Electronic Arts is looking to make a big change in the upcoming Madden game; John Madden won’t be the announcer for the game. Instead, Tom Hammond of NBC Sports and Cris Collinsworth of NFL Network and NBC Sports will be taking his place in Madden ‘09. We all knew that it would happen sooner or later, as the football legend is in his seventies.

Keep in mind that this is the 20th installment of the series, so it just wouldn’t be complete without the main man himself. The game is titled after him, so why not include him? Maybe at least a cameo would do justice.

Read (AOL Sports)

A scene group known as iCON has already released a PAL version of Grand Theft Auto IV onto various torrent sites, despite the game’s arrival onto store shelves being only a few days away. It is confirmed to be real, and works on European Xbox 360 systems. An NTSC version has been uploaded, as well, but it is unclear if it’s the real deal. The group advises players not to log on to Xbox Live with the game until the retail release date has passed.

It’s unlikely that this will have a major impact on Take-Two Interactive’s sales of the flagship title, as many gamers have already pre-ordered the game, and many are planning to purchase it. Everyone is hyped for the game’s release and many are patiently waiting for the official release.

Read (Yahoo! News)

Capcom’s popular hack-and-slash adventure series, Devil May Cry, will be heading to the PC on June 2nd with its fourth installment. However, the game itself won’t be a basic port of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.

Instead, this version will include two new modes, Legendary Dark Knight Mode, which means more enemies to fight, and Turbo Mode, which will make things a lot faster. The game will also run at a blazing fast 120fps, compared to 30fps on the console versions, and will support both DirectX9 and DirectX10. A demo will also be available before the full retail release of the game.

Playing a game like this on the keyboard isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea, so maybe a use of a 360 controller would be handy.

Read (gameinfowire)

We learned of Peter Jackson’s Halo project back at X06, and we haven’t really heard much since. Fortunately, a new job listing has been posted by Microsoft seeking a Creative Director, Producer, Game Engineers and others for a “new experience in the Halo universe.” Microsoft has since confirmed that the new employees will indeed be working along side Peter Jackson on his new venture.

Read (MTV Multiplayer)

GRID, a TOCA Touring Car series video game developed by Codemasters, will be seeing in-game advertising by eBay Motors. In order to receive part upgrades for your car, you’ll have to revisit the eBay Motors storefront.

It does get kinda annoying seeing constant brand names pop up in your face when you’re playing a title that you already purchased. Isn’t enough that you shelled out the money to buy the game in the first place? But then again, it’s always nice to see that investors are lined up for ad opportunities in video games, which will only make the production value of the game greater and further fuels the industry.

Read (Next-Gen)

The Chicago Transit Authority has decided to pull down all Grand Theft Auto IV advertisements. A local Fox News affiliate reported on the subject, leading to a response by the president of the CTA, Ron Huberman that agreed to take down the ads. The question was triggered by the recent major school shootings occurring in the Windy City. Illinois is notorious for being especially critical of violent video games.

But then again, isn’t it the parent’s responsibility to make sure what your child is allowed and not allowed to do in the world? There are plenty of violent movies that are running ads in the CTA, and I’m sure a lot of them contain more adult themes than Rockstar’s creation. Movies can be sneaked into, and can usually be watched without parents even knowing. But video games are played at home most of the time, and it’s unlikely that a kid will be able to purchase a full-priced retail game without a help of an adult.

Konami Digital Entertainment has dubbed the sixth installment of survival horror series Silent Hill, Silent Hill: Homecoming, and is expected to be in stores by the end of September in Europe. While the name could have been better, the game itself looks spectacular, and looks pretty promising. The title will be release on both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and is being developed by Foundation 9 studio. Some new footage has also surfaced, showing off the combat system and Alex Shepherd’s new design.

Read (GamesIndustry)