Third place is a term used in sociology to describe a place where people come together to socialize that isn't home or work -- bars, gyms, golf courses, whatever. This lengthy and strongly academic report examines how massively multiplayer RPGs fit in as third places.

• IGN has the very first video of BioShock in action.
• Lots more videos from TGS, including 360 RPGs Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon and Trusty Bell. They're pretty, if nothing else.
• Speaking of which, the news I've been waiting for: Trusty Bell is coming to the US as Eternal Sonata.
• Miyamoto explains the reasoning for right handed Link in Wii's Twilight Princess. It's pretty much the reason we all thought.
• Lego Star Wars II has sold 1.1 million units since its Sept. 12 release.
• Sony responds to the 360's upcoming 1080p ability; Microsoft responds to the response. Up next: Sony pulls on Xbox's hair, Xbox calls Sony a smelly jerk.
• You can listen to yesterday's game as porn bill hearing in Utah, or you can just read a summary.
• A man with a Grand Theft Auto tattoo was arrested in Canada for trying to steal a car. Great job, ace!
• 1up does the math on the GT:HD story from yesterday and notes that a full version of the game, with all the cars and tracks, would cost $975.
• MGS4 will arrive in late 2007 at the earliest.
• The makers of Rag Doll Kung Fu are developing a PS3 title.
• Warner has patented a DVD/HD-DVD/Blu-ray hybrid disc that could end all our format troubles.
• IGN has an interview about Far Cry on the Wii, along with the first screenshots.
• Rumors suggest that Sony may package Blu-ray movies with some early PS3 games to help nudge adoption along.
• Warren Ellis points out a Phillip K. Dickian happening in Second Life: The girl with error message eyes.
• The New York Times "Tech Talk" podcast apparently isn't all that informed.
• The second day of TGS stuff has hit Xbox Live, though it's just trailers.