In an effort to block cheaters from entering its massively multiplayer online game, Lineage II, NCsoft integrated the anti-hacking software, nProtect GameGuard into the Lineage II client late last week.

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), the professional organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of interactive arts, announced today that Trip Hawkins will be awarded the AIAS Hall of Fame Award, joining an elite group of interactive entertainment industry legends. Hawkins will be given the award at the 8th Annual Interactive Achievements Awards ceremony, being held at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas on February 1, the second evening of the 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit.

Nobilis today announced they have signed a distribution agreement with publisher Kando Games for its latest aerial combat arcade game Rebel Raiders : Operation Nighthawk. Featuring 16 missions, and multiple unlockable bonus missions, Rebel Raiders : Operation Nighthawk is under development for PS2 and PC and expected to hit retail in April. No details as to when, and by who, it will come to the rest of Europe, or North America. Read more to check out some screens...

Microsoft Game Studios today announced the release date for BioWare’s upcoming martial arts masterpiece, Jade Empire. The Xbox-exclusive, epic action-RPG game is set in a world inspired by the myths and legends of ancient China and will leap into stores across North America starting on April 14, with worldwide distribution occurring shortly thereafter.

G5 Software and publisher IDDK are plugging away on the helicopter arcade title "Red Shark 2" - a sequel to the thrilling forerunner "Red Shark". The game is going to be a worthy successor of the first part's traditions and proceed with the idea of time correction. Read more for details and first screens.

Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich is a comic book-inspired tactical role-playing game features a brand new league of heroes and villains, overhauled combat system, and spectacular graphic enhancements. Read more for new screens...

Magic Hat Software has announced its new MMORPG Irth Online is scheduled for commercial release in the second quarter of 2005, and that Beta test applications are now being accepted on the Irth Online web site.

Ubisoft has released a new patch for Crytek's Far Cry. This update patch brings your retail version to v1.31, and addresses a multiplayer exploit. Read more for download links ...

Ubisoft has released a second demo for its action/adventure Prince of Persia Warrior Within. Details are a bit limited but apparently, this new demo features two levels different than those in the first demo - mixing intensive action and platforming - with CG cinematics and a trailer at the end. Read more for download links ...

Further indications that Climax's RPG Sudeki might be coming to the PC have emerged today as Yiyas.de has noticed the German Ratings Board, similar to the UK's ELSPA and ESRB in the US, has given Sudeki PC a USK 12 rating. Publisher ZOO Digital has been accredited as distributor the PC version (thanks Blues). With more and more hints being revealed, isn't it time for an official statement?