Now might be a good time to start taking browser-based free-to-play games seriously.

This week we check out The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard, The Amazing Spider-Man, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Spec Ops: The Line, and Battlefield 3: Close Quarters.

An always-online, microtransaction-driven, free-to-play future will lead to an unimpressive diversity of disposable experiences.

In today's double-barrelled blast of news from the Start/Select shotgun: the Wii U's Super Smash Bros. game is being handled by Namco Bandai rather than Nintendo, and there's a supersized 3DS on the way very soon.

BioWare confirms June 26 launch for release of additional endgame content for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC versions of sci-fi RPG.

Big-screen adaptation of racing franchise set for 2014 release; Act of Valor director attached, with executive producer of She's Out of My League writing the screenplay.

Supersize 3DS model coming to North America August 19 for $200; both 3DS and Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. to be developed by Namco Bandai; more 3DS games announced. UPDATE: European release confirmed for July 28.

One this episode of Crosshairs we chat about the implications of Australia's official R18+ classification for games, talk about the alternate Last of Us demo and ask: Who owns a game? The developers or the audience?

Why a quirky Japan-only survival game is on the verge of a worldwide release.

There's no suppressed .44 magnum, so we cover everything from the Aug A3 to the M5K.

Seattle technology giant dismisses offer to pay royalty fee of 2.25 percent on every Xbox 360 sold.

[UPDATE]: Blizzard's 1.03 patch limits digital purchasers to Starter Edition until payment is verified; publisher says level cap limit is unintended, will be fixed soon.

When people who should know better are still confusing the Wii U GamePad as an add-on rather than a new console, how will Nintendo get the word out to the casual masses?

If you like cut scenes, you'll love MGS 5! Plus, EA declares its love for micro transactions, and Cliff Bleszinski vows to make his games harder.

ThatGameCompany confirms disc-based Journey Collector's Edition headed to the PlayStation 3; retailers suggest August launch.

Sandstorms, helicopter crashes, falling skyscrapers, and Nolan North! These are just some of the things you can expect to find in Spec Ops: The Line.

Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski says games have taken steps to grow audience, resulting in more linear experiences, claims GOW: Judgment will "make you sweat."

SEC filing reveals publisher's VP, corporate controller, and chief accounting officer Teri Manby stepping down on July 6; seven-year company vet Rose Cunningham promoted.

Hideo Kojima has reportedly announced that the fifth entry in the series will use in-house Fox Engine and conversation trees; date and platforms remain unspecified.