US News Wrap, September 23 - What Happened Today

The weekend is here, which means you are stuck with only me tomorrow after having Alex, Jessica, and Stace pop in to help while Brenna is on vacation, and Johnny is at the EG Expo.

Everyone seriously needs to give all three of them a massive pat on the back for the outstanding job they did this week. They are not only reliable as VG247 temps, but are good at what they do and an absolute joy to work with. Bravo.

Now, get caught up on my end below.

• Diablo III to ship in early 2012, beta test extended

At least there is a launch window of sorts for this.

• DCUO going free-to-play will “open up” the game to more players, says SOE

DC Universe Online is going F2P, and SOE tells you why.

• CCP has listened to players, promises many changes are in the works

No word on what all these changes are, but there's a list of stuff that will be part of it in there.

• Bioware discusses companions in latest developer dispatch

Companions. Get acquainted with them.

• Skyrim team “more comfortable” developing on consoles than with previous Elder Scrolls titles

Long headline is long.

• Batman: Arkham City trailer shows The Joker and his henchmen

That video MTV had yesterday some of you couldn't watch is now watchable.

• Conan O’Brien shows the sensitive, less violent side to Gears of War 3

Conan rocks. Nuff said.

• Battlefield 3 beta entry explained in layman’s terms

Here's some answers on how to get into the beta.

• Epic doesn’t believe mobile games need to be sold cheap in order to succeed

He's right, honestly.

• Battlefield 3 TV spot teased with Jay-Z track

Wow. Lots of comments for a post on a 25 second game clip.

• Irrational shows off Dungeon Duel, its cancelled RTS

Interesting concept on that game.

• Bethesda’s bid for a restraining order against Fallout MMO developer denied

This still isn't over, so don't start cashing in your bets just yet.

• EA inserts class-action prevention clause into Origin EULA

More "please don't sue us" clauses.

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Missing Link DLC gets a developer walkthrough

Title says it all, really.

• PS Plus subs get Resident Evil: Code Veronica X HD 50% off

The one Resident Evil game I haven't played on consoles. I know. I should have my #1 Resident Evil fan tattoo removed with a cheese grater.

• Quick Quotes: Team Ninja not responsible for Other M’s story

Blame Nintendo, apparently.

• Friday Shorts II: Forza 4, Dark Souls, RE: Retribution, $800 3D headset

Lots of shorts and a very expensive headset.

Okay, I am off to make my famous chili. See you tomorrow.