Publisher Square Enix today confirmed that Supreme Commander 2 will hit PC on March 2, with an Xbox 360 release following shortly after on March 16.

Developed by series mainstay Gas Powered Games, the futuristic RTS builds on the success of its predecessor with large scale battles and rich customization features. Set 25 years after the Infinite War, players find themselves thrust into an intergalactic conflict between the factions of The United Earth Federation, The Illuminate and the Cybran Nation. more »

Crysis developer Crytek is reaching out to the academic world in a big way, allowing the programmers and graphic designers of tomorrow to get an early head start on creating games powered by its latest cross-platform middleware — CryENGINE 3. As of today, the development solution is now available free of charge to any qualified educational institution, providing the tools necessary to create scalable experiences across all major platforms, namely PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Crytek director of Global Business Development Carl Jones shares his thoughts on the initiative: more »

October NPD results are in. Nintendo had a strong showing, shifting 506,900 Wii units, no doubt thanks to the $50 price cut that went into effect late last September. Despite an overall slump in sales elsewhere across the spectrum, PS3 sales remained relatively brisk, edging past the Xbox 360 by around 70,000 in total unit sales.

All in all, it was a $1.07 billion month for the video game industry, a 13 percent drop from last year. Much of that decline can be attributed to the hardware sector. Expect things to perk up next month, though, evident by the blockbuster sales of Modern Warfare 2. Front-runner titles like Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 will likely follow in its footsteps. See the full breakdown of hardware and software sales past the jump. more »

The launch of Modern Warfare 2 has catapulted Xbox Live activity, setting a new record for the number of concurrent users logged in. According to a Twitter tweet from Xbox community manager Major Nelson, over two million users were active on the service at once this week.

While the exact impact MW2 had on that figure is unknown, it’s safe to say it had a substantial effect. We’re just glad the servers didn’t end up buckling under all this load. It’s clear that the investments Microsoft has put into Live have paid off.

Currently undergoing beta testing, the Xbox 360 dashboard update that integrates social networking services Twitter, Last.FM, and Facebook will be released on November 17 according to Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten.

It’s a choice date, seeing as a slew of big-hitters are due out for release that day, including Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. We somehow get the feeling that a lot of folks will be calling in sick on that day, and hey, we can’t blame you.

The next update to the Xbox Live network will be coming Tuesday [Fast Company]

With an official count of 1.23 million units sold in the UK on launch day, Modern Warfare 2 is well on track to become this year’s biggest entertainment launch, just as publisher Activision said it would.

How is the proper sequel to 2007’s Infinity Ward-developed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare stacking up in terms of worldwide sales? While exact figures are still unknown, Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter surmises that 7 million copies went into the hands of gamers worldwide on day one.

It’s a lofty prediction, but very possible, taking the buzz surrounding this launch into consideration. If true, it’d mean that MW2 nearly doubled the units GTA IV sold on its first day. Quite an impressive feat.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Sold an Estimated 7 Million Copies Day One, says Analyst [GameDaily]

While Microsoft still has yet to officially announce it, online tech retailer Newegg is now listing a Microsoft-branded Wireless N adapter for Xbox 360, complete with photos of the unit. That’s proof enough, for us at least.

As expected, the price is set at $99.99. Pretty hefty we’d say, but then again, that’s what the G rated model of old used to cost before retailers cut it down to $79.99. Wireless on Xbox 360 comes at a significant premium, practically negating the cost-benefit on picking up a 360 over a PS3.

In a decision swayed by community votes, Capcom today confirmed that it will release the extra content contained within Resident Evil 5 Alternate Edition as DLC in the U.S. and Europe.

First revealed at TGS, this director’s cut version of the game features support for Sony’s upcoming wand motion-sensing controller as well as an extra segment of playable content starring Jill Valentine.

The content will be made available on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace in Spring 2010. No word on price yet, but we’ll find out once the release date approaches. Additionally, Capcom has yet to detail its distribution plan for PC owners of the game.

Developer BioWare today officially revealed the collector’s edition package for Mass Effect 2 in all its shimmering glory. Enclosed in a premium tin case brandishing the iconic N7 logo, it includes a 48-page hardcover artbook, issue #1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic, a bonus “making of” DVD containing behind-the-scenes features, and of course the game itself. To top it all off, also included are unlock codes that will net purchasers exclusive in-game weapons and armor. more »

Microsoft released a statement today announcing that it has completed its planned workforce reduction today, cutting 800 jobs this week. Nine months ahead of schedule, the tally brings Microsoft over its original target of 5000 jobs in a span of nine months.

While here’s no breakdown on which divisions have been affected, we’ve heard that a percentage of these cuts have impacted the Xbox side of business. more »