Bethesda is currently testing the Skyrim 1.4 patch, which is not a patch of a previous patch, on all three platforms and hopes to have it patched by next week.


Title update 1.4 will bring several fixes, optimizations and updates. Changes apply to all platforms unless noted.

BUG FIXES

• General optimizations for memory and performance
  
• Memory optimizations related to scripting
  
• Fixed crashes related to pathing and AI
  
• Fixed crash in Haemar’s Shame if player had already completed “A Daedra’s Best Friend”
  
• Fixed rare crash with loading saved games
  
• Fixed issue with accented characters not displaying properly at the end of a line
  
• Master Criminal achievement/trophy unlocks properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian
  
• Fixed issue where dragon priest masks would not render correctly
  
• Fixed issue where quests would incorrectly progress after reloading a save
  
• Fixed issues with placing and removing books from bookshelves in the player’s home
  
• Fixed issue where weapon racks and plaques would not work correctly in player’s house if player immediately visits their house before purchasing any furnishing.
  
• Fixed issue where the player house in Windhelm would not clean up properly
  
• Fixed crash related to giant attacks and absorb spells
  
• Fixed issue with ash piles not cleaning up properly
  
• Fixed occasional issue where overwriting an existing save would fail
  
• Fixed memory crash with container menu
  
• Fixed infinite loop with bookshelves
  
• Fixed issue where traps in Shalidor’s Maze would not work properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian versions
  
• Fixed issue where transforming back to human from werewolf would occasionally not fail
  
• Bows and daggers will display properly when placed on weapon racks

If you are on the HQ homepage be sure to click the link to view the complete article."

Strong business demand and holiday sales drive record revenue and EPS.


Microsoft Corp. recently reported quarterly revenue of $20.89 billion for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, a 5% increase from the prior year period. Operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $7.99 billion, $6.62 billion, and $0.78 per share, compared with $8.17 billion, $6.63 billion and $0.77 per share, respectively, in the prior year period. Prior year results include recognition of $224 million of deferred revenue related to the Office 2010 technology guarantee program.

“We delivered solid financial results, even as we prepare for a launch year that will accelerate many of our key products and services,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. “Coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show, we’re seeing very positive reviews for our new phones and PCs, and a strong response to our new Metro style design that will unify consumer experiences across our phones, PCs, tablets, and television in 2012.”

The Microsoft Business Division reported $6.28 billion in second quarter revenue, a 3% increase from the prior year period, and a 7% increase excluding the prior year recognition of deferred revenue for the Office 2010 technology guarantee program. Nearly 200 million licenses of Office 2010 have been sold in the 18 months since launch. Revenue from Exchange and SharePoint grew by 10% or more over the prior year period, and revenue from Lync and Dynamics CRM grew by more than 30%."

Square Enix and TikGames Scarygirl, the video game adaptation of Nathan Jurevicius' award-winning graphic novel, is now available from the Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 MSP / $15.


Content: Scarygirl
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points ($15)
Availability: Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region
Dash Text: Scarygirl is a wondrous adventure through a beautifully-bizarre world based on the Scarygirl graphic novel created by acclaimed artist Nathan Jurevicius. Scarygirl, an abandoned girl, dressed like a pirate, with a tentacle arm, is sent on a quest to discover what happened to the Tree of Knowledge. Along the way, she’ll be aided by a giant octopus, a mystical kung-fu rabbit, and vendors who sell new attacks. She can also enter a shadowy version of the world to unleash truly wicked attacks.

Add the free "Scarygirl" demo/trial to your Xbox 360 download queue

File Size: 851.37 MB
360-HQ Games Hub: Scarygirl"

Building upon a catalog of live and on-demand TV shows, movies, sports and music and continuing to deliver locally relevant content to Xbox LIVE members around the globe, the following apps will be available* in various regions on Xbox LIVE starting today:


The following new entertainment experiences start today in various regions on Xbox LIVE:

• Astral Media’s Disney XD (Astral Media) - Canada
  
• Mediathek/ZDF (ZDF) - Germany
  
• Real Sports (Maple Leaf Sports) - Canada

At CES, Microsoft also announced a new partnership with News Corporation, and will soon bring FOX broadcast programming, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News Channel and IGN to Xbox LIVE.

News Corp. apps are scheduled to launch in 2012, so prepare to watch your favorite FOX shows, including “Family Guy,” “House,” “New Girl” and “Glee,” have access to Dow Jones Newswire and Marke*****ch from The Wall Street Journal and enjoy game previews, reviews, gameplay videos from IGN, all on-demand.

*Xbox LIVE Gold membership and/or additional subscriptions/fees may be required. Kinect functionality available with select Xbox LIVE content and varies by feature and country. For additional details and availability, see http://www.xbox.com/live."

A free playable demo for The Darkness II, the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2007 release The Darkness, is now available on Xbox Live. The demo weighs in at 1.40 GB.


Content: The Darkness II DEMO
Price: Free
Availability: Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region
Dash Text: Embrace the Darkness and download the demo. Become Jackie Estacado and master your demons as you experience the thrill of Quad-Wielding: slash, grab and throw with your Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons.

Add the free "The Darkness II" demo/trial to your Xbox 360 download queue

The Darkness II is currently scheduled for release February 7, 2012. Browse through all of 360-HQ's previous coverage including trailers, news, screenshots and more by visiting the games database/hub.

File Size: 1.40 GB
360-HQ Games Hub: The Darkness II"

The demo for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, an upcoming single-player role-playing video game that allows players to unlock two items for use in Mass Effect 3, is now available for download from Xbox LIVE.


Content: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Price: Free
Availability: Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region
Dash Text: The minds of New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston have combined to create Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, a new role-playing game set in a world worth saving. Build the character you’ve always wanted and continuously evolve it to your style of play with the revolutionary Destiny system. Choose your path and battle through a master-crafted universe featuring some of the most intense, responsive, and customizable RPG combat ever.

Add the free "Kingdoms of Amalur" demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

The demos for both Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Mass Effect 3 will unlock in-game items for the other game. Check out the official debut trailer just below and add the game to your wishlists.


Click here to add "Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning" to your wishlist on 360-HQ.COM!

Browse through all of 360-HQ's previous and upcoming coverage of the game by visiting the games database/hub linked below.

360-HQ Games Hub: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning"