If true, there’s no concrete word on what the gang at Insomniac could have in store for multiple platforms. Back in November of 2008, the developer opened a North Carolina-based studio.

While we’re not aware of the specifics regarding Sony’s contractual agreement with Insomniac, there’s a good chance they have a tight leash on the Ratchet and Resistance brands. Seeing those make the jump would be highly unlikely to say the least. A new IP sounds like a safer bet.

Rumor: Insomniac Games Branching Out Towards Multiple Platforms - [eXophase.com]

Without delving too far into spoiler territory, this mission will incorporate elements of stealth as Shepard and his band of cohorts embark on an undercover stint at the estate of crime lord Donovan Hock.

Slated to hit Xbox 360 and PC next month on April 6, there’s no word on price yet.

Mass Effect 2 ‘Stolen Memory’ DLC Hits April 6 - [eXophase.com]

Screenshots did not accompany the announcement, unfortunately. Seeing Crysis 2 in action on consoles blew us away, so we’re excited to see how another developer will leverage this technology. Hit the break for a statement from Xaviant CEO Michael McMain.

“Our strategy at Xaviant is to build games that can only come from the minds of gamers, which means we have to focus on our core discipline: game design. When we partnered with Crytek, we had high expectations for their product. However we had not anticipated the extent to which they exceeded those expectations. The rapid iteration and the number of tools we get ‘out of the box’ are remarkable. In just six short weeks we were able to create a ‘proof of concept’ demo with an incredibly high level of detail. And with the immense help of Crytek’s expert support, we even met the truly tough GDC deadline. In my opinion, anyone serious about making a game should check out CryEngine.” states Michael McMain, CEO of Xaviant LLC.

Xaviant Licenses CryEngine 3 For Action RPG Lichdom - [eXophase.com]

Whether or not this strong momentum will continue remains to be seen. Next few months should prove to be interesting. See the complete breakdown of figures past the break.

Dollar Sales

Video Games    $1.26B
Video Games Hardware    $426.4M
Video Games Software    $624.4M
Video Game Accessories    $204.7M

Hardware Units

PlayStation 2    101.9K
PlayStation 3    360.1K
PSP    133.4K
Xbox 360    422.0K
Wii    397.9K
Nintendo DS    613.2K

Top 10 VG Console/Portable SKU’s February 2010

BIOSHOCK 2 – 360 – 562.9K
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII – WII – 555.6K
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2*    - 360 – 314.3K
JUST DANCE – WII – 275.4K
SPORTS RESORT W/ WII MOTION PLUS* – WII – 272.5K
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2*    - PS3 – 252.8K
MASS EFFECT 2 – 360 – 246.5K
DANTE’S INFERNO: DIVINE EDITION – PS3 – 242.5K
DANTE’S INFERNO – 360 – 224.7K
HEAVY RAIN – PS3 – 219.3K

(*includes CE, GOTY editions, bundles, etc. but not those bundled with hardware)

February NPD: Xbox 360 Emerges Victorious - [eXophase.com]

Additionally, a multiplayer mode supporting up to 2-4 players locally or online is due for inclusion.

We absolutely loved the dual-screen original, heralding it as a must-have DS title. The jump to HD makes us giddy with excitement. This will be one to watch when it releases later this summer. More direct-feed shots can be viewed past the break.

Might & Magic Clash of Heroes Goes HD On XBLA, PSN - [eXophase.com]

We use the term map pack loosely here, as both these maps already exist on the BC2 game disc itself — Arica Harbour and Laguna Presa. This update will simply allow them to be playable  in Conquest and Rush mode respectively. Still, it’s a nice gesture.

Beyond that, it’s also sneering jab at Activision. EA isn’t afraid to be outspoken about it either. Even the official Battlefield site has an article up titled none other than “How to avoid “mapathy” without paying!” May the corporate slugging continue, we say. When all is said and done, there’s a fat chance such quips will divert much attention away from MW2. You have to admit, it’s all very entertaining, though. In the end, gamers win, or more specifically those suffering from mapathy.

Bad Company 2 VIP Map Pack 2 Drops March 30, Promises Free ‘Mapathy’ Remedy - [eXophase.com]

In terms of gameplay and setting, Bilson said in a recent interview that the upcoming title can be described as hybrid of sorts between Guerrilla and the original Red Faction. Bringing the mass destruction antics to all-new digs, a large chunk of the action will take place underground. Players will spend at least 80 percent of their time deep underneath the surface. Additionally, THQ is taking a more structured approach to design, which presumably means it may more be story-driven this time around.

Next Red Faction planned for March 2011, focus on franchise’s roots [Joystiq]

Next Red Faction Due March 2011, Goes Underground - [eXophase.com]

The basic gameplay elements that make up Tomb Raider will remain intact, however. Exploration is still a prime focus, as is puzzle solving. Players assume the role of either Lara or Mayan warrior Totec in a co-op artifact-seeking jaunt amid the confines of ancient ruins. While playing with a buddy is strongly encouraged, those wanting to trek it solo can. According to a Kotaku eyes-on report, a single-player mode sans an AI-controller partner is due for inclusion.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is slated to hit digital distribution channels on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 later this summer. In line with most high quality digital efforts, it’ll carry a budget price of $15.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Hits Digital Outlets This Summer - [eXophase.com]

In celebration of the impending map pack release, Activision and Microsoft have teamed up to host a “Multiplayer Unlock” event, allowing all Xbox Live Silver members to join in on the carnage through March 12-15.

There’s still no word on when the aforementioned map pack will hit PS3 or PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package Is Official, Acti Details Launch Plans - [eXophase.com]

According to the site, affected individuals “no longer derive pleasure from blowing up people hiding in the cockpit or on top of the crane.” More self-help information is coming soon, which we’ll assume translates to staggered reveals of new maps over the next couple weeks. There’s no word on when this content will make its way over to PS3 or PC — consider it a timed exclusive on 360 for now.

Activision Touts Cure For ‘Mapathy’ With Modern Warfare 2 DLC - [eXophase.com]

While there’s no word on how it will pull off such a feat just yet, we’re left feeling intrigued over the prospect. Perhaps players will be able to import their own MP3 collection this time around? Whatever Harmonix has in store, it sounds like this will be more than a mere enhanced version of Rock Band 2. Stay tuned.

Rock Band 3 Out This Holiday - [eXophase.com]

Microsoft says it is shipping the Spring Bundle to retailers nationwide now. Expect it to show up on store shelves this week.

Xbox 360 Elite Spring Bundle Unveiled - [eXophase.com]

Responsibilities for this position include “specifying, designing (schematic capture, PCB layout, BOM, cost analysis), implementing and verifying the mother-board and other various sub-system boards that make up the XBOX 360 product line.”

Consider our interest piqued. While we could insert a snide joke about the whole RROD fiasco at Microsoft’s expense here, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Perhaps this call for talent means a possible slimmed-down, eco-friendly revision of 360 hardware is seriously being considered over at Redmond. With the impending launch of Natal, Microsoft has an opportune chance to reboot the 360 brand as a whole. Time will tell if they take advantage of it.

Microsoft In Search Of Motherboard Design Engineer For 360 Hardware - [eXophase.com]

This is according to Microsoft CFO Mindy Mount, who broke word of such plans during a presentation at the Jefferies Annual Global Technology Conference in New York:

As a history, Microsoft works very strong with third-party developers, so we’re hoping that we’re going to get some great titles from that. You’ll be able to see more news about that this summer at E3. We’ll show you the full lineup.

Far from a shocker, but good to know nonetheless.

E3 2010: Microsoft To Unveil Full Natal Lineup [IGN]

Microsoft Poised To Unveil Full Natal Lineup At E3 2010 - [eXophase.com]

“While most mob-inspired games’ emphasis is solely on action, Mafia II features a deep and compelling narrative that is embellished with a sophisticated, era-evoking atmosphere,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “In partnering with Playboy, we are able to add a unique element of authenticity to the game by using vintage images from the magazine that illustrate the power of Playboy’s influence on the attitudes and culture of that generation.”

Another screen is after the break. While a firm release date of the oft-delayed title has yet to be pinned down, Mafia II is due out in the fourth quarter of Take-Two’s fiscal 2010, which runs through August to October.

2K Brings Playboy To Mafia II - [eXophase.com]

Focused on expanding the title’s multiplayer aspect, the Sinclair Solutions Test Pack introduces a level cap increase, raising the limit to 50. Also featured are additional weapon upgrades, 20 new trials, and a third upgrade for each weapon type. Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca make their debut as playable characters as well.

2K says future DLC packs down the road will expand not only on multiplayer but also single-player, introducing new narrative elements and more.

BioShock 2 Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack Drops March 11 - [eXophase.com]

Beyond the co-op mechanic, this multiplayer mode is set to bring significant change to Portal as we know it. According to the product listing, it’ll completely one’s perception of portals, requiring players to think outside the box cooperatively:

This new mode forces players to reconsider everything they thought they knew about portals. Success will require them to not just act cooperatively, but to think cooperatively.

Way to blow our minds, Valve. As for the single player portion, it is poised to “introduce a cast of dynamic new characters, a host of fresh puzzle elements, and a much larger set of devious test chambers.” With such a radical difference in gameplay and content between the two modes, it almost sounds as if we’ll be getting two games in one package. Nifty.

For what it’s worth, GameStop has pegged an October 26 release on the title. Not an official date by any stretch but does fall in line with Valve’s holiday release window.

Portal 2 Features Co-Op Multiplayer Mode Entirely Separate From Main Scenario - [eXophase.com]

Portal 2 is a direct sequel to 2007’s winner of over 70 industry achievement awards. Perhaps the cake won’t be a lie this time around.

Portal 2 Is Official, Due Out This Holiday Season Says Valve - [eXophase.com]

“I can’t describe how excited I am about the skateboard game,” said Shaun White. “We’ve been working on it for a while now and it’s ready to melt minds.”

Melt minds? We’re sold. In all seriousness, though, this could prove to be a worthy competitor to EA’s Skate. Not to mention, given that the Tony Hawk franchise has seemingly been stuck in a rut ever since it left Neversoft’s hands, fresh attempts to break into this sport are more than welcomed.

Shaun White Getting Self Titled Skateboarding Game Courtesy Of Ubisoft - [eXophase.com]

Developed by Hothead Games, Deathspank is a Monkey Island-inspired action RPG romp that features eye-popping, almost cartoon-like visuals. Pictured below, Shank is a brutal yet stylish 2D beat-em-up reminiscent of Castle Crashers and is in development at Klei Entertainment. Both titles are due out on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, while Shank will hit PC as well.

EA Partners to Publish Shank, Deathspank [1UP]

EA Partners Pick Up Shank And Deathspank - [eXophase.com]

“We were shocked by Activision’s decision to terminate our contract,” said West.  “We poured our heart and soul into that company, building not only a world class development studio, but assembling a team we’ve been proud to work with for nearly a decade.  We think the work we’ve done speaks for itself.”

Specifically, the suit calls out Activision for “breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrong termination in violation of public policy, and declaratory relief.” In addition, West and Zampella are after the “contractual rights” to the Modern Warfare brand, implying that they want the IP back in their hands. One has to wonder how Activision will respond. It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out. Battle of the titans.

Infinity Ward Co-Founders Take Legal Action Against Activison Over Unpaid Royalties, Breach of Contract - [eXophase.com]

Red Dead Redemption Pushed To May - [eXophase.com]

If these sales are any indication, we have an inkling that more stories are waiting to be told in Rapture.

Take-Two: BioShock 2 Ships 3 Million - [eXophase.com]

When a player initiates a challenge, they are pitted in a race against the ghost of who sent it. This unconventional approach allows PS3 and Xbox 360 players to compete with each other, albeit not in real-time. Not only does it effectively break the platform barrier, it’ll make setting up matches with friends located in different time zones a breeze. Sounds like it could work quite well. We wouldn’t be surprised if more racing titles follow in Bizarre’s footsteps when it comes to offering alternative methods of multiplayer.

Real time head-to-head play will still be bound to a specific network platform, of course. Unlike the challenge-based method, an Xbox Live Gold account will be required.

‘Blur’ Multiplayer Allows Competition Across Platforms And XBL Silver Accounts [MTV]

Blur Offers Challenge Based Cross Platform Multiplayer - [eXophase.com]

“The reason for the ‘radio silence’ is that we have been very busy producing the game,” said Playdead CEO and co-founder Dino Patti.

IGF-Nominated Limbo Headed to XBLA [IGN]

Limbo Hits XBLA This Summer - [eXophase.com]

That isn’t to say Activision is going to skip cashing in on the franchise this year. A Treyarch-developed entry is still due for release later this fall. Additionally, Infinity Ward is poised to deliver a downloadable map pack for Modern Warfare 2.

Sledgehammer’s take on the franchise will move away from the tried and true FPS formula, expanding into the action-adventure space.  No further details were provided beyond that. Additionally, Activision noted that Jason West and Vince Zampella are “no longer with Infinity Ward” without delving into specifics behind their forced departure.

Activision Details Future Plans For Call of Duty, Sledgehammer To Helm 2011 Installment - [eXophase.com]

Interestingly, Tecmo says players will be able to switch from a 2D and 3D view of the football field on the fly. A myriad of classic game modes will make their reappearance in the remake as well, including Preseason, Season or Pro Bowl. Also set for inclusion are online leaderboards, allowing players to compare their stats with other players, for better or worse. There’s no word on if the now-retired Tecmo Bowl all-star Bo Jackson will be making a return just yet.

Sweden-based developer Southend Interactive, responsible for the XBLA rendition of Lode Runner, is handling the remake.

Tecmo Bowl: Throwback PSN, XBLA Bound - [eXophase.com]

A PS3 and Xbox 360 effort, MotoGP 09/10 is scheduled to hit retailers March 16 in North America.

MotoGP 09/10 Races To XBLA, PSN This Week - [eXophase.com]

More circumstantial evidence points to an SEC filing published today by Activision. Specifically, it denotes that the company has been actively conducting “an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward,” further noting that the investigation is expected to “involve the departure of key personnel and litigation.”

Additionally, a Facebook wall post by Jason West talks of  unemployment. Likewise, both West and Zempella have updated their LinkedIn profiles to indicate that their involvement with the studio ceased in March 2010. There’s still no word on what exactly led Activision to pursue such charges against the duo, or what contractual agreements were broken. It is safe to say that their ties to IW have been permanently severed, however.

Security Appears At Infinity Ward, Studio Heads Missing, Activision Investigating “Insubordination” [G4]

Strange Happenings At Infinity Ward, Company Vets Booted - [eXophase.com]

Priced at $399, this limited edition bundle includes a standard edition copy of Conviction, along with a 250GB hard drive and two wireless controllers. It’s also decked in jet black. No special decals to speak of, however, at least looking from the box art.

Microsoft Announces Splinter Cell Conviction Hardware Bundle - [eXophase.com]

We might have a new one coming. I think E3 is going to be really exciting for fans of Epic.

Epic is working closely with People Can Fly on a yet to be unveiled shooter set to be published by EA, that much is known. Considering said project is due out early next year, an E3 appearance remains a distinct possibility. Then again, it could be something else entirely. Something really obvious. Like, say, Gears 3.

Epic Games’ Mike Capps on how to build a blockbuster franchise [VentureBeat]

Epic Games Is Pumped For E3, New Game Announcement A Possibility - [eXophase.com]

Although said DLC is available across all platforms digitally, the disc-based release will be exclusive to Xbox 360 and PC, at least initially. We wouldn’t be surprised if 2K ends up stuffing all of this extra add-on content in an all-in-one package down the road, a la Fallout 3 GOTY.

Borderlands DLC to get disc release [Eurogamer]

Borderlands DLC Hitting Retail In UK - [eXophase.com]

Like its predecessor, the focus of Just Cause 2 is mindless destruction, lots of it. While the demo will highlight a multi-stage mission, players are free to travel the beaten path and roam about as they please. Whether it’s assassinating military colonels, leveling military bases, or blowing up bio fuel chambers, the ball’s in your court. This amount of freedom is almost unheard of in a demo. All the action is sure to keep those trigger-fingers busy for an inordinate amount of time.

Just Cause 2 Demo Hits Next Week - [eXophase.com]

We’re actually really not sure what games will be available yet. EA, Ubisoft, MTV Games and our other major software partners have had the technology since June so it will be really interesting to see what they come up with.

This tidbit was dropped in a recent interview with Microsoft, courtesy of Ireland-based tech site SiliconRepublic. While there’s no word on what MTV might have in the pipeline that’s primed to take advantage of Natal, we suspect it may have something to do with Rock Band or the music genre in general. Just a wild guess.

Project Natal: hands on review [Silicon Republic]

MTV Games Working On Natal Supported Effort - [eXophase.com]

Hardly shocking, taking the colossal success of Arkham into account. Since its August 2009 release across multiple formats, the title has attracted Game of the Year awards from several publications.

Above all, the acquisition reinforces Warner’s intent to expand its presence in the game business. Warner called the move a “great strategic fit” and is working closely with Rocksteady to create more titles based on wholly owned franchises. With a sequel already on the cards, it’s a safe bet we’ll see another Batman before anything else, though.

Warner Bros. Buys Arkham Dev Rocksteady - [eXophase.com]

Oh, one other thing. I’ll be back in April for a huge announcement. Stay tuned and let the speculation begin!

Quite a cliffhanger. With no information or hints to go on, this mystery title could really be anything. New IP? Resident Evil? Mega Man? Let your imagination run wild kiddos. One thing is for sure, it’s hitting PS3.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 50% Off…and a Comment Contest! [PS Blog]

Capcom Teases “Huge Announcement” For April - [eXophase.com]

Due out later this March is the “Sinclair Solutions Test Pack,” which adds to the multiplayer aspect with a host of additional ranks, weapon upgrades, and masks. Slated to hit PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, it’ll run you $4.99 or 400 MS Points depending upon your platform of choice. A brief overview of what is included can be found below.

*        Rank Increase to level 50 with Rank Rewards
*        New playable characters Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca
*        20 new trials*
*        A third weapon upgrade for each weapon
*        Five additional masks **

** Some items are only available after a player achieves a rank of 41 or higher.

If multiplayer additions aren’t enough to tickle your fancy, 2K further noted that content-starved fans can look forward to more DLC packs in the “coming months,” some of which will impact the dystopian single player experience with “more narrative, new tools and new challenges.”

2K Outlines BioShock 2 DLC Plans, First Pack Due This March - [eXophase.com]

In other fun facts, EA says over 500 million kills were recorded since the demo’s launch. Of those kills, 15 million were performed with a knife, while another 100 million slaughtered their opponents while trekking it in a vehicle and 10 million took a bullet to the head. To top it off, 30 million vehicles have been wrecked thus far and 25 million players have performed first-aid by reviving teammates. That’s a lot of statistics for sure, enough to make our eyeballs bug out.

The full game hits store shelves and digital outlets on March 2 in North America, with a European release following on March 4 – due out on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 Demo Now 3.5 Million Strong - [eXophase.com]

Lost Planet 2 is the latest big-hitter to eclipse the total capacity offered by DVD, but publisher Capcom is refraining from taking the multi-disc route. Instead, according to producer Jun Takeuchi, the company has opted to omit certain bits of content with intentions of making it available as DLC later on.

This time, truly, the content that was cut was significant. At the end, we had to wrestle with disc space. I think we could be able to add that content at a later date as downloadable content.

While there’s no word on what exactly this content entails, Takeuchi gives the impression that Capcom is omitting it from all versions of Lost Planet 2. Not only on 360 but also on PC and PS3. Only fair, right? We’re saying nothing.

Lost Planet 2 ships this coming May.

Capcom Wrestles With Xbox 360 Disc Restrictions [Kotaku]

Capcom Omits Content In Lost Planet 2 Due To DVD Space Restrictions - [eXophase.com]

It’s also scheduled for a spring debut in Japan, where Microsoft themselves are handling publishing duties.

Seasoned with a darker theme than the first, N3 II maintains its focus as a combat-centric franchise, pitting players against “hundreds of enemy creatures on screen simultaneously.” Players can ravage war under the guise of a variety of playable characters, each of which represent a particular race, including the likes of humans, elves and goblins.

Ninety-Nine Nights II Heads West This Spring - [eXophase.com]