immersive, mainly due to the realistic look and feel of it. However, NBA Live 2010 does feature a lot simpler gameplay, a lot easier to get a hold of, and you’re only using one button to shoot, regardless whether it’s a dunk or layout, jump shot or hook shot. However, this too has its flaws, as your player will often do something else than you intended. If you’re looking for a short jumper, the player on screen might take a hook shot if the defender is too close to him, and thereby take a much tougher shot when a simple one would have done the job. READ ON »

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The first of two novels based on Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series has been revealed. Called The Infernal City, and takes place four decades after Oblivion ended. The novels are penned by Greg Keyes, best known for The Age of Unreason, his steampunk adventure novel which was well received among critics. The Infernal City will be released on November 24, and is available for pre-order on Amazon right now.