In a some-what controversial move, Microsoft has confirmed it will be shutting down the Halo 2 servers upon the release of upcoming title Halo 3: ODST.

According to the software giant, Halo 2 is a major factor contributing to certain changes not being made, for example the 100 friends limit cap. Original Xbox titles have this cap hardcoded into them, and so they're unable to make the changes.

We're pleased to announce that Strategy Informer finally has a Forum! It has just been freshly opened and we would like to invite you all to our forums.

Please keep in mind that you will need a separated account for the forum.

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Forum: http://forum.strategyinformer.com/

Capcom announced today that a new multiplayer mode for Resident Evil 5 will be released post-launch as paid digital content via Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network. The new mode, called Versus adds a deadly twist to Resident Evil 5's multiplayer, pitting players against each other in a contest of survival, a marked departure from the central co-operative nature of the game.

Versus allows up to four players to match wits in online battles across two very different game types. Slayer's Rule is a point-based game that challenges players to kill Majinis. In Survivor's Rule, players hunt the most dangerous game, each other! Players can begin the hunt as Chris, Sheva or other secret characters, and choose from either one-on-one or two-versus-two team matches for either of the two gameplay styles.

Don't like the idea of a film classification board rating games in the UK? Feel like standing up for your medium of choice?...

Our new Frontpage is now live, but we are still sorting it all out so please bear with us.

We hope you like the new look!

It all appears to be kicking off at Sierra, one of the publishing labels of Vivendi Games'. It's all down to unrest in the company that all of its titles will have to be pitched to the head honcho's at Activision (and obviously they don't like that!).

Phil Harrison recently resigned from his position within Sony Computer Entertainment, but we can now confirm that he has been appointed as President and Directeur General of Infogrames Entertainment.

Your weekly look at all the games that will be available to buy for money this week.

Staff of Strategy Informer recently enjoyed playing Geometry Wars: Galaxies on the Nintendo DS, and also gave it a whopping 8.2/10 in our Wii review, so to celebrate our love for all things Geomentry Wars, we've decided to run a little competition to allow our European visitors the chance to win a copy of either the DS or Wii version.

UPDATE: The Competition has now closed, winners are announced inside!

We've published 6 new screenshots for game name, which is in development by company name and is currently set for release on the PS2, PSP and Wii.

So it's Friday and we all know that means: new games! Yes, my internet friends, today is the day that publishers and developers are on the edge of their seats waiting to hear if you, the reason for their existence, have gone out and bought the game that they have have used countless hours crafting and promoting.

Capcom is looking for gamers around the San Francisco Bay area next Friday. If you're selected then you'll get to see and play an announced project currently in development by Capcom. The fun doesn't end there either, gamers will also be showered with prizes and other goodies.

We've got more news from Financial documents today, but this one bring some sour news to the gaming industry. THQ has decided to scrap a few of its titles, and two franchises will also be wiped out of the development line.

Stuntman Ignition was released towards the end of last year and received average reviews from the media, for this reason THQ has scraped the series.

Zavvi has told MCV that they'll be increasing their games area by 15 percent, taking shelf space from the music section.

The reason for this increase is because during the Christmas season the store saw a big increase in the amount of game products that got sold. This will mark the second time its increased its range of gaming products.

The Competition Commission has confirmed that Game's acquisition of Gamestation is almost set and that the market shouldn't expect to see any substantial lessening of competition for the supply of gaming software, consoles and related accessories in the UK.

Game said: "The board of The GAME Group is pleased to note that the Competition Commission, in its final report published today, has unconditionally cleared the completed acquisition of Gamestation,"

A 61 year-old man from North Ayreshire who sold copied games, films and music to trawlermen returning to Troon Harbour, South Ayrshire after an extended fishing trip in exchange for a box of crabs has been fined £3,000.

On 5th November 2007, George Clarke pleaded guility to ’specimen’ charges present to him by Ayr Sheriff Court pertaining to the illegal sale of copied games, music and films.

There are some very talented people in the world that use their skills to create models of their favorite gaming characters, we've seen people using food, cross stitching and cars to show their interests in gaming, but this one gave us the biggest laugh yet; in a good way.

Burnout Revenge 3: Takedown will be the latest title to make it to the Xbox Originals section on the Xbox live Marketplace next week. You'll be able to download the classic racing title from Monday, January 14, starting at 2AM, PST, for 1200 Microsoft Points.