Afghanistan is at the center of the media’s attention when it comes to politics. However, today, it seems that the topic has shifted from politics onto video games. Today, Electronic Arts announced a newly revamped Medal of Honor – simply entitled Medal of Honor – taking place within the present-day war-torn setting.

Inspired by real events, Medal of Honor reveals “the mission[s] of today’s most elite soldier” – his will, his mindset and his uncompromising professionalism. You see, the development team, composed of both EA Los Angeles and DICE, have been working closely with Tier 1 Operators from the US Special Operations Community to create the most authentic modern war experience, ever.

“EA has always been an advocate for telling the soldiers’ story. The new Medal of Honor follows that tradition. We felt it was important to tell the story of today’s war and today’s elite soldiers via today’s most relevant medium – videogames,” said Sean Decker, VP and General Manager of EALA. With that said, tune in to Video Game Awards on December 12  for a world-premier first-look at the new Medal of Honor, which is expected to release in fall of 2010.

With the impending release in a couple of months, BioWare have announced the collectors’ edition for their upcoming futuristic space adventure, Mass Effect 2.

Available on January 26 in North America alongside the standard edition, the Collectors’ Edition of Mass Effect 2 comes in a premium, tin case and includes the full version of the game, a 48-page hardcover “Art of Mass Effect 2” book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos.

In addition, the Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will include unique in-game weapons and armor that can only be obtained by purchasing this version.

“We’re really excited to roll out this Collectors’ Edition featuring so many unique items, including special Collectors’ Edition armor and weapons and content that will surprise Mass Effect fans,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder of BioWare. “The limited edition comic book and bonus DVD will really enhance and expand the overall Mass Effect 2 experience.”

Mark your calenders, and set your lasers on stun. Because Electronic Arts announced today that their upcoming futuristic, alien-killing RPG, Mass Effect 2, will be hitting stores shelves on January the 26th of next year in North America and on the 29th in Europe.

And, as a plan to increase Mass Effect 2′s pre-orders, those how pre-order the game at their local Game Stop in North America will receive a code giving them legibility to receive the Terminus Gear armor and the M-490 Blackstorm(click to view) Heavy Weapon.

However, those that pre-order the game at “other retailers” will receive the Inferno Armor, which gives Shephard “an increase in run speed and augmented damage from combat powers.” 2010 can’t come soon enough.

“Our fans are in for a genuine thrill in the New Year with Mass Effect 2 – the second installment in the trilogy will be of amazingly high quality,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, BioWare co-founder. “BioWare’s fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting this epic sequel, and we couldn’t be more excited to reward them for pre-ordering by delivering some awesome bonus content!”

BioWare wasn’t keen on releasing any details on the newest alien character, which debuted as an assassin, at E3, however, now, that has changed because it’s “Meet Thane” day over at the official Mass Effect 2 website. And you won’t believe who’s the star of the event.

“We’re going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect by delivering intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally engaging story,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager and CEO, BioWare and General Manager and Vice President, EA when announcing the game. “Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable RPG-shooter experience, taking players on a non-stop roller-coaster ride filled with stunning plot twists and no-holds-barred action.”

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Activision are building a new studio in San Francisco. And, believe it or not, they need people to work there. So they have picked up two of Visceral Games’ senior staff member.

According to Kotaku, Activision got their hands on Glen Schofield, who was general manager at Visceral, and Michael Condrey, who was chief operating officer.

They both left today.  To go onto work at Activision’s new studio, whose name and purpose are a mystery. However, I bet we can rule out anything “family friendly”. Seeing that EA’s Visceral Games worked on such games as Dead Space and Dante’s Inferno.

[Dead Space Devs Jump Ship To Activision via Kotaku]

Update: “Before they would pitch us on someone like Clinton, they may first go ask if he would do something like that. In no way, shape or form, did we say is President Clinton is who we want for this role or [tell Blindlight to] go chase him,” Pete Hines, the vice president of PR and marketing.

Original: Well, if you need someone to voice the president in Fallout 3, who would better to get than the former ex-president of these United States?

“Celebrity acquisition applies not just to celebrity actors but to sports figures, politicians – we’ve made offers to Bill Clinton for video games and gotten great responses with attorneys who have said, ‘The former president will not participate in one of your video game products, thank you very much’,” says Lev Chapelsky, the general manager of Hollywood-based Blindlight.

“We appreciated that frankness and candor – you don’t get that kind of candor from Creative Artists Agency, frankly. If the answers no, they don’t return your call for six months.”

Chapelsky wanted to snag Clinton for the very obvious role of the president in Fallout 3. “Wouldn’t that have been brilliant? You get to that point in game,” he adds, “and you hear that voice in the ether coming from off-camera and you’re like, ‘I know that guy!’”

[Bill Clinton Was Asked To Voice Fallout 3 via Kotaku]

A little while ago, fans of the series found clues left by its developer hinting at its development. Now, it seems that Eidos Montreal have helped us finish the puzzle and it’s spelt LHI4F.

Today, it was announced by Eidos-Montreal that they are currently in the early stages of developing Thief 4.

“We’re in the early development stages for Thief 4, but this is an incredibly ambitious and exciting project for Eidos,” said Stéphane D’Astous, General Manager at Eidos-Montréal. “While it’s too early for us to offer any specific game details, right now we are focused on recruiting the very best talent to join the core team at the studio and help us make what we believe will be one of the most exciting games on the market.”