Eric Rehm

Once again the looming spectre of harsh DRM is rearing its ugly head. This time, we've got multiple instances of digital rights management (DRM), with incredibly anti-consumer ideas and some that are actually good ideas.

We're getting word that Ubisoft's DRM authentication servers, the servers that users must maintain a connection to, in order to play any Ubisoft games, are down.

Over in the Ubisoft forums, many are complaining of 35 minute load times, constant disconnections or no access at all. This is affecting all Ubisoft games that have the new DRM, including Assassin's Creed II which just released on the PC last week in the UK, and comes out March 9th in the US.

Early unconfirmed reports are showing that there is a possible upheaval at Modern Warfare 2's Infinity War Studios.

G4 Broke the news that a large security presence was in the offices of the developer. The anonymous tipster said that they had no clue what was going on, and that they were scared. The security presence would not say why they were there.

Almost three hours later, we're getting updates that Jason West, the MW2 game director and President of Infinity Ward is "Drinking. Also, no longer employed." according his Facebook.

In the grim darkness of the game industry, there is only war... and job openings.

Looks like Dawn of War II developer Relic is looking for senior level designers for its upcoming game, Space Marine.

After seeing so many layoffs across the game industry, I thought we, as gamers, should do our part to try and give back, and get some of those people jobs. So, if you know a game developer in need, shoot them the link if you think they'd be interested.

So, if you have...

Do you like free games? Do you own an Ipod Touch or Iphone? Then head over to Itunes to find Assassin's Creed II: Multiplayer for *FREE* for the next 48 hours.

The game, which takes place in Italy, was teased last month. I didn't think this is what Ubisoft meant when they said they had a multiplayer version of Assassin's Creed coming soon, but hey, it's looking good so far. Players create an account, then go online to try and kill rivals, while maintaining the ability to blend in with crowds.

Xbox Live user iTzLuPo has a problem with one of the mods on Xbox Live. He says Mod The Pro is abusing his power and banning people for no reason. Like anyone banned, pretty much anywhere hasn't used this excuse before.

Hit the jump for his video "evidence," and a very NSFW look at why he's full of crap.

The galaxy needs your help once again and it's up to you, Commander Shepard, to save it. With huge improvements and a great new story, Mass Effect 2 is already a contender for game of the year.

This was a suprisingly good year for games. This time last year, all I could think about were the few triple A titles we knew about. Boy, was I wrong. We had so many great games, I was pretty stunned by that. It seems that developers are finally putting more work into what would have been mediocre games, getting them above the line of crap. So, here you are faithful readers, my favorite games of 2009.

The mall is packed to the brim. Girls of all ages await the latest release of the newest Twilight book. A murmur is pulsing through the crowd, “They're about to open!” They begin running through the halls, pushing and forcing their way past anything and anyone in their path so they can spend their precious dollars on this sacred tome. This happens in many places, in many areas, under many different guises. What causes this? The same thing that sells millions of copies of Halo or Modern Warfare before it's released. The same thing that causes sports fans to show up to games in shorts and body paint. The same thing that sells millions of records, or sells millions of new devices. This is fandom, home of fanboyism.

Heres a recap of the Spike Video Game Awards as they happened. Most things have some responses and explanations. Discuss your feelings in the comments and on the forums.