We mentioned it in passing, but this news deserves to stand out. It took a whole lot of doing, but The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles is finally available in readily downloadable format for the PlayStation 3.

Those of you who held out on getting the Game of the Year Edition of Oblivion that included the expansion and didn't want to drive all the way out to the store for the retail expansion disc can now spend $US 30 via the PlayStation Network and get your expansion on. PS3 Oblivion fans - and I count myself among you - our long struggle is finally at an end. According to the Bethesda Blog post, we own a debt of gratitude to technical director Guy Carver, heretofore known as the Prophet of Light. Feel free to erect statues in his honour while the expansion downloads.

Shivering Isles now available on Playstation Network [Bethesda Blog]

Things are warming up over at ZeniMax Online. While we're still waiting for official news on exactly what the studio is developing, bets are on an Elder Scrolls MMO, after Voodoo Extreme did a bit of domain name digging.

Now, Gamasutra (among other news outlets) are reporting that the developer has licensed Simutronics HeroEngine, an all-in-one MMO package that includes client and server software. This is interesting indeed, considering Bethesda is a stalwart supporter of Gamebryo, having used the first iteration of the tech in Morrowind and a more advanced version for Oblivion. It's not like Gamebryo has no support for MMOs.

In fact, I have it on good authority that Bethesda's version of Gamebryo is leagues ahead of what original licenser Emergent has on offer. Maybe ZeniMax just likes the look of HeroEngine. Still, it seems a waste to not use technology that's already there.

ZeniMax Online Studios Licenses Simutronics HeroEngine For New MMO [Gamasutra]

We've received a few tips from readers today who have been contacted by their local Gamestop drones bringing them bad news—The Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion has been cancelled for the PSP. Rumors about the game's cancellation have been swirling since... well, since it didn't ship in the Spring of 2007 as previously planned. However, strong rumours indicating that the game was finally kaput were hinted at this summer.

We've not heard word from Bethesda Softworks, but the game has indeed been removed from Gamestop's online store. We're waiting to hear back from the Elder Scrolls developer on the matter and hope to dash your dreams officially soon.

Thanks for the tips, Ryan and Paul.

Aside from keeping tabs on the industry by refreshing Kotaku at least 150 times a day (or recommendation), there are other ways to prepare for the wide world of game design and break into a career promising endless hours for lesser pay. And Bethesda's Matt Grandstaff is here to tell you how!

Get your hands on the Source SDK, The Elder Scrolls Construction Set, the Neverwinter Nights toolset (either game, 1 or 2 or both!). Make lots of mods. When the time is right and you have a chance to interview for a design job, show them all your kick arse mods.

Of course, the same would apply for modding the software of pretty much any company you'd like to work for. But when you make it and publish your first title, we ask that you send us one of your two complimentary copies out of gratitude.

Breaking into Games: I want to be a Designer! [via gamingtoday]

The folks over at Voodoo Extreme, bless their cotton socks, noticed that ZeniMax Online has registered the domain elderscrollsonline.com. For those not in the know, ZeniMax owns Bethesda, and as such, all the developer's properties.

Don't bother directing your browser to the site - it's not up yet.

Now, this really shouldn't come as a big surprise - ZeniMax Online's been gearing up for a while now. Being an open world RPG series, Elder Scrolls is a ripe IP for the massively multiplayer gaming market.

I still think ZeniMax Online was also set up to take over work on the Fallout MMO, in case Interplay isn't up to it. That we'll know more about next year.

Elder Scrolls Online? [Voodoo Extreme]

Tomorrow sees the release of the PlayStation 3 version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, which marks the first time that the Shivering Isles expansion will be available to PS3 gamers. While this is excellent news for those who waited to purchase Oblivion on the console, but those of us who already purchased and completed the main quest are still waiting for a solution. According to Bethesda's blog they are very close to a resolution, be it a download from PSN or a standalone disc like the one coming out for the Xbox 360 tomorrow, so keep your eyes open for news. In the meantime you might be able to find a copy of the GOTY Edition for rent to help scratch that crazy itch.

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Welcome to your hard drive the final chunk of downloadable content Bethesda plans to release for its FPS/RPG The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. What can you expect from this mish-mash of bits and bytes?

Defeat the attacking marauders and become lord of Battlehorn Castle. Located in the Colovian Highlands west of Chorrol, this expansive castle will allow you to live the life of a noble warrior, with private quarters, grand dining hall, wine cellar, barracks, training room and more. And what castle would be complete without a few hidden passages and dark secrets?

It's a 10MB download, so that works out to be, what, five hours of gameplay? If you're a die-hard Oblivion fan, you'd best savour this morsel, unless of course you're prepared to play whatever the modding community comes up with.

Personally, the screenshots look rather boring.

Fighter's Stronghold - DLC6 [Official Site]