Microsoft has struck deals with five horror movie directors for a series of short films in a move aimed at boosting the original entertainment content available on its Xbox console. With competition fierce between Xbox and Sony’s Playstation 3 console, the rival companies are looking to films, TV programmes and other content to boost the appeal of their devices.

The UK's Guardian are asking if Xbox Live will remain a pay service of it it will become a free - on the back of the news that Games for Windows Live - essentially a PC version of Xbox Live - will now be available for free makes it increasingly difficult for Microsoft to justify charging a subscription to Xbox Live

Starting Sunday, the Xbox 360 console with a 20-gigabyte hard drive will cost $299 in the U.S., down from $350. An updated Xbox 360 is set to arrive in stores in early August. The $350 replacement will arrive with a fat 60GB hard drive, significantly more space for storing the games, TV shows and movies Microsoft sells on its Xbox Live Marketplace Web site.

Shane Kim, vice president of strategy and business development for Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment business, told Forbes.com that the company has "no interest" in adding Blu-Ray functionality to its console, opting instead to focus on digital distribution. "I can categorically say that we're not working on a Blu-Ray player for Xbox 360," says Kim. "To my knowledge, we don't have any intent to do that."

Midway today announced Unreal Tournament 3 is now available, with several new features including split screen, five exclusive maps and two all-new characters, as well as all previously released downloadable content. In addition, Xbox 360 owners will get an exclusive video preview of Gears of War 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 4.7 million unit-selling blockbuster third-person action game, included on the Unreal Tournament 3 disc.

Microsoft has announced that they are entering into a deal with movie rental company Netflix. This deal would enable the owners of their Xbox 360 to stream movies over the Internet - assuming they have a Netflix account. Microsoft made this announcement at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles.

SouthPeak Games have announced that it will distribute Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger this fall. Published by Evolved Games, Raven Squad is set in the near future. The game is a unique blending of real-time strategy and first-person shooter genres.

Beginning on July 7, there will be a 48-hour long seven-player FFA playlist in Halo 3’s Matchmaking where you can turn the calendar back to 2001 and control Rockets, Invis and Snipe. For now, Cold Storage will be implemented in regular rotation in playlists that require the Legendary Maps. To avoid confusion, playlists that previously required the Legendary Maps will now remind players that they need “all Maps” to participate, and since Cold Storage is free, it shouldn’t be a big

I am writing this letter, because I feel I got the shaft. There are many reasons, One of the reason is this I been a loyal Xbox live gamer since Xbox live came out. Ok so here is by problem with your service. Your service was great up in till May 28, 2008. I been with your service for over 4 to 5yrs. When Microsoft introduces Xbox 360, I was happy to get my hands on one at launch....

The Times have written a great piece detailing their visit to Sega's Tokyo office this week. They detail how Sega transformed from a single console company to a multiplatform software house - and how Microsoft helped them make the leap.

Today, D3Publisher released a downloadable demo of Dark Sector via Xbox LIVE online entertainment network! Available now for download worldwide, the demo will offer players a fantastic introductory experience into the world of Dark Sector as they unleash the power and become a hero.

E3 begins next week and Microsoft's David Gosen has said in an interview that Microsoft would have "fantastic surprises awaiting everybody at E3". Does this mean a party bag full of money and plastic figures? We hope not. We're hoping for a bag of goodies including: Price Cut, Blu Ray Support and new dashboard - maybe in 3d? Also, how's about some motion controllers?

What does the American Dream mean today? For Niko Bellic, fresh off the boat from Europe, it is the hope he can escape his past. For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity. As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for

True to the original adventurous card game, “Lost Cities” transports players to exotic destinations where riveting adventures await. Before players embark on their trips they must choose how much to invest in the expedition in hopes of increasing their investment. Players then play their cards with the goal of amassing the most points and making prosperous expeditions through the various lost cities: the Himalayas, the Brazilian rain forest, the ever-shifting desert sands, ancient volcanoes an

Remember id Software? Once upon a time they were important. Now-a-days they're relegated to 3rd tier status as they release games about as often as the Cubs win the World Series. (sorry cubs fans). id Software are now claiming the battle for Earth will be waged on retail shelves as they confirmed that Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars will begin shipping on May 27, 2008 and arriving on European and Australian store shelves on May 30, 2008.

Midway has announced that Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled to ship for the Xbox 360 this summer. Utilizing Epic's Unreal Engine 3, Unreal Tournament 3 will feature two new characters, five new expansive maps and split screen capability, all exclusive to Xbox 360.

Midway Games today announced that NBA Ballers: Chosen One has shipped for the Xbox 360 videogame. "With Dwight Howard as cover athlete, NBA Ballers: Chosen One brings the franchise back to its basketball roots with fantastic gameplay and true, next generation graphics," said Mona Hamilton, big cheese of marketing at Midway. "We definitely wanted to listen to our NBA Ballers fan base and focus on the gameplay elements that were considered most desirable to them. As a result, we feel as if Chosen

The ban on Manhunt 2 in the UK has been lifted and the game will now be available for kids any age to pick up and simulate killing civilians, cops and pretty much anyone who crosses their path. We're pretty sure Jack Thompson, the video-game cop who can be a clown sometimes, (but not in this case) will no doubt voice his concerns and tell the world we're all going to hell in a handbasket and it's proof the four horsemen are riding....

Could it be that the price cut is in anticipation of the Grand Theft Auto IV launch next month? Or is it getting rid of old boxes as the new 60GB/Blu Ray edition? For those of you in Europe, Amazon UK has listed the Xbox 360 Arcade consoles at £149.99, Premiums £189.99 and Elites £249.99. Thats waaaay lower than Playstation 3 and keeps massive pressure on Wii in Europe.

EA had the door slammed in it's face by the dudes at Take Two this week. After attempting to buy TT for approx $2billion, Take-Two immediately issued a press release turning down the offer, saying it was unsolicited and inadequate. The door's not completely closed, however. In the press release, Strauss Zelnick, Executive Chairman of the Board of Take-Two said that they would be open for discussion - after the release of Grand Theft Auto IV in April. They indicated discussions could start as e