British gaming news site Digital Spy brings news from the Game Developers Conference. Microsoft’s John Schappert told attendees of his keynote speech that

“We have no plans to announce (a Blu-Ray drive) right now. But I’d also urge you to look at the attach rate for the HD-DVD drive. It was a 3% attach rate…you also have to take into account how did the other accessory do when you look at the future.”

We’ll see if Microsoft’s tune changes in the future, but for now movies downloaded in Xbox Live are going to be the only way to get HD film content from the 360.

Link: Digital Spy: Microsoft says ‘no’ to Xbox Blu-ray

Today, Rockstar has released a handful of new screenshots and two trailers for Grand Theft Auto IV, a game some of you may have heard about before. Hit the jump for the second trailer and hit the link for the screenshots.

Link: New GTAIV Images [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

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Previously referred to by it’s code name “O.K. Corral,” the new “Ghost Town” map has been revealed on the Bungie website complete with pretty pictures. This is the first we’ve seen of any of the maps that will be contained in the “Legendary Map Pack.” The map has a very cool jungle look to it, which makes it very different from the other maps I’ve played. Hit the link for more pics and some Q/A with a couple of the map’s designers.

Link: Ghost Town Revealed

Although the first Gears is probably still the best looking console game to date, Gears of War 2 looks like it’s going to up the ante quite a bit. Check out Epic’s Gears 2 presentation from GDC for some slick water and juicy meat cubes. Hit the link for downloadable versions of the video.

Link: Gears of War 2 - GDC: UE3 presentation [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

In their GDC keynote earlier today, Microsoft announced that users will soon have the ability to play, rate and share community-created games over Xbox LIVE. Along with the announcement came the news that seven original XNA 2.0 games will be immediately available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Hit the link for the full press release.

Update: Major Nelson has just announced the availability of the XNA Creators Club Game Launcher from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The app will allow you to download an launch games from the XNA Creators Club.

Link: Xbox 360 Becomes First Video Game Console Ever to Invite the World to Create Original Games and Share Online With Millions

Cliffy B just announced at the Microsoft GDC Keynote that Gears of War 2 will be coming in November and will be an Xbox 360 exclusive. Everyone expected this announcement today, but it’s sure nice to hear it confirmed.

We were also given some details on the 2008 lineup for Xbox 360. The full press release can be found here.

Update: The announcement trailer has been embedded above.

Update #2: Major Nelson informs us that the trailer is available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace in HD as well as free Gears of War 2 theme and picture pack.

Link: Joystiq live from the Microsoft GDC keynote

The previously announced auto update for Halo 3 is confirmed to go live tomorrow, February 20th in the “wee hours.” The update contains the much anticipated “melee fix” that has been talked about for quite some time. If you haven’t already read the details, hit the link for a good read.

Link: Halo 3 AutoUpdate

[Insert witty image about CoD4/Halo3 here.]

Major Nelson has just posted his weekly Xbox LIVE stats for last week and for the third week in a row Call of Duty 4 gets to waive the foam finger.

Now one must wonder if Halo 3 will ever make a triumphant return to reclaim it’s throne.

Link: LIVE Activity for week of 2/11