Xbox Fanatics

We’d already heard about a possible price cut to the Xbox 360, but it looks like that might not be all that Microsoft has in store, as TrustedReviews is now reporting that the 20GB hard drive in the standard Xbox 360 model is about to get the boot in favor of a more spacious 60GB one. That word apparently comes from a "rock solid source," who says that Microsoft wants to get it out the door by the end of its financial year, which comes at the end of June. TrustedReviews also goes into a bit of speculation, saying that Microsoft is "toying with the idea of introducing a new 360 SKU," and that a model with a built-in Blu-ray drive would seem to be "the most logical conclusion," although they say an external drive "makes sense too." While that possibility obviously remains up in the air, TrustedReviews is about as confident as can be with the 60GB Xbox 360 news, saying that you can take it to the bank.

via Engadget and Trusted Reviews

Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, according to a senior executive.

The Japanese electronics maker has until now touted Blu-ray as an advantage its PlayStation 3 holds over Microsoft’s console. Microsoft has backed Toshiba’s HD-DVD format and offered an HD-DVD drive that can be plugged into the 360.

But after Sony’s victory last month in the high-definition DVD format war, Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, said the two sides were now talking about Microsoft adopting Blu-ray.

A Blu-ray drive in a 360 would make Microsoft more competitive with the PS3, but it would also mean extra revenues for Sony’s electronics division. It would also add further cost to the 360, meaning a premium edition of the console could be necessary.

A Blu-ray drive could be incorporated in its top-of-the-range Elite Xbox, or Microsoft could again offer a drive as a plug-in peripheral.

Mr Glasgow, speaking at a media dinner, added that discussions were also taking place with Apple, which has not offered Blu-ray drives on any of its computers so far and has focused on digital media via downloads and streaming through devices such as its Apple TV.

The Sony president said he did not believe Blu-ray would be overtaken by high-definition content becoming available over the internet. Bandwidth limitations meant it was still available to only a few, he said, and consumers favoured disks they could own.

via Bink.nu

via The Washington Post

Just days after Microsoft Corp. took a more than US$1 billion earnings charge to fix hardware problems in Xbox 360 consoles, a class-action suit says that the consoles also damage game discs.

Filed on Monday in the U.S. District court for the Southern District of Florida, the suit claims that Xbox 360s scratch game discs, making them unusable. Thousands of people have been affected by and have complained to Microsoft about the problem, the suit claims.  read the rest here

No duh ! I for one have been disappointed in the hardware quality of the 360. The quality of programming and the actual output of the console is extraordinary, but these hardware issues make me leery. Let’s hope MS does the right thing with this warranty extension, which will more than likely become a recall to replace the DVD player and fans.

Microsoft has just confirmed Peter Moore’s departure following a press release issued by Electronic Arts that announced that Moore will serve as president of the EA Sports label. Don Mattrick, a former president of Electronic Arts, will take on Moore’s job.
Microsoft said in a statement that Moore has decided to move his family back to the Bay Area for “personal reasons,” while securing another job in the video game industry.
Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, commented: “Peter has contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003 and we are sad to see him go. Since that time, he presided over the global launch of the Xbox 360, spearheaded a revitalized and rebranded Games for Windows business, and helped steer the console’s ascent.

At the same time Peter Moore will be moving to EA to be President of the EA Sports brand.

Talk about ring around the rosie……

REDMOND, Wash. — March 14, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the extension of the Xbox LIVE^® games and entertainment network to the Windows^® platform, bringing together the most popular online console game service with the most popular games platform in the world. Debuting on May 8, 2007, with the launch of the Windows Vista™ version of the Xbox^® blockbuster “Halo^® 2,” Games for Windows — LIVE will connect Windows gamers to over six million gamers already in the Xbox LIVE community. Then, launching in June, “Shadowrun™” will for the first time connect Windows gamers with Xbox 360™ players in cross-platform matches using a single service. “UNO^®,” releasing later in 2007, will also support cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360.

The launch of Games for Windows — LIVE marks a major expansion of the Xbox LIVE service across multiple platforms, uniting gamers with a single identity, a single gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements attainable on the Xbox 360 and a Windows-based PC. Games for Windows — LIVE gamers will be able to easily find and play supported titles online with their friends across a Windows computer or an Xbox 360. As a unified service with Xbox LIVE, Games for Windows — LIVE will be available in every country and region supported today by Xbox LIVE.

“Five years ago, we began building a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The benefits of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles is twofold: We’re bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we’re enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity — it’s a win for everyone.”

Members of Xbox LIVE automatically receive the functionality of Games for Windows — LIVE, using the same gamertag and friends list at no additional cost. For a single, unified service, the pricing of the LIVE services across both Xbox and Games for Windows is identical. In addition, Games for Windows — LIVE introduces the best of Xbox LIVE functionality to please PC gamers, such as in-game voice chat, integrated achievements and dedicated servers. The offering of both Silver and Gold memberships will remain in place for gamers on the Xbox 360 and Windows PC. There is no cost associated with signing up for a Silver membership. Gold memberships will deliver the premium online network experience for $49.95 (U.S.) per year. Current Xbox LIVE Gold members will automatically have access to Gold features on Games for Windows — LIVE titles.

Silver Membership Features

•  Single gamertag

• Common gamer profile

• Common gamerscore

• Single player achievements

• Private chat via text and voice

• Common friends list and online presence

• PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games

Gold Membership Features

• All Silver membership features

• Multiplayer matchmaking with friends

• TrueSkill™ matchmaking

• Multiplayer achievements

• Cross-platform gameplay

These features of the LIVE services will enable gamers to communicate online and play supported games across both of Microsoft’s gaming platforms, bringing more players and their friends together to connect in new and exciting ways. The following games make up the first wave of titles to support the Games for Windows — LIVE service:

•  “Halo 2” for Windows Vista (Microsoft^® Game Studios). Release date: May 8, 2007. The highly anticipated title brings Master Chief to Windows Vista and is the first title to incorporate the new Games for Windows — LIVE service. Windows Vista gamers will be able to challenge each other in PC-to-PC multiplayer matches and earn achievements for the first time in the “Halo” franchise, as well as communicate via voice or text with other Xbox LIVE or Games for Windows — LIVE members. The visually enhanced classic includes an all-new Map Editor, which will allow for new content and greater game customization. “Halo 2” will be playable with mouse and keyboard or the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

• “Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios). Release date: June 2007. The intense first-person shooter will let gamers rewrite the rules of engagement as they vie for supremacy in an experience that rewards cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation through a unique combination of modern weapons, ancient magic and advanced technology. The first title to connect both Windows Vista and Xbox 360 gamers in cross-platform competition will let up to 16 players battle online. Cross-platform play will require Gold level membership. More information can be found at http://www.shadowrun.com.

• “UNO^®” (Carbonated Games/Mattel Inc.). Release date: 2007. The classic party card game that’s a No. 1 hit on Xbox LIVE Arcade is also coming to Windows Vista and Games for Windows — LIVE. Gamers will be able to compete against three other players on the Xbox 360 or Windows Vista platforms to match colors and symbols and be the first to play every single card in this award-winning game. For gameplay today, “UNO^®” is currently available on MSN^® Games, Messenger Games and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Source: Microsoft Press Release

Microsoft’s Bungie Studios has called out for beta testers for the next installment of Halo for the Xbox 360, set to include a multiplayer aspect of the game through Xbox Live.  Halo 3 is supposed to come out in 2007, and Microsoft says it is offering the beta to allow gamers to become part of the development process.  Sign up through the Halo 3 Web site

Source: Halo 3 Website

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 6, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of hit TV shows and movies to Xbox 360™ gamers in the U.S. by the end of the year. Furthermore, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution over the Internet directly to the consumer.

Beginning Nov. 22, on its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live^® network, the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional “firsts”:

For the first time, consumers will get an integrated gaming and entertainment experience on a gaming console that includes downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies. This new full-length content adds to the ever-expanding number of choices gamers have on their Xbox 360, whether they want to play games or play a movie on a disc or as a download in high definition or standard definition.

For the first time CBS will deliver high-definition download-to-own TV shows including “CSI,” “Jericho,” “Numb3rs” and remastered “Star Trek” episodes; gamers can buy them and watch them repeatedly.

For the first time on any platform, NASCAR.COM will deliver download-to-own condensed versions of select NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races from “Race Rewind.”

For the first time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will make 50 of its most intense fights available for download as well as select episodes from the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.

“This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it.”

The initial lineup of TV shows available for download to own and feature films available for download to rent will include a growing catalog of popular hits. Examples of content that will be available on the network by the end of year include the following:

• “Robot Chicken” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” from Adult Swim

• “CSI,” “Survivor” and “Star Trek” from CBS

• Emmy and Peabody award-winning “South Park” and “Chappelle’s Show” from COMEDY CENTRAL

•  “The Real World” and “Pimp My Ride” from MTV

• “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and ”SpongeBob SquarePants” from Nickelodeon

• “Skyland” and “The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival” from Nicktoons Network

• “M:i:III,” “Nacho Libre” and “Jackass: The Movie” from Paramount Pictures

•  “Carpocalypse” and “Raising the Roofs” from Spike TV

• “Race Rewind” provided by NASCAR.COM

• Select episodes of the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and the “UFC: All Access” shows from the UFC

• “Breaking Bonaduce” and “Hogan Knows Best” from VH1

• “The Matrix,” “Superman Returns” and “Batman Forever” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Xbox 360 gamers can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver membership and a broadband connection. More information about the content available on Xbox Live Marketplace can be found at http://www.xbox.com/marketplaceentertainment.

Support From Digital Entertainment Partners

“CBS is very pleased to be the first broadcast network to provide programs for the Xbox 360 game console, which marks a new and innovative way to distribute and monetize CBS’s world-class content in the digital space. Backed by the formidable marketing power of Microsoft, this platform also offers great potential to recruit new and younger viewers to our Network programming and creates added opportunities for our existing viewers to remain engaged with their favorite program.”

- Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group

“Xbox Live Marketplace provides a truly unique opportunity to connect the core audience with movies that really resonate with them such as ‘Jackass: The Movie’ and ‘M:i:III.’ The gaming community is fully engaged with online entertainment, and this is just the beginning of what we will provide to this fan base.”

- Thomas Lesinski, President, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment

“We are thrilled to be part of this launch and bring some of our most popular and targeted programming, including Adult Swim’s ‘Robot Chicken’ and ‘NASCAR.COM,’ to this platform direct to gamers via Xbox Live on Xbox 360 as part of their online gaming and entertainment experience. Partnering with Xbox Live represents the ideal environment to extend the relevant Adult Swim and NASCAR.COM brands and reach our fans in the coveted 18–34 demographic.”

- Dennis Quinn, Executive Vice President, Business Development, TBS Inc.

“When gamers are taking a break from playing ‘Gears of War,’ I can’t think of a better way to keep the adrenaline flowing than with some high-impact UFC fights. For the first time ever, the original season of our hit reality series ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ will be available for digital download, plus many UFC fights will also be available for download to Xbox 360 in HD.”

- Dana White, President, UFC

“Warner Bros. has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of getting our content to consumers when and where they want it. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach the gaming world with our rich menu of content including next-generation formats.”

- Simon Kenny, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution

Source: Microsoft Press Release

 

“Pocketbike Racer,” “Big Bumpin’,” “Sneak King” Available for $3.99 Each Starting Nov. 19

BURGER KING® restaurants invite guests to give and get the gift of games this holiday season with three ground-breaking Xbox/Xbox 360 video games available exclusively at BURGER KING restaurants nationwide. For a limited time only, starting Sunday, Nov. 19, the BK® Xbox Game Series – a collection of three authentic Xbox video games – will be available at participating restaurants for a recommended price of $3.99 per game with the purchase of a Value Meal.

Compatible on both Xbox and Xbox 360 platforms, “Pocketbike Racer,” “Big Bumpin’” and “Sneak King” are based on some of the most popular video game genres – racing, action and adventure – and rated “E” for everyone. All three exclusive titles blend the popularity of BK® brand icons, such as the King and Subservient Chicken, into visually rich, three-dimensional environments that give players of all ages an entertaining, interactive experience on one of the most popular video game platforms in the world. 

“BURGER KING and Xbox are two brands that share many similarities, but operate in two distinctly different industries. We’ve chosen to join forces this holiday season in an industry first to provide our customers with an entertaining, affordable holiday treat,” said Russ Klein. “We have plenty of experience integrating BURGER KING content into top-selling video game franchises, and now we’re taking brand integration to the next level by creating customized, highly interactive, engaging and relevant long-format consumer entertainment.”

“Xbox and Burger King both represent challenger brands that want to change the status quo connecting with customers on their terms in fun and entertaining ways.’ said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Corp. “Consumers are saying, ‘Let me have what I want, the way I want it. In essence, Xbox also is an invitation to consumers to have it their way. Our partnership with Burger King represents an irreverent new approach to this invitation that’s sure to provide a fun diversion for the whole family this holiday.”

The King’s Got Game

• “Pocketbike Racer” – In the wild world of Pocketbike racing, players race the King and his miniature motorbike crew through five fun, yet challenging speedways.  Each track varies in level of difficulty, and players navigate long straights, tight bends and sharp turns at high speeds while attempting to earn enhancements and tools that they can use as an advantage over opponents.  Featuring HAVE IT YOUR WAY® customization options, players select a bike and a driver and then hit the track of their choice ­– a BURGER KING® restaurant parking lot, a construction site, a backyard, the King’s garden or the Fantasy Ranch set.  In addition to individual play, four players can race against each other in classic split-screen set-up, or eight players can battle it out online using XBOX Live. 
• “Big Bumpin’” – Big Bumpin’ looks like a traditional carnival bumper car ride and features familiar BURGER KING® personalities, including the Subservient Chicken and Brooke Burke.  But, there’s a catch – Big Bumpin’ arenas come with some big hazards, like surprise saws, bottomless pits and “power up” items that let gamers dole out thundering bumps.  With several different types of game play, gamers have a chance to hone their bumper car skills in a variety of challenging scenarios.  The game features five theme parks, including the “Ice Box,” “Broiler,” “King’s Court,” “The Deep” and “Monsoon of Doom,” and multiple modes of play for each, such as intense four-player and XBOX Live-supported.  Easy to learn.  Fun to play.  Difficult to avoid a major crash.
• “Sneak King” – Players step into the King’s royal shoes and use cunning and stealth to sneak up behind unsuspecting people and bestow them with a delicious meal.  The goal of Sneak King is to surprise hungry citizens with BURGER KING® sandwiches and other menu items before they pass out from hunger.  Whether in a logging yard, construction site, suburban neighborhood or downtown urban scene — each rich with detail and hidden pathways — players can hide out and earn points based on how elaborately the delivery is executed.

The games were developed by Blitz Games, one of Xbox’s key development partners, and Europe’s largest independent video game developers. Started in 1990 by brothers and industry veterans, Philip and Andrew Oliver, the company has a reputation for producing award-winning, high-quality playable games for some of the biggest names in the video gaming industry.