Xbox today named the team that will represent the United States later this month at the finals of the Xbox Cup in Berlin. The three lucky winners will fly out to Germany to compete against 31 other teams from across the globe on EA’s 2006 FIFA World Cup on the Xbox 360 console, in a bid to be crowned world champions.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates announced at a press conference earlier today that he is stepping down as chief software architect, while chief technical officer Ray Ozzie will assume responsibilities. Chief technical officer Craig Mundie steps up to the plate as chief research and strategy officer, taking over Gates' research and incubation duties. To round it off, Gates also revealed that he will gradually let go of his daily responsibilities over the next two years, but will remain full-time until the formal transition takes place in June 2008.

Get that magic touch. There are plenty of basketball games out there, but none with the hands-on control of Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Players use the touch screen to get their game on as they execute tricky dribbles, special passes and sweet shots – all with strokes and taps of the stylus.

In a community Q&A on the Bungie website, project lead Jo Clowes reveals a few more scant details on the upcoming Halo 2 Windows Vista edition. Confirming there will be no cross platform multiplayer gaming between PC and Xbox, Jo did reveal you could send invites and msg's to Xbox users, part of the Live Anywhere service, as well as the fact that multiplayer sessions will be capped at 16 users. Mod tools, dedicated server files and more customization options, so you can tweak mp sessions to your liking, will be part of the PC exclusive package.

Nobilis announced Atlantis V, a new point and click adventure situated in the 1930s. You are Howard Brooks, a young aeronautic engineer who awakes on the Hindenburg zeppelin, investigating a strange vessel, one which will take you to the four corners of the earth, interacting with over 30 NPCs, and solving nearly a dozen puzzles.

Chromehounds is a squad-based action title that puts gamers in control of giant mechanized military weapons of war. With a strong focus on cooperative and competitive online gameplay, the game is sure to satisfy players looking for a deep, involving Xbox Live experience.

Galactic Civilizations II takes place in the distant future, when mankind has become a space-faring civilization and must contend with other extraterrestrial powers for domination of the galaxy. Stardock has released a v1.2 retail patch, which includes a few more updates and corrections.

Activision announced today that it has joined with Best Buy to recruit players for the Call of Duty 2 Xbox 360 online gaming tournament. Sign up now through June 16, 2006, and get a chance to win a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, Best Buy Gift Cards and more.

WarPath, developed by Digital Extremes, is new fast-paced Sci-fi FPS game offering up a unique single player experience as well as multiplayer modes that will challenge any shooter fan who owns an Xbox, or a PC.

Majesco today announced Nacho Libre for the Nintendo DS, based on the upcoming movie starring Jack Black, offering fans comedic wrestling mayhem – exaggerated moves, wacky props and lots of pratfalls, all delivered in a unique ‘photo puppetry’ visual style.

Another day, another batch of games shipped to stores. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are announcements for:

• Harpoon 3: Advanced Naval Warfare (PC)
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  We will update this throughout the day when new announcements become available. Read more for details ...

Bright, refreshing and compulsive, LocoRoco plunges you into a colourful world where jelly-like creatures sing, roll and bounce their way through levels to reach their goals.

Paradox Entertainment revealed today that it has teamed up with Warner brothers to produce an upcoming Conan movie, and an option for multiple sequels. Script written by Boaz Yakin, known for Remember the Titans and The Rookie, while Akira Goldsman will produce, known for titles like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Cinderella Man.

SkyNET Entertainment today announced that it will make its retail videogame publishing debut with Shot-Online. The game is the world’s first full 3D online multiplayer golf game to combine elements of true golf simulation and role playing together in one.

After it recently purchased Strangelite, Rebellion announced that it has reached an agreement with SCi to purchase the staff and physical assets of Core Design, who will continue to work with Eidos on a new project and will be re-named.

Prey is serious, dark story, based on authentic Cherokee mythology. Themes of sacrifice, love and responsibility are explored and the story dives into emotional territory not yet explored by similar games.

CDV's city-building simulation, Glory of the Roman Empire, has gone gold today. Set for a June 26 retail release in North America, Glory of the Roman Empire puts players in the shoes of a Roman city-planner, charged with designing the empire's greatest cities while maintaining harmony among the populace.

This v1.03 patch (for all international editions) addresses a save-game issue, gameplay hiccups and a few other tweaks.

White Gold: War in Paradise explores the shadowy background of modern low intensity conflicts, where the newest weapons often do battle with the antics of witchdoctors. A high quality dynamic FPS with a handful of RPG elements thrown in for a good measure, White Gold offers a rich scenario in addition to the non-stop action.