Activision Blizzard announces their second quarter financial results, which are better than projected, which CEO Bobby Kotick attributes to "record digital sales of our online-enabled franchises." Word is:

In the quarter, the company delivered record GAAP net revenues of $1.1 billion, as compared with $967 million for the second quarter of 2010. On a non-GAAP basis, the company's net revenues were $699 million, as compared with $683 million for the second quarter of 2010. For the second quarter, the company delivered record GAAP net revenues from digital channels, representing a 27% increase year over year, and accounting for 37% of the company's total net revenues. On a non-GAAP basis, record net revenues from digital channels increased 13% year over year, accounting for more than 60% of the quarter's total net revenues.

For the second quarter of 2011, Activision Blizzard's GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.29, as compared with $0.17 for the second quarter of 2010. On a non-GAAP basis, the company's earnings per diluted share were $0.10, as compared with $0.06 for the second quarter of 2010.

Blizzplanet has word from the post-earnings conference call, where the company stated beta testing of Diablo III will commence by the end of the third quarter, which ends in September. If this seems familiar, it is because they announced basically the same thing during the conference call following their Q1 financials.

The StarCraft II Website announces the demo for the real-time strategy sequel has been replaced with the StarCraft II: Starter Edition, which allows anyone with a Battle.net account and an internet connection to play the following content for free:

• The first four missions of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty single-player campaign, including Mar Sara 1-3 and the choice to embark on Tychus’s first mission or Dr. Hansen’s first mission.
• The first two Challenges: Tactical Command and Covert Ops.
• Access to the terran race in Custom Games and Single-Player vs. AI.
• Access to the following custom maps (map selection may rotate over time):
  • Xel’Naga Caverns
  • Shattered Temple
  • Discord IV
  • High Orbit

Word is: "Any campaign progress and achievements you earn while playing StarCraft II: Starter Edition are automatically saved to your Battle.net account, and will carry over should you ever upgrade from the Starter Edition to the full version of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty."

An interview on Rock, Paper, Shotgun talks with Arthur Bruno of Crate Entertainment, the developer formed in early 2009 by veterans of Iron Lore Entertainment, developer of Titan Quest. Topics include more details about the demise of Iron Lore and the formation of Crate, a bit about their feelings about Titan Quest, their loyalty to action/RPGs, and Grim Dawn, their upcoming contribution to that genre. In sending this along, reader Nomaar notes how appealing their approach sounds, as Bruno says: "I think we’re probably unique just in the sense that, while most studios are redesigning their games to be more casual-player friendly, we’re busy making Grim Dawn more complex and probably casual-player hostile."

"I think it's a fallacy that it hasn't. Everyone quotes World of Warcraft as being the obvious one, but there's a massively thriving community of hardcore gamers on the PC still. The way they get their games is different where it's nearly all online delivery, so you've got the likes of Paradox, who do a variety of niche content but it's all massively hardcore and serves that audience. You've got the World of Tanks guys who have something like a million concurrent users or something stupid like that. That is not a platform that is in trouble. It's just different, it's changed," says Epic's Mike Gamble. "It happens every so often, we've been having the same talks since Windows 95. It goes up and down, the consoles are here and the PC is in the trough, then the PCs are here and consoles are down there. That's how the performance works, just the fact that deliver has changed on PC, that it's not trackable as it once was, it's not the retail, it doesn't mean it's gone."

Games

• BRINK: Agents of Change on Steam.
• Magical Mysteries: Path of the Sorceress on Impulse.
• Pirates of Black Cove on Impulse.
• The Sims 3 Town Life Stuff on Impulse.

Patches

• Flight Control HD on Steam.
• Nation Red Update on Steam.
• The Sims Medieval on Steam. DRM change.

The Humble Indie Bundle #3 is now offering the contents of The Humble Indie Bundle #2 to all customers who pay more that the average price paid for the bundle, which is $5.02.

• Atomic City Adventures - Case of the Black Dragon on Impulse. Save 33% on preorders and get an in-game hoverbike.
• Machinarium on Steam. Save 75%.
• Tropico 4 on Impulse. Pre-purchase and get Tropico reloaded for free.
  
  Still on sale (previously reported):
  Continue here to read the full story.

• NBA's Greatest mode added to '2K12'.
• Nintendo's Problem Isn't Hardware—They Stopped Making Killer Games.

• Computer scientist calls for Web search shake-up.
• So you’re MAD about something on the Internet… Thanks j.c.f.

• HWiNFO32 and HWiNFO64 versions 3.83 are now available. Thanks Ant.
• Nintendo Apple Combination 'Would Be Force to be Reckoned With'.

• Microsoft Offers $250,000 For Security Defense Research. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• US wants to build cybersecurity protection plan for cars.

• Germany's War on Facebook. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.

• Enderman - Minecraft. Thanks Ant…

Link of the Day: Celebration Timing FAIL. Thanks Ant.

Activision announces Rezurrection, a new DLC pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops that will launch first on Xbox LIVE on August 23rd, and for the Windows and PlayStation 3 editions of the military shooter sequel at some point after that, adding: "To commemorate the upcoming release of Rezurrection and Call of Duty XP, the team will host Double XP over the Labor Day holiday weekend." The Xbox version will be 1200 MS points, but since the four remastered zombie maps from Call of Duty: World at War are included in the Hardened and Prestige Editions of the game, the pack will be free to those who purchased either of those (neither of which was offered for Windows anyway). The Rezurrection pack will also include an enhanced zombie soundtrack, and a new map that takes the fight against the zombies into the low-gravity environment of the moon. Word is: "With new outrageous weapons, high-tech gear, and a bloodthirsty undead menace, Moon is the most challenging and thrilling Zombies adventure yet." Here are some screenshots, and here's the feature list:

• The all new Moon level
• Four re-mastered levels of Zombie lore: Nacht der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa and Der Riese, the Zombie factory that started it all
• An enhanced Zombies Soundtrack including three tracks never before available for purchase
• A new Zombies Moon theme

A new trailer from Dungeons - The Dark Lord shows off gameplay from Kalypso Media's upcoming strategy/simulation sequel. Word is: "The new trailer features story elements and gameplay from the game where players will be tasked to capture heroes and steal their precious soul energy, all while building bigger and better dungeons to plot the downfall of those who would dare oppose you." The clip concludes saying the game is coming in September, and the note Kalypso sent with the clip specifies that the game will be released for Windows PCs on September 27. Here's the embedded clip. Continue here to read the full story.

A note in the Origin Terms of Service outlines conditions that may provoke Electronic Arts to delete user accounts from their fledgling online service, as the section on "Content and Entitlement Availability" reserves their right to delete accounts that have been inactive for 24 months. This caught the eye of Rock, Paper, Shotgun, and they have inquiries in to EA asking whether it is correct to think this means it will be possible to lose access to achievements, DLC, or even games as a result of this, but this has not yet inspired a response. Here's the wording of the clause in question:

Entitlements may only be held in Accounts belonging to legal residents of countries where access to and use of Content and Entitlements is permitted. Entitlements may be purchased or acquired only from EA or an authorized retailer. EA reserves the right to refuse your request(s) to acquire Entitlements, and EA reserves the right to limit or block any request to acquire Entitlements for any reason.

We do not guarantee that any Content or Entitlement will be available at all times or at any given time or that we will continue to offer particular Content or Entitlements for any particular length of time. We reserve the right to change and update Content and Entitlements without notice to you. If you have not used your Entitlements or Account for twenty four (24) months or more and your Account has associated Entitlements, your Entitlements will expire and your Account may be cancelled for non-use. Once you have redeemed your Entitlements, that content is not returnable, exchangeable, or refundable for other Entitlements or for cash, or other goods or services.

Activision announces more details about Call of Duty XP, their COD-centric gaming gathering to be held next month in Los Angeles. They offer details on the $1 million Xbox 360 tournament, other hands-on gaming experiences attendees will enjoy, and reveal that all event attendees will receive a redemption code for a free copy of the Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition when the military shooter sequel is released in November. Tickets are good for both days, and are on sale for $150.00 each, with all proceeds to benefit the Call of Duty Endowment.

This new ‘Classified Information’ trailer from Deus Ex: Human Revolution shows off more of the action/RPG prequel in the works at Eidos Montreal. Word is: "A tips-driven, in-depth look at Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Learn how to best approach situations using stealth, combat, social and hacking gameplay, benefits to using augmentations, story overview and key characters you, as Adam Jensen, will encounter. The truth will change you." On a related note, Square Enix announces charitybuzz is auctioning a limited run of prints of works based on the game that from an art show based on the game, with proceeds "going to funding further education in the arts." The embedded version of the trailer follows. Continue here to read the full story.

Gearbox Software tweets a confirmation of yesterday's indications that Borderlands 2 is in development. The official Borderlands 2 Website is online, offering a bit on plans for the role-playing shooter sequel, and saying it is expected between April 2012 and March 2013. Here's word:

New York, NY – August 3, 2011 – 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that the sequel to the extravasplosive breakout hit, Borderlands™, is currently in development at world-renowned developer Gearbox Software. Coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC during Take-Two's fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the epic sequel to the ultimate four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest. Combining invention and evolution, Borderlands 2 features all new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in an ambitiously crafted story. Players will reveal secrets, and escalate mysteries of the Borderlands universe as they adventure across the unexplored new areas of Pandora.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are taking this show on the road, and fans and media will be able to get their first look at the game at Gamescom 2011 from August 17 – August 21, and at PAX Prime (Booth #3417) from August 26 – August 28. Eager gamers can learn more about Borderlands 2 right now by picking up the latest issue of Game Informer Magazine, which has the worldwide exclusive cover story on the title. Readers will find many game details inside the issue, including the first reveal of one of the several new character classes being introduced in Borderlands 2.

Battle.net has word that BlizzCon 2011 Virtual Tickets are now on sale. Here's the deal on how you can attend Blizzard's upcoming gaming convention from the comfort of home:

The BlizzCon 2011 Virtual Ticket is now available for purchase around the world for $39.99 USD (pricing may vary by region). Virtual Ticket coverage will be available as a multi-channel Internet stream and also via Pay-per-View on DIRECTV in the United States, granting viewers a front-row seat to all of the action on the show floor including exclusive interviews, demos, and more!

DIRECTV customers who order the Pay-per-View event will receive the multi-channel Internet stream at no extra charge, and those who order the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket will also receive this year’s to-be-announced BlizzCon-exclusive World of Warcraft and StarCraft II in-game items.

Don't miss out! To learn more about the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket, head on over to our official BlizzCon 2011 Live Stream page.

GamePron has word that Australian gamers looking into the just-announced Red Orchestra 2 Pre-Purchases on Steam are greeted with a message saying they will receive the "low violence version," which they say is the same message that appears on the Australian version of Left 4 Dead 2. Australia recently approved an RA18+ rating that should cover such games, but this has not yet taken effect. It is not certain whether the Australian edition of the military shooter sequel will be censored, however, as Tripwire's Alan Wilson posted a statement about this on the Steam Users' Forums:

We've put "LV" up for Australia because we haven't got the rating back yet - and dear old Oz has just announced the new higher rating category. We are HOPING that they will take the same view as PEGI/BBFC and NOT go all silly on us. However, until we're sure, we putting LV up to be safe. The Okkers may want to wait a few days and see what the end result is - but we'd hate for you to buy it and THEN find your ratings board can't cope with dismemberment (like USK...).

• Assembly 2011. Finland's largest computer festival in Helsinki from August 4-7. Thanks Morris.

• SMITE on Blue's News.

• Warhammer 40,000- Kill Team Ships to North America and Launch Trailer.
• BBFC rates Red Dead Redemption GOTY edition.
• 'Bastion' a Riveting Trip to the Wasteland - NYTimes.com. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Xbox LIVE Arcade: Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet.

• RIM Announces BlackBerry Torch 9810, Bold 9900, Torch 9860.
• British Library offers e-classics app for iPad. Thanks Acleacius.
• Dash Race for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store.
• Free Univision Radio app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store.

• Internet Explorer story was bogus. Thanks Acleacius.
• iTunes Replay rumor redux- now with TV, movie re-downloads.

• Google, data centers using less power than expected. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Intel's 'Cloud-in-a-box' Technology. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• How-To Build a Quiet Ultimate Gaming PC - Bjorn3D.com.
• Intel Sandy Bridge Speeds Up On Linux 3.1 Kernel.

Thanks Acleacius.

• State actor seen behind enormous wave of cyber attacks. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Government drops website blocking.
• Security Firm Identifies Global Cyber Spying. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Microsoft locks down Wi-Fi geolocation service after privacy concerns.
• Android users twice as likely to see malware than six months ago. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.
• Data of Sun website users stolen.
• Researchers warn of SCADA equipment discoverable via Google. Thanks [H]ard-OCP.

• Patent row halts Samsung Galaxy launch in Australia. Thanks Acleacius.

• Call of Juarez: The Cartel on Strategy Informer.
• E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy on Games On Net.
• From Dust on Strategy Informer.
• LIMBO on AtomicGamer, Examiner.com, and GameSpot.
• Out of the Park Baseball 12 on Game Stooge.
• Pirates of Black Cove on GameBanshee and Strategy Informer.

• Acer Iconia Tab A500 Tablet on TechSpot Reviews.
• AMD A6-3650 Llano APU on Hardware Canucks and HotHardware.
• Aprolink Shell Luminous iPhone 4 Case on ThinkComputers.org.
• Arctic Freezer 13 Limited Edition CPU Cooler on Real World Labs.
• Budget Case Roundup on Neoseeker.
• Compro IP70 Network Camera on Bjorn3D.com.
• Cooler Master CM STORM Enforcer Case on HardwareLook.com.
• Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold 800W PSU on ProClockers.
• Cooler Master Sirus Gaming Headset on XSReviews.
• Corsair Carbide Series 400R Case on Guru3D and Hardware Secrets.
• Enermax MAXREVO 1350W PSU on Hardware Heaven.
• Fractal Design Define R3 Mid-Tower Case on Techgage.
• GIGABYTE GA-A75M-UD2H Motherboard on PureOC.
• GIGABYTE GTX570 1280MB 'Super Overclock' Edition Graphics Card on Vortez.
• Hercules XPS Diamond 2.0 USB Speakers on t-break.
• HP TouchPad (Wi-Fi) Tablet on TechReviewSource.
• Kingston DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 Gen 2 32GB Flash Drive on Legit Reviews.
• Kingston HyperX 240GB SandForce SF-2281 SSD on TweakTown and Overclock3D.
• Kingwin Lazer Platinum LZP-550W PSU on TweakTown.
• Lamptron Fan Controller FC8 on Mad Shrimps.
• Midrange SSD Comparison - OCZ vs Crucial vs Patriot vs Kingston on HCW.
• MSI N580GTX Lightning Xtreme Edition Graphics Card on PC Perspective.
• Ozone TRACE Muse mat on Overclockers Club.
• Patriot Box Office Core on techPowerUp.
• Sapphire Radeon HD 6950 2GB TOXIC Graphics Card on TweakTown.
• SteelSeries Spectrum 7xb Wireless Gaming Headset on Legit Reviews.
• Strontium Gamma 115GB & Matrix 120GB SSD on VR-Zone.com.
• Thermaltake FrioOCK CPU Cooler on ProClockers.
• Thermaltake Frio CPU Cooler on VR-Zone.com.

• Activision Earnings Preview…
• WW2 RTS game Thunder Fleets is now available for Windows,OS X, and iPad, and a playable demo is available…
• Batman: Arkham Asylum- FAQ/Walkthrough and Baron Wittard: Nemesis of Ragnarok – HintThrough…
• Young video game fan getting his wish. Getting to visit Vavle Valve…
• Wanna Learn How to Defuse Real Bombs? Play Video Games…
• When Cheese Fails Epic Probe Counter Cheese. NSFW. Thanks Ant…

Ooops, meant to wish our oldest niece a happy birthday yesterday. Perhaps this was a subconscious avoidance of coming to grips with how this makes it seem like time flies, as she turned nine years old! Happy birthday Jenna! Now slow down a bit, okay?

Birthday Links:	Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez and Acleacius.
Play:	Frontline Defense- Special Ops Color World Origins. Thanks Daniel. Battle Stance - Human Campaign.
Links:	It's on like Donkey Kong- A brief history (infographic). Chrontendo.
Stories:	Rare Alfred Hitchcock film footage uncovered. Bomb strapped to teen girl in exclusive Sydney suburb.
Science:	'Multiverse' theory suggested by microwave background. Oxygen finally spotted in space. Plastic heart gives dad Matthew Green new lease of life.
Images:	The Konami Code. 25 Amazing Cosplay Pictures From Comic-Con 2011.
Media:	Born this Way - Lady Gaga (Comic-con Cosplay Lipdub). Lube Repair Shops Still Hard At Work Ripping You Off.
The Funnies:	Dilbert.
Follow-up:	Columbia shuttle debris found in drought-stricken lake.