Our Epic Games web sites and forums were recently hacked. After some downtime, they’re back up and running now.

The hackers may have obtained the email addresses and encrypted passwords of forum users. Plaintext passwords weren’t revealed, but it’s possible that those passwords could be obtained by a brute-force attack on the encrypted passwords. Therefore, we have reset all passwords. Your new password at the bottom of this message.

The Unreal Developer Network (UDN) hasn’t been compromised. Thankfully, none of our web sites ask for, or store, credit card information or other financial data.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience, and appreciate everyone’s patience as we wrestle our servers back under control.

Tim Sweeney
Founder, Epic Games Inc

So who else has been smacked around by the LulzSec hacker group’s antics over the past week? EVE Online, Minecraft, Bethesda, Nintendo, PBS, the US Senate, and Sony Pictures. (GameSpot).

It’s funny how the forums for EVE at least were getting comments along the lines of “Hey it was funny when you went after Sony and the government, but now you’re lame and just pissing us off.”

It’s not like any amount of complaining on forums will get these guys to stop stomping on servers and consumer services on the internet, but they need to understand that gaming is big business. And ISP’s and carriers are big business.

If the carriers bring their proposals for low caps, throttled connections, and traffic limitations for consumers to the gaming companies as a solution to consumers hammering their networks with the help of infected computers their owners don’t even know are infected, this could be the beginning of the end for the relatively discrimination-free internet we all want, an internet that is one of the best things to ever happen to video gaming and computing in general.

Is that what the hackers want?

Along with the announcement that Konami’s Contra-esque Hard Corps: Uprising would be the first of five titles in Microsoft’s XBLA House Party this February 16th came a handful of new screens to look at. Why have they still not tacked the Contra name onto this game? Where’s the brand recognition? Hard Corps Uprising is 1200 Microsoft points.

More screens below.

Source: Konami

After a year in the making, Microsoft have finally launched their XBox Live Rewards program.

Think of it as a loyalty bonus. Every time you renew your Live subscription, buy something special in the marketplace or take a customer survey, MS will compensate you for your time with anything from 10 to 400 Microsoft Points.

Okay: so it won’t reward you for volunteering with sick donkeys, or for helping old ladies across the road. It will, however give you a little back for something you were – let’s face it – probably gonna do anyway.

If you’re in the UK or the US (sorry, it doesn’t extend any further as of yet), head on over to the website and sign yourself up. As you can see, I’ve already earned LOADS. Not.

If the news of paying 80 cents more a month for XBL is still making you mad (if it does seek mental help) then there is some good news. Microsoft is offering a full year of XBL for 39.95. All you need to do is go here and sign-up to renew at the lower price before the $60 price tag kicks in November 1st. The offer is only good for 1 year of service, but if you do the math it basically saves you the new XBL price for two years.

The only bad thing is that their servers seem to be exploding with people taking them up on this offer. I tried to sign-up myself but kept getting timed out. Once the servers cool down make sure to head there and save a little dough. You could also buy a cheap XBL subscription here as well.

XBL 39.95 Subscription

Now I have not played the first episode of DeathSpank as of yet, but it is on my honey-do list.  That said, I am already onboard for the second episode of DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue.  I mean, any game that has you chasing down six magical thongs cannot be bad. 

It seems that six powerful thongs were created long ago, with each granting the wearer great powers, but at the cost of absolute corruption.  DeathSpank is therefore tasked with tracking down each of the persons wearing one of these thongs and dispatching them from this, or any other plane of existence.  DeathSpank will continue to support local co-op play, but unfortunately, no online co-op play.

Look for the new DeathSpank episode to hit PSN and XBLA on September 22nd, 2010 for $14.99 or 1200 Microsoft Loonies.

EA and Hothead Games Reveal DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue

The Summer’s Greatest Downloadable Hero Returns to Save The Day on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Aug 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and leading independent developer Hothead Games(TM) announced DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue, the follow-up to the delightfully twisted and fiendishly addictive action RPG, DeathSpank. Featuring the trademark humor found in the original, Thongs of Virtue centers on DeathSpank’s journey through a massive war-torn land; explore the North Pole and the high seas to locate six mystical thongs to bring peace and harmony to the universe. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue (T.O.V.) will be available for download on PlayStation(R)Network on September 21, 2010 for $14.99 and Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade on September 22, 2010 for 1200 Microsoft Points.

“Bigger, longer, harder–these were the words that drove us while we created the follow up to our introduction to the DeathSpank universe,” said Vlad Ceraldi, Director of Game Development for Hothead Games. “In T.O.V., we’re taking action RPG fundamentals and adding loads of new creatures, environments, weapons and characters, while continuing to push the envelope with our signature humor.”

DeathSpank: T.O.V. puts players in the mighty boots of DeathSpank, the “Dispenser of Justice”, “Vanquisher of Evil” and “Hero to the Downtrodden.” A long time ago, nine mystical thongs were planned to bring balance and harmony to the universe, but when marketing got in the way, only six thongs were produced, and the result was disastrous. Granting great power to those who wear them, the thongs corrupted all those they touched–except DeathSpank. DeathSpank must find all six thongs and destroy them once and for all. Thongs of Virtue includes local co-op mode, allowing a second player to choose one of two hilarious sidekicks to help save the world. Players will enjoy unleashing magical skills, playing as Sparkles the Wizard, or laugh at the ninjatastic Kung Fu moves of DeathSpank’s new partner in crime, Steve.

For more information on DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue, visit www.deathspank.com or follow the development team on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/deathspank.

About Hothead Games

Hothead Games Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an independent developer and publisher of groundbreaking downloadable titles currently bringing to life original games such as the critically acclaimed DeathSpank and the award-winning Swarm. Hothead also partners with indie studios around the globe to bring games like Braid to new platforms and new audiences. For more corporate information, please visit our website at www.hotheadgames.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies

With the start of the Summer of Arcade 2010 nearly upon us on Xbox Live, Microsoft gave us a small preview of some of the items we can expect in the first week or two of deals.  First up was the announcement that Secret of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge Special Edition will be hitting the Xbox Live Arcade on July 7th at a price of 800 points.  This sequel will have the same updated graphics that we had in the first Monkey Island Special Edition, and will continue the great adventures of our bumbling pirate hero, Guybrush Threepwood.

Also, for release will be two new add-on packs for two beloved arcade titles, Toy Soldiers and Worms Armageddon.  Toy Soldiers gets “The Kaiser’s Battle” at a cool 400 Loonies on June 30th, while Worms Armageddon receives the Battle Pack add on for 400 Loonies on July 7th.

We also have a week of critically reiewed games on sale this week, including Chime, Darwinia +, Defense Grid: The Awakening, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Poker Smash.  All of these have been marked down 25-50% for this week only.

Lastly, we will have a LIVEapalooza event between July 6th and July 12th, and it will offer up discounts on Rock Band tracks, Guitar Hero tracks and Lips tracks.  No word on what will be in those deals, but stay tuned for more info in the near future.

Take a look at the jump for all the details in the presser.

Summer is officially here, and Xbox LIVE is bringing the heat with sizzling deals, summery duds and hot new hits!

If you didn’t have the chance to sing along to your favorite bands at summer festivals, Xbox LIVE has you covered with LIVEapalooza. From July 6 through July 12, start a dance party on Xbox LIVE where you, your Avatar and your friends from around the globe can rally for a limited time sale on top music game add-ons. We’re discounting albums, track packs and songs for “Rock Band” (MTV Games), “Guitar Hero®” 5” and “Band Hero®” (Activision Publishing Inc.) and “Lips” (Microsoft Game Studios). From Green Day to The Rolling Stones, the stage is yours.

What’s summer without a little fun in the sun? Grab your toy soldiers and watch out for monkeys as you dive into three great new downloadable games and game add-ons, coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade.

· Monkey Island™ 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge™ (LucasArts)

July 7 | 800 Microsoft Points

This all-new “Monkey Island” adventure is bringing you more pirates, more adventure and more monkeys! Relive the second hilarious swashbuckling misadventure of the wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he searches for the lost treasure of Big Whoop, attempts to win back the beautiful Elaine Marley and takes on the now evil zombie pirate, LeChuck. Rating pending by the ESRB.

· Toy Soldiers “The Kaiser’s Battle” Game Add-On (Microsoft Game Studios)

June 30 | 400 Microsoft Points

“Toy Soldiers” Add-on content is here! “The Kaiser’s Battle” allows players to enter the fray as the French Army, take on a new experimental boss, earn 3 new achievements and battle into the midnight hours in new multiplayer and Survival Mode maps.

· Worms 2 Armageddon Battle Pack Game Add-on (Microsoft Game Studios)

July 7 | 400 Microsoft Points

Incoming! Say hello to the “Worms 2 Armageddon Battle Pack.” This Game Add-on package adds to “Worms 2 Armageddon” with the addition of six new weapons, thirty new single-player missions, an all-new game mode called “Survivor,” ten new Forts, new speechbanks, additional Achievements, Player Titles, leaderboards and much, much more! It’s a package high on content and explosive goodness, a must for all “Worms” fans out there.

Save your summer cash for sunscreen and shades thanks to awesome discounts through Deal of the Week. During the week of June 28, enjoy six Critics’ Choice titles, all with a Metacritic rating of 80 and above, at discounted prices on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. From defending your grid to rioting your rocket, you’ll have your pick of blockbuster hits at great value to you, your tan, and your wallet.

· Chime (Valcon Games)

Week of June 28 | 240 Microsoft Points

“Chime” pits gamers against the melody in this all-new puzzle experience. Place blocks against the clock and remix famous artists’ music tracks in this challenging and addictive puzzle game. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

· Darwinia+ (Introversion Software)

Week of June 28 | 800 Microsoft Points

Winner of three awards at the prestigious Independent Games Festival for Technical Excellence, innovation in Visual Art and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, “Darwinia+” brings an original virtual world to Xbox LIVE Arcade. The peaceful existence of the Darwinians is now threatened by the evil virus that has infected Darwinia and decimated their numbers – without your help, they don’t stand a chance! With a combination of fast-paced action and strategic battle-planning, choose from ten fantastic single player levels or five action-packed multiplayer game modes over 49 unique maps. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

· Defense Grid: The Awakening (Hidden Path Entertainment Inc)

Week of June 28 | 400 Microsoft Points

The award-winning, fan favorite “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is on sale this week! “Defense Grid” is easy to pick up for players of all skill levels, engrossing to play, and hard to you won’t want to put it down. Strategically place your towers on the map to prevent alien enemies from stealing your power cores and win the game. “Defense Grid” includes ten hours of story play with twenty unique maps in “The Awakening” campaign, four bonus Borderlands maps, a wide variety of tower and enemy types, an interactive soundtrack, plus over one hundred unlockable challenge modes, adding dozens of hours of additional fun. Protect the Cores! Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older by the ESRB and available worldwide.

· The Misadventures of P. B. Winterbottom (2K Play)

Week of June 28 | 400 Microsoft Points

In “The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom,” create your own paradox. Enter a macabre and comical silent world filled with mischief, time travel and delicious pie. Record yourself and harness your time-bending abilities to cooperate, compete against and disrupt your past, present and future selves. Winterbottom’s debut misadventures present a whimsical spin on the notions of time, space and play. Help Winterbottom travel through over 75 levels, causing mischief and mayhem in pursuit of the mysterious and elusive Chronoberry Pie on his spectacular journey through space-time. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide (except Japan and Korea).

· Poker Smash™ (Microsoft Game Studios)

Week of June 28 | 400 Microsoft Points

“Poker Smash™” is an action-packed puzzle game with a poker twist. This game expands on the traditional match-three puzzle mechanic with elements of one of the world’s most popular card games: poker. Make vertical and horizontal matches by forming poker hands, and play in seven different game modes, including multiplayer. Fast and fluid controls paired with radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs make this game a whole new puzzle experience! Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide.

· Rocket Riot™ (THQ)

Week of June 28 | 400 Microsoft Points

Strap on your bazooka soldier, and get ready for the awesome action-packed side-view shooter “Rocket Riot™.” In this highly-stylized eight-bit era style game, blast your way through the environment against enemies or multiplayer foes online. Navigate through a completely destructible environment, uncover special power-ups, or even burrow into different areas of the map. The map regenerates, keeping the action fast-paced, but time doesn’t heal all wounds. Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and available worldwide (except Japan).

Stay tuned for the next volume of the Xbox LIVE Newsbeat, the first to debut after E3, on July 6!

Not a huge news story here, but I did find it highly amusing.  This morning, I was trying to track down exactly where my Xbox 360 was on its journey back to my house (it has been in Shipping Manifest Received mode for three days), and got a funny message from Microsoft during the call greeting.

It appears that Microsoft has been flooded with calls trying to find out when the new Resurgence Map Pack will hit Xbox Live today, to the point that the following was in the Microsoft call greeting:

“If you are calling about the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Map Pack, it will be released at some point today.  Support representatives from Microsoft do not have any information on the exact time that the map pack will be released, and will not be able to help you.”

So, I guess this Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 map pack is pretty popular.

After a few months of planning, the 2nd Aeropause Community Game Night is upon us on this fine Easter evening.  This time around, we mixed it up a bit, going old school with Shadowrun.  There is a dedicated Shadowrun community out there that keeps this title alive, but the other reason is so our PC friends can join in on the fun.  As a matter of fact, two of our community hosts tonight will be on PCs playing Shadowrun.

Make sure to say hello when you join us, and come back to the site to let us know how we did with the community game night.  Also, a small public service announcement for those joining us.  Right now, one of our members is having connectivity issues, so he might not be available at launch.  Our other host, Aeropause, might be a bit late, due to some unfortunate Easter planning, but the other four will be there for the three hours, and maybe more depending on how much of a crowd we have.

Look forward to watching everyone in the community kick our collective asses!

We’re all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end but looking back, we’re incredibly fortunate to have had such a great run and such strong support from our fans. Halo 2 has been at or near the top of the Xbox LIVE charts for original games since it launched over five years ago. We’re extremely thankful to everyone who has played, enjoyed and supported Halo 2 over Xbox LIVE. That said, mark your calendars now – on April 14th let’s all rally to go online for one last hoorah. One final farewell and one final opportunity for all of you to kick our asses at Halo 2.

On a personal note, I can remember the many happy hours I spent playing Halo 2 with my friends. This is a pity, but at least it’s going to go out with a bang.