Slow news day for the industry. You know that everyone working in development can’t wait to finally get four days to play Skyrim, but what do you think the people who made Skyrim are going to play? Probably Skylanders.

News Blips:

Modern Warfare 3 developer bans over 1,600 cheaters. Infinity Ward Creative Strategist Robert Bowling explained via Twitter, "Any attempt to cheat, hack, or glitch in [Modern Warfare 3] will not be tolerated. 1600+ bans issued." As with all of history’s greatest legal systems, this one doles out punishment based on the offender’s level of "douchiness" with "PermaDouche" being a viable option. Players who spot a cheater can report players by clicking on the option in the post-game lobby. Stats are recorded for every thing, so the enforcement team can determine the validity of complaints without seeing video evidence. I’m glad IW is fighting the good fight, but it must feel hopeless. As Jeff Goldblum said in that one movie about genetically engineered flies from Mars, “Douche finds a way.” [GamePolitics]

Developer id opens up the Doom 3 source code. My simple mind can’t comprehend that something rational and real like mathematics actually powers the flashy lights that create my favorite video games. For me, it’ll always be magic. However, some among you have taken to practicing the black art that is game development. Well, the mad men behind id Tech 4 have opened their blood-covered techronomicon for you all to play around with. But does Doom 3 sound like hot garbage that you wouldn’t let your worst enemy play? Keep in mind that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 -- the one that was just released -- is powered by a modified version of id Tech 3, not even id Tech 4. Do your worst, techromancers!

The 2004 Bard’s Tale remake is coming to iOS. I know that most of you, like me, are holding out for Brad’s Tale, which is probably a game about the life and times of American country singer Brad Paisley. For the rest of you, Bard’s Tale is a humorous action-RPG about a crass minstrel who prefers cleavage and coin over saving the world. Much like Brad Paisley. Here’s a moving e-picture about the game:

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