• Civ III: Conquests - Atari's Civilization III: Conquests Product Page now features a new movie trailer, which can be accessed via the movies link on the menu on the left. The movie is mirrored on FileFront and Worthplaying.
• Spellforce - The SpellForce: The Order of Dawn Website is offering downloads of a "special" trailer for JoWooD's upcoming RPG/RTS hybrid. The trailer is mirrored on 3D Gamers, FileFront, and Worthplaying.

A new patch for Starfleet Command: Orion Pirates is now available, updating the Trekkie space combat game to version 2.5.5.0. Links to the patch and the updated version of the server can be found on the Taldren Forums. Thanks Starfleet Universe, who point out: "With the recent departure of Taldren's long time SFC stalwart David Ferrell, this patch is likely to remain the really... really, final patch for Orion Pirates." Also, a new Mistmare patch is now available, updating the English version of Arxel Tribe's & Sinister Systems' action/adventure/RPG to version 1.7. Thanks Frans.

• BF Vietnam
  The Battlefield Vietnam Q&A on GameSpot goes in country to get a sitrep from AJ Marini, lead designer on DICE's upcoming BF 1942 set in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Here's a neat tidbit: "NVA engineers have the ability to relocate spawn points, which gives a feeling that the NVA are coming from everywhere."
• TRIBES Vengeance
  The TRIBES Vengeance Q&A Computer and Video Games is their conversation with Ken Levine of Irrational Games, learning about the company's history as well as their plans for the upcoming installment in the TRIBES series of multiplayer shooters. Thanks Frans.
• XIII
  The XIII Q&A on IGN talks with Julien Bares about the final days of development of the imminent cel-shaded first-person shooter. Pow!
• Commandos 3
  The Commandos 3: Destination Berlin Q&A on GameGossip briefly chats with Pyro Studios' Ignacio Pérez Dolset about the latest installment in their squad-based World War II combat game.
• Silent Storm
  The Silent Storm Q&A on Worthplaying interrogates Dmitry “Zak” Zakharov, project leader on Nival Interactive's upcoming turn-based tactical game set in World War II. They discuss the game's story and setting, and get into some detail in describing gameplay.
• Cleric
  The Edward Chen Q&A Part One on Warcry News Network talks with the lead developer on Cleric, Plutonium Games' upcoming Serious-engine horror/survival game. The first part of the Q&A focuses on Ed's background.
• Retuurn of the King
  GamePro's The Return of the King Q&A goes from out of the blue and into the black with Neil Young of EA Games to discuss the upcoming Tolkien movie-inspired game. Thanks HomeLAN Fed.

Strategy First sends word that the official Disciples II Rise of the Elves "mini-site" has gone live, dedicated to the upcoming stand-alone expansion pack. They say: "The mini-site features an overview of the game, concept art and info about the new Elven race. Screenshots and original music from the game are also featured on the site. Be sure to come back often, as it will be updated weekly."

• Horizons: Empire of Istaria on Games Domain.
• Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria on RPG Vault.

• Call of Duty on Fappin.
• Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis on Camelot Vault.
• Lords of EverQuest on IGN and EverQuest Vault (along with a solitary Q&A).
• PainKiller on Gamers Gallery. New wallpapers.
• Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria on RPG Vault.
• Wish on RPG Vault.
• X² - The Threat on Action Vault.

Ubi.com associate community manager Tim Ernst sends along a note about a bug in the just released XIII demo, which will prompt a new version when it is addressed. Here's the story:

Today, the XIII MP demo was released but there was a large bug in it. The bug is not affecting the 'Bot Challenge' but multiplayer hosting. The development team is working hard to correct the problem. This was the issue that caused all the confusion today. We will have a new version soon that will have a better feeling for what the game's multiplayer will feel like. I will keep you posted.

My own attempts to confuse the matter aside, the promised XIII demo is now available for download from IGN. The demo is a 158 MB download, offering two levels from the cel-shaded shooter that can be played in straight deathmatch or team DM. Mirrors are available on 3D Downloads, 3D Gamers, Computer Games Online, Filerush, FileShack (registration required), Gamer's Hell, GameTab, Gaming Asylum, Happy Puppy (registration required), Loadedinc (registration required), and Worthplaying.

A post to the Halflife2.net Forums by Gabe Newell finally has a comment on the leaked Half-Life 2 source code, brought to the world's attention by Gamer's With Jobs and Slashdot. Here's the deal:

Ever have one of those weeks? This has just not been the best couple of days for me or for Valve.

Yes, the source code that has been posted is the HL-2 source code.

Here is what we know:

1) Starting around 9/11 of this year, someone other than me was accessing my email account. This has been determined by looking at traffic on our email server versus my travel schedule.

2) Shortly afterwards my machine started acting weird (right-clicking on executables would crash explorer). I was unable to find a virus or trojan on my machine, I reformatted my hard drive, and reinstalled.

3) For the next week, there appears to have been suspicious activity on my webmail account.

4) Around 9/19 someone made a copy of the HL-2 source tree.

5) At some point, keystroke recorders got installed on several machines at Valve. Our speculation is that these were done via a buffer overflow in Outlook's preview pane. This recorder is apparently a customized version of RemoteAnywhere created to infect Valve (at least it hasn't been seen anywhere else, and isn't detected by normal virus scanning tools).

6) Periodically for the last year we've been the subject of a variety of denial of service attacks targetted at our webservers and at Steam. We don't know if these are related or independent.

Well, this sucks.

What I'd appreciate is the assistance of the community in tracking this down. I have a special email address for people to send information to, helpvalve@valvesoftware.com. If you have information about the denial of service attacks or the infiltration of our network, please send the details. There are some pretty obvious places to start with the posts and records in IRC, so if you can point us in the right direction, that would be great.

We at Valve have always thought of ourselves as being part of a community, and I can't imagine a better group of people to help us take care of these problems than this community.

Gabe

A post to the XIII General Discussion Forum (thanks CoreyGH) by ubi.com associate community manager Tim 'tbd' Ernst gives news that the XIII multiplayer demo that they were hoping to release today has been delayed until tomorrow. Update: It has been pointed out that this story refers to the demo being delayed until today, not until tomorrow, and IGN says the release is still on track for this evening. Sorry about causing any confusion.

A dedicated server program has been released to allow a Halo server to be operated without a copy of the game. The download has been mirrored on 3D Gamers, FileFront, Filerush, and Worthplaying. Here's a note Gearbox sent along on this release:

Due to the overwhelming response and demand for Halo multiplayer, we are releasing this version of the Halo Dedicated Server earlier than we originally planned. The server is a stand alone application that does not require the retail version of the game to run. Because we are releasing the server ahead of schedule, there were a couple features that we did not get in on time. Most notable are support for RCON and Multiple instances on one machine. These features are nearly complete and will be released as an update in the next week or so. The dedicated server package is roughly 100mb. The update will be roughly 10mb.

Conspiracies Gone Gold is the press release announcing this murder mystery game from Greek developer Anima Ppd-Interactive has gone gold, with the game, which will include both CD and DVD formats in one box, "should hit store shelves in just a couple of weeks." Also, Global Star sends word that both Jet Fighter 5 and Airport Tycoon 3 have gone gold. Word on Airport Tycoon 3 is to expect the retail version some time this month. Here's the deal on Jetfighter 5:

Global Star Software, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO) is pleased to announce that Jetfighter 5 has gone gold!

This authentic fighter jet simulation features real-time air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It is developed using the Criterion RenderWare™ engine. Choose from the F-16 Fighting Falcon™, the F/A-22 Raptor™, or the brand new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter™. Combat evil in over 30 missions as you dogfight your way across the satellite-mapped terrain of California and Nevada.

Features include:

• Stunning 3D graphics, environmental audio and highly detailed, satellite-mapped environments.
• 90,000 square miles of flyable terrain.
• Three flyable Lockheed Martin™ jets: The F-16 Fighting Falcon™, F/A-22 Raptor™ and the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter™.
• Realistic flight physics and weapon platforms
• An in-game mission generator, giving you the ability to create unlimited missions.
• Multiplayer dogfight with up to 16 players via LAN
• A variety of ultra-realistic effects including weather conditions and G-force induced blackouts, redouts and greyouts.

Jetfighter 5 was developed at InterActive Vision. Global Star Software plans to release the retail version on the game in October.

Be sure to check out the official Jetfighter 5 website at www.jetfighter5.com. It features some exclusive screenshots as well as additional game information.

The Yager Website now offers word (in German) of the first patch for the futuristic flying combat game. The 16 MB patch addresses controller and sound issues, among other things (thanks YiYas). Also, a patch for Mercedes-Benz World Racing is now available, updating the prestigiously named racing game to version 1.2.3. The 2.8 MB update is available from FileFront, GameSurf, and Worthplaying.

The Chaser Website is now offering downloads of the first official map pack for Chaser, Cauldron's fast-paced first person shooter. Included in the 52 MB download are: Arctic Siege (CTF), Bad Place (ST, DM, TDM, CTF), Night Shift (DM, TDM), Old Harbor (DM,TDM), and Old Hotel (ST, DM, TDM).

Microïds sends word that they have acquired Wanadoo Edition. Here's the entirety of the brief press release:

(Montreal, Canada - October 2nd, 2003) - On September 30, 2003, Wanadoo, a major European Internet Service Provider, sold its interactive entertainment subsidiary, Wanadoo Edition, to Microïds.

With this operation, Wanadoo becomes a shareholder to a total value of 12% of Microïds.

This transfer makes it possible for Wanadoo to focus its strategy on the emerging field of on-line games, and to firmly establish itself in the North American market through Microïds' subsidiaries Microids Canada and Microïds Distribution inc.

This partnership will strengthen the relationship and reinforce the bonds between the two entities with a new distribution agreement covering the main European markets and some joint Marketing operations promoting games on the Microïds and Wanadoo labels. Microïds already distributes Wanadoo Edition's games catalogue in Italy through its Italian subsidiary, Microïds Italia.

Gamesindustry.biz (thanks Boomtown) has news that Lost Toys, the UK-based developer formed by former employees of Bullfrog and Electronic Arts, has shut its doors. The company had released two games, MoHo and Battle Engine Aquila, and was at work on Stunt Car Racer Pro when the decision to close the company came down. Word is: "Company director Jeremy Longley confirmed that development has ceased at the studio, stating that he and the other directors are now investigating opportunities to maximise the potential of the developer's intellectual property."

• Contract J.A.C.K.
  Computer and Video Games' Contract J.A.C.K. Q&A talks with Monolith's Craig Hubbard, lead designer on the upcoming shooter that takes an alternate approach to their swingin' 60s No One Lives Forever series. Thanks Frans.
• Far Cry
  The Far Cry IQ Test on IGN is a Q&A with Christopher Natsuume, producer on Far Cry, discussing the AI in the upcoming shooter, among other topics.
• Bard's Tale
  Brian Fargo Back in play on GameSpot chats with Interplay founder Brian Fargo about the recently revealed plan to revive Bard's Tale, the classic RPG.
• Lineage II
  The Lineage II Q&A on Warcry with Aaron Rigby, North American producer on the upcoming MMORPG sequel, discusses specifics about how to lay siege to a castle.
• Shadowbane: The Rise Of Chaos
  HomeLAN Fed's Shadowbane: The Rise Of Chaos Q&A chats with Thomas Sitch of Wolfpack Studios about the upcoming add-on for Shadowbane, their MMORPG.
• Commandos 3
  Game Chronicles' Commandos 3: Destination Berlin Q&A talks with Ignacio Pérez Dolset of Pyro Studios about the third installment in their World War II combat series.
• No Man's Land
  The No Man's Land Q&A on Game Chronicles is their conversation with Burkhard Ratheiser, managing director of Related Designs, who discusses their upcoming game set in the wild and wooly days of the American western frontier.
• Prince of Persia
  The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Q&A on IGN talks with David Chateauneuf of Ubi Soft Montreal about the return of the acrobatic prince.
• CENEGA
  Les questions et les réponses on Sanqualis is their Q&A with the folks from CENEGA presenting answers to questions about Shade, Korea Forgotten Conflict, and UFO Aftermath in an unusual format (but they are all in English).
• Star Wars Galaxies
  IGN's Star Wars Galaxies Q&A catches up with Raph Koster, Kevin O'Hara, and Haden Blackman to discuss the Star Wars MMORPG, and how players have been reacting to what it has to offer.
• Rise of the Elves
  RPG Vault's Disciples II: Rise of the Elves Q&A is a discussion with Ariel Gauthier and Ethan Petty about the upcoming expansion for Strategy First's strategy game, the new elven race it will offer, and more.
• EverQuest
  EverQuest's Vault EQ Mini Q&A #1 asks a few questions of SOE's Alan VanCouvering.

• Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna on Gamers Pulse, GameZone, and HomeLAN Fed.
• Painkiller on Game Chronicles. Thanks Frans.

• City of Heroes on Warcry.
• Cleric on Warcry.
• Face of Mankind on RPG Vault.
• Joan of Arc on Gaming Chart.
• Kreed on Action Vault.
• Magic: The Gathering - Battlegrounds on Warcry.
• Neverwinter Nights: Hoardes of the Underdark on the Official Website. Thanks Maximus.
• Restricted Area on RPG Vault.
• War of the Ring on GameGossip.
• Wanted Guns on the Official Website. Thanks Frans.
• Weird War on GenGamers.

One time id designer American McGee, now signing off as "Creative Director (of) The Mauretania Import Export Co" sends word that they are holding a Video Game Casting Call for game players from southern California as they conduct open casting for a video game television show. He says: "think 'iron chef' meets 'jackass' meets head-to-head gaming."

Thanks Mike Martinez.

• RivaTuner 2 RC 14 is now available.
• Microsoft moves beyond patches.
• Huge computing power goes online. Thanks Carl Hinton.
• MPEG founder seeks copy-protection accord.
• Palm Hands Off New Handhelds.
• SonicVision Reaches for Stars.
• Chatbot talks way into marketing arsenal.
• 3G Mobile Signals Health Effects and Study: 3G phones can make brain hurt.
• Lindows to Microsoft Buzz Off.
• Huge computing power goes online.
• Wireless gizmo for PC music hits home.
• AOL to launch service for Hispanics in U.S.

The first public beta of the UETF Chronicles is now available, a cooperative teamplay modification for Unreal Tournament 2003. This mod is a finalist in phase one of the Make Something Unreal contest.

• Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic on Gamer's Pulse.
• Command & Conquer Generals: Zero Hour on Gameplanet NZ.
• Conflict: Desert Storm II on Jolt.co.uk.
• Europa Universalis: Crown of the North on Boomtown.
• Freedom Fighters on PC Arena, Computer Games Romania, and (in German) on WithinGames.
• Greyhawk: the Temple of Elemental Evil on RPG Codex.
• Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader on GameAxis, Worthplaying, and GameBiz.com.au.
• Medal of Honor: Allied Assault Breakthrough on Games Domain.
• Neighbours From Hell on IGN and GamerDad.
• SimCity 4: Rush Hour on ActionTrip and GameSpy.
• Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy on Computer and Video Games.
• TRON 2.0 (in German) on GamersUnitedNetwork.

• ABIT IC7-MAX3 Motherboard on X-bit labs.
• Asetek WaterChill on Overclockers Australia.
• ATI Radeon 9600 XT & 9800 XT Video Cards on Bjorn3D.
• ATI Radeon 9800 XT Video Card on Beyond3D, Gamers Depot, Sudhian Media and The Tech Report.
• IOSS RD5 – 5 in 1 USB Card Reader/Writer on Jsi Hardware.
• Logitech Cordless MX Duo vs Logitech Freedom Optical on hardwarezoom.
• Maxtor 5000DV 200GB External Hard Drive on BYTESECTOR.
• MSI CR52-M 52/32/52 CD-RW on CDRLabs.
• MSI GeForce FX5600 Ultra Video Card on HEXUS.net.
• MSI NBOX N5900 Ultra Video Card on Bjorn3D.
• NEC HDM 515 Phone on BYTESECTOR.
• Samsung SCX-4216F Printer on ExtensionTech.
• Soyo KT600 DRAGON Ultra PE Motherboard on MBReview.
• Steelpad 4S Professional Gaming Mouse Pad on Tweaknews.
• Toshiba SD-R5112 DVD-R-RW on Digit-Life.
• X-Micro Bluetooth USB Dongles (in German) on TecCentral.de.
• Zalman ZM-RS6F Theatre 6 Headphones on GruntvillE.

• Does virtual crime need real justice?...
• The Ultimate Batting Zone is where to sign up to beta test Ultimate Baseball Online...
• Slashdot | Arcade ROMs for Download, Legally. Thanks Mike Martinez...
• Ant War is now complete, and available for online ordering. There is also a demo version for download...
• A new version 1.999 of Halloween is now available, now further tweaked, and including some new soundtrack music...
• Raven's Kenn Hoekstra is now "officially old." What does that make me?....

Still trying to work back into a normal schedule around here with all the recent goings on, but I needed to go back and sift through some submissions from the past few days to make sure things weren't falling through the cracks, so it's a bit of swimming against the tide.

On the bright side, having fought through this machine's objections to a system reinstall, a couple of nagging glitches that it had been demonstrating have cleared up, so there's still a way to view this glass as half-full (now I just need to be careful not to spill it).

Play Time:	Defender of the Crown. Thanks Ray. Spot the differences. Thanks Ant.
Link of the Day:	Faux iPod Kit.
Stories of the Day:	Man bitten by rattler while shopping at Wal-Mart. Thanks Stephanie. Pentagon plans huge 'homeland defense' dirigible. Free Mickey!
Science!:	High hopes for smoke alarm mobile. Sun lotions 'are not effective'. Revenge of the Magnetar.
Images of the Day:	Takin' it to the streets. Thanks Andrew Arace. APOD 2003 October 1 - An Unusual Event Over South Wales. Thanks Ant.
Auction of the Day:	Meet Hazel.. former groupie mannequin.
	Thanks Mike Martinez.