The ShootMania Storm Website is now accepting signups for beta testing of this upcoming online first-person shooter from TrackMania developer NADEO. They also offer a an announcement trailer with a look at the game made entirely with in game tools. The game looks surprisingly like TrackMania with guns, with an emphasis on straight-line running and signature NADEO gravity-defying gameplay. If all that's not enough, the ShootMania Facebook Page has some new screenshots (thanks Frans), and the game's Twitch TV Channel will be broadcasting a live ShootMania tournament starting June 1st, and the finals will be conducted live during E3. Continue here to read the full story.

Steam News announces that a new patch for Total War: Shogun 2 is now automatically available through the service. The new version of The Creative Assembly's real-time strategy sequel includes a bunch of fixes along with the Total War Battle Map Editor to allow the creation of new content. Speaking of new content, the update kicks off with news that some of that nears as well, saying: "There is currently a text string in the game front end advertising new DLC packs. These have not yet been released. We expect to release them next week." Here's the change list: Continue here to read the full story.

• Microsoft at E3: What to Expect.
• Joy Ride Turbo on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
• Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co and Monster World on Xbox LIVE.

• IBM worries iPhone's Siri has loose lips. Thanks Ant via Slashdot.

• 'Flash integrated into Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 8'. Thanks Ant.

• WD to Move Stock Listing to NASDAQ. Thanks HARDOCP.
• HotHardware's Two and A Half Geeks Webcast.

Thanks j.c.f.

• Cross-browser worm spreads via Facebook, security experts warn.
• Zeus Trojan variant comes with ransomware feature.
• Social engineers breach billing service WHMCS.

• ‘The Internet’ joins Reddit co-founder to annoy SOPA author with billboards.
• Bank suing Konami and Autumn Games over $15M Def Jam Rapstar credit line.

• Building a sci-fi TV show through an MMO (and vice versa)…
• New DLC Available - Dungeon Defenders: Summoner Hero…

Happy belated birthday to Unreal, as the Epic Games Website has word on the game's 14th anniversary, which was actually yesterday. Thanks Gamer's Hell.

Blizzard Entertainment is claiming a new sales record for Diablo III, their action/RPG sequel, saying it is the biggest PC game launch in history. Of all time. Ever:

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that as of the first 24 hours of Diablo® III’s release, more than 3.5 million copies had been sold, setting the new all-time record for fastest-selling PC game.* That number does not include the more than 1.2 million players who received Diablo III as part of signing up for the World of Warcraft® Annual Pass promotion. Altogether, more than 4.7 million gamers around the world were poised to storm Sanctuary on day 1 of Diablo III’s release -- representing the biggest PC-game launch in history.

“Regarding today’s announcement, we recognize that setting a new launch record is a big achievement” As of the first week of the game’s availability, that number had already grown to more than 6.3 million.* The above figures also do not include players in Korean Internet game rooms, where Diablo III has become the top-played game, achieving a record share of more than 39% as of May 22.†

Continue here to read the full story.

2K Games announces a PC demo for Spec Ops: The Line will be released on June 12th, offering the chance to sample this military-themed third-person shooter. They also announce the game will be using Steamworks for DRM, and outline its system requirements (thanks VG247). Here's word:

You want to know what kind of rig you'll need to enter sandstorm-ruined Dubai? You've got it:

Continue here to read the full story.

Tripwire Interactive announces a Red Orchestra 2 Game of the Year Edition to celebrate the positive reception for their multiplayer military shooter sequel. This GotY edition is expected by tomorrow, and it will be enhanced with additional content, including a new map and new gameplay modes. Those who already own the game will be pleased to learn all the newness will be offered to them as a free download, and will kick off a free weekend for the game on Steam, as word is: "The GOTY Edition Free Content Pack will download automatically for everyone who already owns the game - and, so everyone else can try the full game, Red Orchestra 2 will be available completely free to play for everyone on Steam this weekend, starting Thursday 24 May 2012 at 10AM Pacific Time. The content pack will be released before the free weekend starts." Here's an outline of the new features being added to the game:

• "Action" mode - Featuring a crosshair, easier aiming and toned down recoil, reduced damage and open access to a wide range of weaponry Action mode is the perfect first step for players into the world of Red Orchestra.
• "Classic" mode blends the gameplay innovations of the new game with the tactical and edgy gameplay of the original giving the fans of the first game exactly what they want.
• Mamayev Kurgan - complete new map, featuring both close-quarters battles in trenches and bunkers, as well as longer ranged combat across the famous hill in Stalingrad
• Refined and improved gameplay across the board, vehicle improvements, and way better performance and polish. We listened to the community and based on their feedback refined and tweaked almost every major feature in the game!

Remedy Entertainment announces Alan Wake’s American Nightmare is now available for Windows PCs:

Gaming’s best selling writer is taking his newest nightmare to PCs everywhere. Remedy Entertainment Ltd. today announced that Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, the critically acclaimed action-packed stand alone spinoff of Alan Wake, is now available for download on Steam and GOG for $14.99. To thank gamers for their continued support, fans who own the original Alan Wake will receive 15% off their purchase.

“Our heritage is in developing PC games so naturally we’re thrilled to be bringing the newest Alan Wake story to PC gamers,” says Matias Myllyrinne, CEO at Remedy. “We’ve worked hard to continue to make the experience worthwhile to fans that wait patiently for our PC releases, and we think they’ll agree this is an excellent addition.”

Continue here to read the full story.

Sony Online Entertainment announces Bullet Run, a free-to-play first-person shooter they plan to bring to Windows PCs this summer, offering gameplay based on a reality TV series that sounds like The Running Man. They are now accepting beta signups, and this FAQ attempts to answer any questions all this might raise. Here's word on the game:

Welcome to Bullet Run, the killer new Free-to-Play multiplayer online first person shooter. Set in the near future, Bullet Run is the hottest new reality TV game show. Contestants battle to the death with real ammo, real weapons and real attitude. Episodes take place on a variety of sets including a warehouse, a shanty town, an oil rig and more. Through a revolutionary "Synth" technology, these reality stars will die, re-incarnate into a new body, and jump right back into the action until the episode is complete. Nothing's more entertaining than watching someone avenge their own death! In Bullet Run it's not simply gaining the kill that wins you fame. Style and attitude, combined with a hair trigger and cat like reflexes will bring contestants the fame they so desperately desire.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer Cube Roots and publisher Devolver Digital announce Dungeon Hearts, a puzzle/RPG hybrid coming to Windows, OS X, and mobile devices next year:

Independent developer Cube Roots and the devastatingly handsome gents of Devolver Digital have announced a partnership to bring the puzzle/RPG hybrid Dungeon Hearts to PC, Mac, and mobile devices in early 2013. Cube Roots’ debut game features a nostalgic blend of classic RPG elements fused into a vibrant match-three puzzle game for a wholly unique experience.

Continue here to read the full story.

The NVIDIA Drivers Page now offers new version 301.42 GeForce reference drivers for NVIDIA accelerators offering the first WHQL-certified drivers from the new R300 series. These add support for 600-series GPUs and promise significant performance improvements for graphics cards based on the GeForce 400 and 500-series. Thanks Wookiestick.

• Game Developers Conference China opens 2012 event's call for submissions.
• Game Developers Conference: GDC Europe 2012 debuts new Mafia II, hacking, fundraising talks?

• Company of Heroes 2 on Strategy Informer.

• T-Mobile Says no to Shared Data Plans. Thanks Ant.
• Chin Up on the iTunes App Store.
• Fish Crackers on the iTunes App Store.
• Nova Golf on the iTunes App Store.

• FCC chairman supports broadband data caps amid Netflix protests.
• Digital media brings erotic books out of the closet. Thanks Acleacius.

• AMD Radeon Catalyst Performance- Windows 7 vs. Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.
• TV maker Vizio turns to computers, takes on Apple. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Best Buy the authority in electronics- 'Not anymore,' says CEO. Thanks HARDOCP.

Thanks j.c.f.

• Windows Vista infection rates climb, says Microsoft. Insert Vista is a virus joke here. Thanks Ant.
• NASA Investigating Possible SSL Compromise.
• Fake Amex ID verification email leads to malware.

• Former Yahoo executive charged with insider trading.
• Sen. Wyden: CISPA creates ‘a Cyber Industrial Complex’ to feed on private data. Thanks Acleacius.
• FCC chairman supports broadband data caps amid Netflix protests. Thanks j.c.f.

• Diablo 3 on ActionTrip.
• Reflexio on The Indie Mine.
• Street Fighter X Tekken on Rage3D.com.
• Torchlight II on Gaming Illustrated.

• BitFenix Shinobi XL Case on PureOC.
• Corsair Vengeance C70 Case on Guru3D.
• Corsair Vengeance 8GB 1866MHz CL10 Laptop SODIMM Memory Kit on Legit Reviews.
• DEEPCOOL Ice Wind Pro Cooler on Overclockers Club.
• GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3 (Z77) Motherboard on eTeknix.
• Lepa G1600-MA 1600W PSU on TweakTown.
• Patriot Supersonic Boost XT 32GB Flash Drive on Legion Hardware.
• Phanteks PH-TC14CS_RD CPU Cooler on DragonSteelMods.
• Samsung Green DDR3 1600MHz 8GB 30nm Memory Kit on eTeknix.
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 Camera on TechReviewSource.com.
• Thermaltake Frio Advanced Heatsink on FrostyTech.com.

• From Dust now available on the Chrome Web Store…
• Modern Warfare 2 was nearly handed to Treyarch…

Had an email glitch last night, so a couple of stories from yesterday were delayed until this morning. Everything seems to be normal now, so hopefully I'm more-or-less caught up.

R.I.P.: Eugene Polley, inventor of TV remote, dies at 96. Thanks Ant via Slashdot.

Remote Links:	Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez and Acleacius.
Play:	Double Edged. Shifting Castle.
Stories:	Joss Whedon Is On The Fence About Directing The Avengers Sequel. Man survives Niagara Falls plunge. Thanks brother19. Candidate for Mexican congress appears topless on billboards. Thanks brother19.
Images:	Cleanest mouse in history? Someone likes gaming.
Media:	Incoming! Head On! Truck Tips Over In Curve. Kyrie Irving Plays a Pick Up Game Disguised as an Old Man. EPIC Slinky Running On A Treadmill.
The Funnies:	Twaggies.