Earlier today VU Games president of international operations, told Reuters the source code theft would result in a four month delay (Valve, though, has not confirmed that delay), pushing Half-Life 2 back to April 2004 (story). Now CNN reports following:

When hackers broke into the computing system of Valve Software, they stole more than just the source code to Half-Life 2. They also stole enough game maps and other components to put together a playable build of the game. Today, five days after the first leak, they have released that build.

Today's release of a playable version of the game brings Vivendi's comments from earlier today into question. Ramboz told Reuters "a third of the source code was stolen". However, with the stolen game now out, it's possible a more complete version of the source code was taken...

PC.IGN let us know that Commandos 3: Destination Berlin from Eidos has received gold status and is heading to production. While this applies to both the German and English versions of the game, the only shipping date confirmed is for Germany, where the game is set to ship October 24.

Halo Dedicated Server 1.02 has been released; it adds the ability to run multiple instances of the server on a single machine, and enables RCON functionality (you can remotely control the server, without needing direct access to the machine). Gearbox and Bungie are making this available tonight, so that folks running dedicated servers can be prepared when the client patch goes live, DO NOT INSTALL THIS YET, nobody will be able to play on your server. Simply get it to your server tonight, so that you're ready when the switchover occurs tomorrow. The mapfiles are not included, they will be released tomorrow, for those who don't already have them.

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• War Of The Ring - Good & Evil Trailer
• Total Club Manager 2004 - Trailer
• Metal Arms: Glitch In The System - Trailer
• Korea: Forgotten Conflict - Trailer
• Hunter The Reckoning Redeemer - Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Sierra has released a demo for their upcoming action/adventure title The Hobbit. In cooperation with McDonalds they are releasing 3 separate demo's (only available in North California, Portland, Eugene & Medford OR) but we managed to bribe Ronald with some extra cheeze burgers and for your convenience we merged all of them into one. This is the complete demo, all 3 parts of it! Read more for download links ...

Battlestar Galactica delivers a compelling and immersive space action experience as players move seamlessly between stunning cinematics and epic space battles against the insidious, mechanical power of the Cylons. Fight the insidious Cylons in epic space battles utilizing advanced tactics and an arsenal of weaponry, including the greatest weapon mankind ever conceived — The Battlestar Galactica. Read more to check out some new screens ...

Shortly after the demo, Cinemaware/Capcom sends word that they have released the first patch for their recently released 3D action strategy Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1.01 and addresses 3 minor bugs. Read more for details and download links ...

In this gritty and darkly humorous 3rd person action adventure, players join the courageous Brotherhood of Steel, whose mission is to maintain peace in the grim post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. Battling raiders, mutants and a host of radioactive nightmares, players attempt to save the scattered remnants of the human race. Life is hard, mutation is rampant and the closet thing to law and order is the fusion-powered pistol that you carry on your hip. Read more for some juicy & exclusive screens, wallpapers and some new trailers ...

After a long exclusivity period, Cinemaware has finally released the demo for their 3D action strategy remake "Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown". This is a limited DEMO version which covers the introductory part of the game, the player can play the entire Sherwood Forest sequence and try to defeat the Sheriff. It ends once you open up to England.. Read more for download links ...

Capcom today announced the release of Viewtiful Joe for the GameCube. An all-new concept in video games, Viewtiful Joe blends the latest cel-shaded graphic advancements with classic side-scrolling action gameplay tointroduce the world’s quirkiest action superhero, Joe! Viewtiful Joe redefines the action genre by mixing innovative “viewpoint” fighting and amazing cartoon-noir environments, resulting in a visual experience unlike any other.

Loaded Studio is working on a new upcoming fast-paced action game Storm Angel. It combines the latest 3D visual effects with the classic side-scrolling shoot'em up formula. Storm Angel is a very fast-paced action game with 13 full-action packed level. The player will have to take control of the Storm Angel, an attack and defense ship ,which can support 10 different weapons with 7 levels of power. Read more for some screens ...

In SÖLDNER - Secret Wars the player takes command of one of these special teams. As Commander he leads the small high tech army consisting of soldiers, light armoured vehicles, helicopters and VTOLs to fulfill a wide variety of mission. The Simulation of a highly complex political system creates a dynamic campaign: each decision has direct impact on the flow of the game. Read more to check some awesome screens ...

Exclusive to Xbox, Breakdown is a sci-fi thriller that combines the best elements of shooters and fighters in a first-person action/adventure game. The game's intense storyline is told through high-quality real time rendered graphics that bring an unprecedented level of realism to the player. The game features fierce weapon-based first-person shooter combat, challenging puzzles to solve, surreal dream sequences, advanced AI, and massive detailed environments for exploration. Read more for some new screens ...

ESPN Videogames today announced details of the ESPN Videogames Online Leagues for PlayStation 2 gamers who eagerly await the company's sports game lineup for the 2003-04 season. ESPN Videogames Online Leagues invite ESPN NFL Football, ESPN NBA Basketball, and ESPN College Hoops players to create and manage their own leagues with other sports gamers across the country. The leagues are now accessible at the ESPN Videgames' website by clicking on the 'PS2 Online Gaming' link. This feature can be accessed through any PC with an Internet connection.

Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps fis a real-time tactical game boasting single and multiplayer modes, Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps immerses you into the explosive campaigns that took place in North Africa during World War II. Set across two campaigns and twenty missions, you take the role of either friend or foe as you follow the fascinating destinies of an English and a German hero who were once friends and who are now constrained to fight each other in this “war without hate” (thanks Gamestar). Read more for some new screens ...

Specnaz is a first person shooter from Byte Software, and it's built on the outdoor 3D engine (Amoeba), in which main character passes through real environments and uses real weapons. Specnaz: Project Wolf is a shortcut of the military name called SPECIALNOGO NAZNACENIYA, which means SPECIAL FORCES.. Check out 3 new screens!

Today Buka Entertainment is pleased to announce that it has signed a software licensing agreement with The SeVeN M Group. This agreement includes three games of different genres:

• Battle Mages RTS/RPG elements
  
• Fair Strike helicopter action/sim
  
• Steamland RTS

Atlus U.S.A. announced today that "DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions" for the Game Boy Advance, an offshoot of the insanely popular Shin Megami Tensei series in Japan has shipped to retailers nationwide..

Join Timon, Pumbaa and Simba in the greatest Disney's The Lion King adventures yet. Disney Interactive, a publishing label of Buena Vista Games, Inc., today announced the availability of "Disney's The Lion King 1 1/2" for Game Boy Advance and "Disney's The Lion King PC Game Collection" in retail stores nationwide. Created with the same spirited fun and humor as the cherished films, both titles will capture kids' hearts as they journey through the many awaiting challenges, activities and surprises. With the Game Boy Advance title, kids also get to view exclusive film clips for The Walt Disney Company's upcoming film, "Disney's The Lion King 1 1/2: Hakuna Matata," coming to DVD and video in February 2004.