GamersGate’s latest deals

GamersGate today announced its “Game of the Weekend” promotions and an additional special offer on www.GamersGate.com. Games of the Weekend specials for Oct. 15-18 include Hollywood Pictures 2 - 50 percent OFF, X-Com Complete – 50 percent OFF, and Sword of the Stars Ultimate – $/€ 9.95.

Pre-order specials include Machinarium pre-order at 25 percent OFF and receive 250 bonus Blue Coins, Price Guarantee and Pre-Load), Football Manager 2010 at 20 percent OFF (receive OutRun 2006 Coast to Coast for free with 3,000 bonus Blue Coins with a price guarantee) and Borderlands at 10 percent OFF (receive 250 bonus Blue Coins with a price guarantee).

Next week, starting on Monday Oct. 19th, Elven Legacy and East Indie Company will be 50 percent OFF mainly to celebrate the release of the Elven Legacy: Ranger Expansion Pack on Oct. 20th and the East India Company: Privateer Expansion on Oct. 27th.

Square Enix: love for sale at Comic-Con

Square Enix announced today the merchandise it will be showing off at the San Diego Comic Con 2009 this week. In addition to a display of upcoming products from the FINAL FANTASY XIII, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED, FULL METAL ALCHEMIST and KINGDOM HEARTS lines, Square Enix will be debuting brand-new prototypes of RESIDENT EVIL 5 products on the show floor. On top of an extensive display of future releases, Square Enix will have over 80 items available for purchase at this year’s Comic Con (booth #3829).

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Microsoft to Open Branded Retail Storefronts

You’ve got to hand it to Apple. The company has managed to take its niche market and squeeze it until it screams bloody murder. The company’s line of Apple stores have been a big hit, leading a lot of people left wondering why Microsoft never decided to get in on that action. Well, apparently someone at MS finally got around to asking that same thing, as the company announced yesterday that it plans to open its own chain of branded stores.

News of the new line of Microsoft retail outlets comes at a surprising time, with the economy struggling and many companies tightening their belts. While Microsoft didn’t comment on how many stores it was looking to open, when the stores would start showing up, or which of its products would be on sale in the new storefronts, it’s probably a safe bet to assume that the Microsoft stores will be stocked with Xbox 360s, Zunes, and probably more than a few copies of Halo, Gears of War, and Viva Piñata.

One thing we do know is who Microsoft is putting in charge of the upcoming stores. David Porter, a former DreamWorks Animation executive in charge of worldwide product distribution, was named as Microsoft’s new vice president of retail stores yesterday. Prior to joining DreamWorks back in 2007, Porter spent 25 years at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., last serving the company as vice president and general merchandise manager of Entertainment.

GameStop to Buy Gamesman

GameStop has entered into an agreement to purchase The Gamesman, New Zealand’s largest independent gaming specialist. GameStop says that the eight Gamesman video game stores will expand its presence in New Zealand to a total of 38 stores, bringing the total store count to 308 in Australia and New Zealand. GameStop operates over 5,400 locations worldwide under the GameStop and EB Games brands.

Subject to approval, the transaction is expected to close in mid-July, 2008, according to GameStop.

The Sims 2 Store Opens

Today’s The Sims 2 announcement is not about another throwaway expansion pack for the popular second generation people simulator, but rather an entire store dedicated to bits, baubles and trinkets that players can buy online. This morning EA officially launched The Sims 2 Store, a one-stop shop for all things Simlish.. Oh, and it features stuff from all the previously released expansion packs..

In addition to tall that expansion and Stuff Pack content, players can purchase brand new goodies that are exclusive to the store including house goods, clothes and more.

Check it out by visiting www.thesims2store.com.

PlayStation Store Revamp April 15

On April 15, the new and improved PLAYSTATION Store will launch, according to SCEA. Along with an all new look, the store will offer improved navigation, more functionality and — most important of all - new content. The facelift comes in response to a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation.

The new design promises a “hugely improved” navigation system, much greater scope for categorization and a new user interface. The Store will also see a selection of new content available on April 17, with the launch of the Metal Gear Online beta. Also available will be Warhawk: Operation Broken Mirror and two new Lair packs (Diabolical Dragons Pack and Skyguard Upgrade pack). Finally, a collection of new trailers will show up on the store including the latest for GTA IV, as well as a Sega Superstars tennis demo.Look for the flashy new design next week.