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Xbox News is a site that brings you the very latest Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One news, the latest games and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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January 29th, 2012, 23:15 Posted By: wraggster
Some silly old sausages have "convinced themselves" that having a Call of Duty Elite subscription means they are entitled to maps on PC and PlayStation 3 at the same time as on Xbox 360.Like gasp! Not true - as Activision's Dan Amrich was at pains to explain on his blog."Somewhere along the way, people convinced themselves that an Elite subscription would trump the 2010 DLC exclusivity deal that was created before Elite existed; that by paying for Elite, they were somehow invalidating a contract between Activision and Microsoft. It doesn't make any sense, but it is what people started to think," wrote Amrich, self-described as Activision's "blogger".The Xbox 360 exclusivity deal remains valid until the end of 2012, and declares that all Call of Duty DLC appear first on Xbox 360.This period of exclusivity was typically 30 days with Call of Duty: Black Ops DLC. "Yep, and it's called Call of Duty Elite..."
Map pack First Strike arrived 1st February on Xbox 360, and 3rd March on PlayStation 3 (25th March on PC). Map pack Escalation arrived 3rd May on Xbox 360, and 2nd June on PC (10th June on PS3).Black Ops map pack Annihilation arrived 28th June on Xbox 360, and 28th July on PC and PS3. And map pack "Rezurrection" arrived 23rd August on Xbox 360, and 22nd September on PC and PS3.Puzzled, Dan Amrich delved deep to find the source of confusion."Honestly? I think gamers just convinced themselves that it would happen because they wanted it to happen. That makes sense, but it doesn't make it true."Dan Amrich, Activision's blogger
"What I found was that you can't prove the non-existence of something. I can find no evidence of 'buy Elite, get PS3 DLC same time as 360' ever being so much as suggested by any official source," he shared."It was never one of the things listed in the official benefits chart; it was never promised by any representative of Activision, Call of Duty, Elite, or its developers."He pressed on: "Honestly? I think gamers just convinced themselves that it would happen because they wanted it to happen. That makes sense, but it doesn't make it true."Even the Call of Duty Elite FAQ and Amrich's own previous blog post about Call of Duty Elitespecified this not to be the case."So that's where we are," Amrich concluded. "The deal from 2010 is why DLC comes out on Xbox 360 first."I'm seeing people scream 'rip-off' and stuff like that, but nobody's going to get ripped off; every gamer will get everything they were promised and everything they paid for."It's unfortunate that people assumed things about Elite that turned out to not be based in fact, but I hope the truth is clear now."Unpopular, I'm guessing, but clear."
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ite-maps-first
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January 29th, 2012, 23:08 Posted By: wraggster
Believe it or not, there are evil people on the Internet who use misinformation and deception to steal from the innocent and well-meaning. We know, we couldn't believe it either, but it's the truth, as recently demonstrated by an outbreak of fake Halo 4 beta test invites.
343 Industries' creative director David Ellis was quick to debunk the bogus site, but the URL used in the phishing scam (halo4beta dot net) is still out there, tempting fate with its Halo-oriented name and un-Microsoftness. Who knows what nefarious maleficence the domain could be used for if left in the wild, so Microsoft has filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum in order to have the domain name transferred to its ownership.
In situations like this, the company filing the complaint has to be able to prove that the domain in question was registered maliciously in order for the Forum to decide in its favor. Under the circumstances, we feel like global fraud will probably be malicious enough to sway things in Microsoft's favor.
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/mi...4-beta-domain/
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January 29th, 2012, 22:42 Posted By: wraggster
Quarrel, the multiplayer word game released on Xbox Live Arcadethis week, falls foul of a curious, Microsoft-imposed word filter that forbids players from playing seemingly inoffensive words.
Shortly after the game's XBLA release on Wednesday, reports appeared on forums from players who had seen perfectly valid words turned down during competitive play on Xbox Live, including 'balls', 'train', and 'shaft'.
Gary Penn of developer Denki told us: "Quarrel uses the Collins official Scrabble dictionary comprising over 110,000 words up to eight letters in length, including a huge collection of words deemed 'offensive' by Collins, such as 'arse', 'shit', 'wank' and '****'.
"You can make any offensive word you can find in singleplayer mode - unless you have the Xbox 'Family Setting' turned on."
All of which makes sense. But why are seemingly harmless words being disallowed?
"Microsoft has an additional filter in place for all Xbox Live games, which we have to support," Penn continued. "But while we have to use that filter, we don't know which words are permitted.
"From playing, we do know that it includes such oddities as 'help', 'start', 'skid', 'poop', 'bung', 'hung', 'dice' and 'god'. Microsoft clearly has its reasons for censoring such words within Live games."
Those reasons remain unclear, with Microsoft failing to respond to a request for comment at the time of publication. While we can understand the argument for the likes of 'poop' and 'balls' being forbidden, we can't fathom why the likes of 'train' and 'help' are off limits in a word game, especially when any Xbox Live user can don a headset and hear much worse within seconds of starting a multiplayer game.
While some of the above words have offensive uses, of course, context is king, and the filter could cause a few awkward moments for parents who could find themselves asked to explain to a child why the word 'shaft' is offensive. If Microsoft responds, we'll follow up.
http://www.edge-online.com/news/xbla...ft-word-filter
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January 29th, 2012, 00:30 Posted By: wraggster
Online service sees 18 per cent increase in title growth, claim analysts
Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade hit a record $144 million in revenue for 2011, according to an analyst firm.
The XBLA service also saw an 18 per cent increase in title growth, claimed market research firm Forecasting and Analysing Digital Entertainment.
It said that revenues were led by more than 308,000 sales of Ubisoft’s From Dust, and 335,000 downloads of Behemoth's Castle Crashers.
Both titles reportedly made around $4.6 million in revenue each.
The analyst firm puts the record year for the digital service down to Microsoft’s ‘Summer of Arcade’ catalogue, with seven of the top ten highest grossing games released during the promotion period.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...venue-for-2011
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January 27th, 2012, 01:50 Posted By: wraggster
[Karl] set out to improve the depth image that the Kinect camera is able to feed into a computer. He’s come up with a pre-processing package which smooths the depth data in real-time.
There are a few problems here, one is that the Kinect has a fairly low resolution, it is also depth limited to a range of about 8 meters from the device (an issue we hadn’t considered when looking at Kinect-based mapping solutions). But the drawbacks of those shortcomings can be mitigated by improving the data that it does collect. [Karl's] approach is twofold: pixel filtering, and averaging of movement.
The pixel filtering works with the depth data to help clarify the outlines of objects. Weighted moving average is used to help reduce the amount of flickering areas rendered from frame to frame. [Karl] included a nice GUI with the code which lets you tweak the filter settings until they’re just right. See a demo of that interface in the clip after the break and let us know what you might use this for by leaving a comment.
http://hackaday.com/2012/01/25/real-...or-the-kinect/
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January 27th, 2012, 01:35 Posted By: wraggster
This year’s new Assassin’s Creed will be the biggest game in the series so far, Ubisoft told MCV.
It is understood that it will inject new life into the series, featuring fresh lead characters for the first time since 2009.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has high hopes for this Christmas’ title, and dismisses the notion that annual instalments in the series are diluting the brand.
“Assassin’s Creed is an incredible franchise and there are a lot of expectations that it will continue to grow. We are pleased with our continued success so far: in the US, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations was a Top Ten title for the entire calendar year, which shows that the demand is definitely there,” Guillemot told MCV.
“We think that delivering regular instalments and expanding the brand to other platforms will continue to satisfy the demand, while at the same time attracting new fans.
“And we’re confident that the next instalment of Assassin’s Creed will be the biggest to date.”
Ubisoft has big ambitions for 2012. Last year the firm was the UK’s No.2 publisher, and in the US had the second biggest selling game – Just Dance 3.
“We’re challenging [EA and Activision], certainly,” Guillemot added.“If we keep our focus on delivering high-quality games and on attracting and retaining top talent, I’m confident we’ll reach that goal of becoming No.1.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/guill...to-date/090327
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January 27th, 2012, 01:28 Posted By: wraggster
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DLC can only be accessed by one player profile per console, forum complaints suggest.
This means that users may have to purchase Elite content twice if they want to play it under a different profile on their Xbox 360 console – something that wasn’t the case with Modern Warfare 2.
“I’ve got Elite on my main profile but not on my second profile. Why is it not allowing me to use the DLC with a second profile on the same 360?” asked forum user Xidorn on the Call of Duty website.
“If you think I’m going to pay $50 for each profile on the same console ,that’s ridiculous.”
However, Activision’s terms and conditions state otherwise.
“You can use this [DLC] on the first Xbox 360 console you downloaded it to,” it reads. “Access to this item will also be granted to all users on this first console."
MCV has contacted Activision for clarification.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/mw3-d...profile/090329
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January 27th, 2012, 01:16 Posted By: wraggster
Online passes are a recent staple in staving off used sales. Limiting what used buyers can access is a protective measure for publishers, much to the chagrin of parts of the gaming community. Chris Kohler of Wired argues that the death of used games is inevitable, and passes are the first step toward something exactly like a native anti-used game something integrated into consoles. He notes, of course, that digital is the future of buying games, but in the meantime we may be looking at 'an interim period in which the disc as a delivery method is still around but ... becomes more like a PC game, which are sold with one-time-use keys that grant one owner a license to play the game on his machine.' Also at Kotaku, the source for the Wired article (which is the source for the IGN article).
http://games.slashdot.org/story/12/0...ect-used-games
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January 26th, 2012, 03:33 Posted By: wraggster
Late 2013 release for new console 'confirmed', reports claim
Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox will be six times more powerful than the 360, according to reports.
“Sources close to the project” told IGN that the new system's GPU will be based on AMD’s 6000 series, specifically the Radeon HD 6670. Mass production of the GPU will allegedly begin by the end of 2012.
The graphics processor supports DirectX11, 3D and 1080p HD output.
It will be 20 per cent more powerful in terms of performance than Nintendo’s Wii U, according to the sources.
They also claimed that the next-gen system will be launched in late 2013, around October or November time.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...erful-than-360
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January 26th, 2012, 03:28 Posted By: wraggster
Unverified source also claims the system will employ 'anti-pre-owned' technology
Microsoft is to end its resistance to Blu-ray technology with the next generation Xbox, according to alleged industry sources.
According to a Kotaku report, game DVDs are expected will be shelved in favour of the high-capacity Blu-ray disc format, which rival firm Sony has been a driving force in bringing to market.
Sony's PlayStation 3 currently supports Blu-Ray discs as big as 50GB. Currently, certain multiplatform games must ship on several 9GB DVDs for the Xbox 360 due to capacity issues.
With Nintendo signalling its intent to employ high-capacity discs for its Wii U system, it is not expected that the next generation Xbox could resort to the DVD format for large data delivery.
But, according to Kotaku, “one reliable industry source” has claimed that Microsoft “intends to incorporate some sort of anti-used game system as part of their so-called Xbox 720”.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...mbrace-Blu-ray
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January 25th, 2012, 02:44 Posted By: wraggster
According to a new rumour, IBM and Global Foundries are hard at work on the main processor for the next-generation Xbox.
 Reportedly codenamed 'Oban', the processor is said to be a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) - a 32nm processor that incorporates a PowerPC CPU and an ATI Southern Islands GPU - basically a modified version of the 7000 series GPUs.Fudzilla reports (Via Industry Gamers) that Microsoft put the two companies to work on the new chip in December last year.
The site's 'sources' say a 2012 release is therefore unlikely, pitching 2013 as a more likely year for MS to make its next-gen move, with a possible announcement before the end of the year.
The report also speculates that MS could be ready to start handing out development kits as early as March or April.
Rumours on the next-gen console have been rapid-firing from various sources since late last year, with strong reports of a launch in 2013 (including apparent leaks from inside Microsoft's Xbox team).
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...d-oban-report/
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January 25th, 2012, 02:34 Posted By: wraggster
That Call of Duty Elite membership will finally start paying for itself today, as a pair of new Modern Warfare 3 maps are now available to premium members (non-paying members will have to wait). Specifically, Xbox users with a paid subscription to Elite can snag "Liberation" and "Piazza." In order to do so, simply select the "Download Elite Content" from within the in-game store (found in the multiplayer menu). The Elite website notes that both maps mustbe downloaded or players will encounter an error during matchmaking.
PS3 Elite premium members will receive the DLC at a later date. The PC version, which does not currently feature Call of Duty Elite, will presumably receive the DLC later as well.
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ps...or-mw3-on-xbo/
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January 25th, 2012, 02:08 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox 720, Xbox Loop -- whatever Microsoft ends up calling it, that hot rod of a console looks to be on deck for a late fall 2013 release. According to IGN's sources, this successor to the Redmond gaming throne is purported to pack a GPU based on AMD's 6000 series of chips and will boast silicon circuitry that catapults its performance past Nintendo's upcoming Wii U by 20 percent. If you're looking for a more apples to green X's comparison, this next-gen console's graphical capabilities are also reportedly six times greater than its 360 progenitor. While MS is likely holding back its monstrous new platform for a big E3 reveal, it appears the company's still whittling down its spec list, with dev kits to be issued later this August. No mention was made of its rumored Kinect 2 integration, but we're more than certain that famous hacking tech will be front and center.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/n...aded-for-fall/
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January 25th, 2012, 02:01 Posted By: wraggster
Capcom will release its eight-game Digital Collection bundle – complete with two Street Fighter titles – on March 30th in the UK.
The Xbox 360 exclusive – announced last month – will arrive a few days earlier in the US on March 27th, and comes with an MSRP of $39.99.
Each title in the retail pack boasts all the features, online functionality and achievements found in their downloadable versions.
The Capcom Digital Collection includes the following games on one disc:
• 1942: Joint Strike
• Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
• Final Fight Double Impact
• Flock
• Rocketmen: Axis of Evil and the ‘It Came From Uranus’ expansion
• Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
• Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
• Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/capco...t-march/090190
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January 25th, 2012, 01:58 Posted By: wraggster
MCV's sister magazine has taken an innovative new game into the heartland of the toy industry: huge London trade show Toy Fair.
The ToyNews stand at the event is showing Microsoft's Xbox Kinect software at the stand - and scored the first UK showing of Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure.
Rush is a minigame collection of short motion controller experiences inspired by Pixar properties.
Kinect has sold 10m units worldwide. ToyNews and Microsoft have teamed up to show the device and its potentential as a family gaming device amongst a show that features otherwise much more non-digital properties like LEGO, Transformers and Barbie.
Those going to Toy Fair can find ToyNews at E2, just by the entrance.
Toy Fair 2012 takes place at London Olympia from today, Tuesday January 24th to Thursday January 26th.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/toyne...oy-fair/090195
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January 25th, 2012, 01:55 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is set to replace its proprietary currency with real-world money by the end of the year, according to a company source.
Transactions across Xbox Live, Windows Phone and the Zune Marketplace will all be affected if the source, who spoke to Inside Mobile Apps, is correct.
Microsoft currently uses both real-world money and MS Points for online payment, with full games listed in local currency but DLC purchased using points.
If the change goes ahead, it will bring Microsoft's virtual stores in-line with others such as Apple's App Store and Sony's PlayStation Network which already use regional pricing, arguably offering greater clarity to customers.
It would also fix the problem of having to buy more MS Points than are needed due to them only being available in fixed amounts.
http://www.edge-online.com/news/repo...-out-ms-points
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January 25th, 2012, 01:43 Posted By: wraggster
Console giant recruiting staff for internal projects
Microsoft may be setting up two new internal studios for Kinect games development, according to jobs listings posted by the console giant.
Spotted be NeoGAF, the recruitment ads state the company is looking for a HR manager for ‘Platform Next Studios’ and a level designer for ‘LEAP’, which may be the studio name or an upcoming project.
The positions are both for work based in Remond, Washington in the US.
“We’re the people that developed Kinect and profoundly changed the way people interact with technology,” reads the LEAP job listing.
“Now our incubation team is ready to change the world again, but we need your help
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...Kinect-studios
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January 25th, 2012, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster
Processor co-designed by IBM and Global Foundries, report claims; Massmarket production 'a year off'
The processor that will be at the centre of next Xbox entered production in December last year, according to two separate reports.
It is said Microsoft commissioned both IBM and Global Foundries to build a high-performance PowerPC CPU, codenamed Oban, for the next console.
The chips will be used in development kits set to arrive at game studios by April, it is speculated. Previous rumours suggested that the so-called 'Xbox 720' dev kits were handed out late last year.
Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by Develop.
“The power behind the next Xbox will be a PowerPC CPU that is married to an ATI Southern Islands GPU, or modified 7000 series,” according to technology website Fudzilla.
The publication claims that the chips “will be destined for developer consoles”, implying that a 2012 mass-market release for the console is not practical.
Meanwhile, another technology publication called Semiaccurate – which has been covering the production of the so-called Oban chips for a number of weeks – claims the tech is likely scheduled for mass-production in December 2012.
In October last year, sources within the middleware and game engine sectors told Develop that the next generation Xbox will more likely be released in the second half of 2013.
http://www.develop-online.net/news/3...ction-for-devs
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January 24th, 2012, 01:11 Posted By: wraggster
The Capcom Digital Collection gathers eight of Capcom's most recent XBLA offerings into a $40 package: 1942: Joint Strike, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2(curiously, not the first game), the two-game Final Fight: Double Impact title,Flock!, Rocketmen: Axis of Evil with "It Came from Uranus" DLC, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, and Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3.
Downloading each title a la carte will cost $100 total and a good chunk of your HDD space -- but more patient, frugal fans of The House that Hadoukens Built can spin a disc and try these previously download-only XBLA titles on March 27. Across the pond, gamers will have to wait until March 30 before they can put on some pants and head on over to the local shoppe to snag a copy.
That is how you guys spell "shoppe" over there, right?
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/ca...s-march-30-in/
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January 24th, 2012, 01:09 Posted By: wraggster
The inescapable dance track of the '90s, C+C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)", works its way to the Dance Central 2 store tomorrow, January 24. The track is priced at 240 MSP ($3) and, as one would expect, has a "hardcore" difficulty.
We'd also like to remind you that Harmonix launched the Dance Central 2Dance Cam app last week, in case you'd like to upload any 15 seconds of dance elation (or shame, in our case) to the interwebs.
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/c-...rrow-on-dance/
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