http://www.shoutoutgaming.com/ Gaming Powered Site en-us http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1210 Microsoft has announced plans to open its own chain of stores aimed at taking on Apple's successful retail franchise. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1209 Kuju has announced that it has made a "substantial investment" in its next generation of game engine technology. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1208 Blockbuster has announced it will offer US customers mail order rentals of videogame titles, in addition to its selection of films. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1207 The Third Annual ISM Invitational Charity Poker Tournament has been confirmed and is set to coincide with the Games Developer Conference on March 24, in San Francisco. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1206 Blizzard COO Paul Sams has said that the beta for the highly-anticipated StarCraft II will begin shortly. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1205 Namco Bandai is attempting to acquire D3, parent company of Puzzle Quest and Ben 10 publisher D3P. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1204 Square Enix has revealed that it is the company behind the offer to buy UK publisher Eidos, first noted in the middle of last month, which could end the long-running saga of uncertainty that's surrounded the Tomb Raider house since late 2007. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1203 Ruffian Games has announced it's open for business and already working on a project for a major international publishing company. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1202 PlaySpan has teamed up with Gravity Interactive to provide in-game commerce services for its popular MMO Ragnarok Online. http://www.shoutoutgaming.com//modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1201 Susan Gold, director of Game Program Review and chair of the Education Special Interest Group of the International Game Developers Association, has hailed the inaugural Global Game Jam a "runaway success."