Harmonix and MTV Games announced a new initiative that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into gameplay files and sell their music as playable tracks through the newly-created Music Store.

Vogster Interactive's CrimeCraft, powered by the Unreal Engine 3, is an MMO that combines the action of a tactical shooter with the strategy of an RPG. Set in a modern world you take part in the political, economical and social life of a big city.

City of Heroes is a superhero themed MMORPG that offers a host of gameplay features, allowing you to create your own heroes, band together with others to fight evil, build your own secret HQ and strive to become the premiere hero group in the city.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, the 3rd stand-alone game in the series, unfolds shortly after the end of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. Having discovered about the open path to the Zone center, the government decides to hold a large-scale military "Fairway" operation aimed to take the CNPP under control.

If you never heard of Popfly before, fret not, you are not alone. Launched two years ago, Popfly was one of Microsoft's attempts to get into user-generated content. It launched with little public awareness, which is probably what led to the current decision of shutting it down. With XNA on the forefront and more recently its promising Kudo platform, Microsoft did not need an unknown service for aspiring game developers. On August 24, 2009, the Popfly service will be discontinued; all resources will be taken down; and access to account, games and mash-ups will cease.

In East India Company, players will enjoy building the world's most powerful trading empire and engaging in fierce battles in both single-player and multiplayer modes, all within a breathtaking cinematic environment.

Later this summer, Microsoft plans to roll out a major dashboard update for its Xbox 360, improving aspects such as the Netflix streaming video experience, video display options, but also adding new items like premium avatar clothing (with a marketplace), user ratings, and Games on Demand (in August).

Rock Band 2 builds upon the original to introduce co-op band gameplay, multiple instruments, online multiplayer, unparalleled downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and features.

Ashes Cricket 2009 is set to build on the heritage that Codemasters has enjoyed with its Brian Lara series and will continue to lead the field with great batting, bowling and fielding gameplay and authenticity that made the series a hit with cricket fans.