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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.
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January 28th, 2008, 17:07 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Xbox marketing bigwig Jeff Bell says Microsoft has been talking to Blu-ray about the possibility of a partnership all along.
He was speaking about Warner Bros.'s recent decision to exclusively pick the Sony-championed disc format, and did not rule out the possibility MS will adopt it at some point in the future.
"We've been talking to Blu-ray all along because we have the best piece of software in the business, called HDi. It is the backbone that powers interactivity in HD-DVD and we have that available to potentially partner with others," Jeff Bell told 1UP.
"You never say never. I think we'd like to see how things evolve. Our commitment, however, to HD-DVD is profound and consistent, and we have done very, very well in term of our accessory sales."
Microsoft still counts Universal, Paramount and DreamWorks among the supporters for HD-DVD, and Warner Bros. continues to be one of the largest contributors to its IPTV service.
Interestingly Bell also highlighted the relationship between Microsoft and Sony, as its rival uses Windows software on its laptops and what not. They do more talking than you might expect. Bell calls it "coopetition".
Xbox Live Video Marketplace launched last December in the UK, offering downloadable films for digital rental; you splash out 250 MS Points (GBP 2.13 / EUR 2.91) for standard definition and 380 MS Points (GBP 3.23 / EUR 4.42) for high definition, and films will become unwatchable 24 hours after you first start viewing them or within 14 days of download.
The service has been available in the US since late 2006 and also lets you download television shows like CSI or Star Trek. No word on when this will happen here yet.
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January 28th, 2008, 16:42 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Author Cooper Lawrence has apologised for publicly attacking the EA over the sexual content in Xbox 360 title Mass Effect.
She admitted jumping to conclusions when she slammed the game on Fox News. Having now seen the offending content, Lawrence admits it's no worse than the kind of sauciness you'd see on TV.
"I recognise that I misspoke," Lawrence told the New York Times. "I really regret saying that, and now that I've seen the game and seen the sex scenes it's kind of a joke.
"Before the show I had asked somebody about what they had heard, and they had said it's like pornography. But it's not like pornography. I've seen episodes of Lost that are more sexually explicit," she confessed.
However, Fox News is refusing to budge - sticking to its claim EA was invited onto the channel to tell its side of the story.
Jeff Brown of EA previously wrote an open letter to the news channel to refute an ignorant stance made from misinformation.
Ray Muzyka, boss of developer BioWare, added: "We're hurt. We believe in video games as an art form, and on behalf of the 120 people who poured their blood and tears into this game over three years, we're just really hurt that someone would misrepresent the game without even playing it. All we can hope for is that people who actually play our games will see the truth."
Cooper Lawrence originally accused the role-playing game of portraying female characters as sexual objects in a storyline that has the male lead "deciding how many women he wants to be with".
Lawrence later laughed and said "No" when asked if she had actually played Mass Effect.
Subsequently angry fans of the game found her book The Cult of Perfection: Making Peace With Your Inner Overachiever on Amazon and decided to apply the same logic, resulting in its user rating plummeting from hundreds of negative reviews.
By Friday it had 472 reviews, 412 of which were one star. Most had not read the book.
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January 28th, 2008, 16:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Toshiba has told GamesIndustry.biz that it is disappointed that High Street retailer Woolworths has decided to drop the HD-DVD movie format from its stores this March.
The retailer said today that it will be backing the rival Blu-ray format exclusively following a Christmas sales period that saw HD-DVD movies outsold by ten-to-one.
But Toshiba has stated that in the UK at least, HD-DVD movies account for 60 per cent of high-definition movie sales, and that a proliferation of cheap hardware means HD-DVD should not be ruled out as a successful new format.
"While we're disappointed by Woolworths' decision, it is extremely early to spot which format will eventually win," commented Oliver Van Wynendaele, euro assistant general manager of Toshiba's Consumer Products Division.
"We have been hugely successful in expanding the number of consumers owning HD-DVD players. UK consumers can now pick-up an HD-DVD player for less than GBP 150, around half the cost of other HD formats.
"Even before pricing reached this level, HD-DVD represented more than 60 per cent of the overall standalone high definition market," he said.
Van Wynendaele also stated that figures show that the attach rate of HD-DVD movies to their hardware is higher than that of Blu-ray with its respective players.
"HD-DVD has always enjoyed greater software sales per player than any other HD format. In fact, HD-DVD owners have already bought around 3.5 movies each, compared to less than one movie sold per Blu-ray device," he said.
Woolworths will continue to sell the HD-DVD format via its website.
The ability to play Blu-ray content is an integral part of Sony's PlayStation 3 console, while Microsoft has been backing the other format by selling a HD-DVD peripheral for its Xbox 360 player.
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January 27th, 2008, 22:21 Posted By: wraggster
Yeah, we know. The whole "deep sea diver combat" genre peaked with Sega's largely unknown arcade masterpiece The Ocean Hunter, but still, it's rude to look a gift horse in the mouth -- or, rather, to look a free game in the drearily repetitive gameplay. If you haven't done it yet, today is your last chance to download Undertow on the XBLA marketplace for the cost of zilch. Who knows, you may dig it -- and if all it costs is a moment of your time to pick up, isn't it worth checking out? Let us know if free was the right price for the game -- and if it served as an appropriate apology for the recent hiccups in the Xbox Live service.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/re...rtow-for-free/
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January 27th, 2008, 00:49 Posted By: wraggster
Sales data for HD-DVD and Blu-ray players and movies has been misconstrued lately by various outlets, with reports implying that HD-DVD sales have fallen at an amazing pace while Blu-ray sales have blasted through the roof.
The NPD Group attempted to quiet the storm of online scuttlebutt with the following statement:
"The facts are that during the week that is being singled out, both Blu-ray disc players and software were being given away for free with the purchase of 1080p TVs. It is also important to note that the instant rebate promotions that had previously netted Toshiba's players' MSRPs to $199 and $249 had actually ended on Jan. 5th -- causing an increase in HD DVD's MSRP back to $299 and $399 during that same week. Since Toshiba's retail price move on Jan. 13th to $149 / $199 -- Toshiba is seeing very positive sales trends at retail. This reinforces the fact that price is a significant driver of sales."
"Toshiba's HD DVD players represent a significant value to the consumer and the marketing campaign that just began is proving effective."
http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/007137.php
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January 27th, 2008, 00:48 Posted By: wraggster
According to new media reports independently confirmed by Gamasutra, the flamboyant Kudo Tsunoda, former head of EA's now-closed Chicago Studio (Def Jam: Icon, Fight Night series) has accepted a new position with Microsoft Game Studios.
A report in a new GameTap Read article indicates an anonymous Microsoft staffer is reported as confirming that Tsunoda has joined Microsoft; further, the report suggests that he is working, presumably in an oversight/production role, at a new Gears of War title for the company.
Independent sources have confirmed to Gamasutra that this move is part of an in-progress re-organization from Microsoft senior vice president Don Mattrick, who took over for Peter Moore in 2007 after a stint at EA.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=17124
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January 27th, 2008, 00:47 Posted By: wraggster
Last November, Microsoft ran an offer where all new Xbox 360 owners could grab a free copy of Halo 3 for upgrading to Xbox Live gold and registering the new console's serial number. Well, Microsoft was supposed to get the free copies of Halo 3 to their new 360 owners by January 18th, but have hit a bit of a snag.
According to a few fanboy tipsters, all the Halo 3 shipments have been delayed, but Microsoft promises to get those who completed the offer a copy of the game within' three weeks.
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/01...rience-delays/
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January 26th, 2008, 23:08 Posted By: wraggster
Much like the dim-witted kid you constantly taunted in kindergarten, Activision is having extraordinary difficulty making it past the number "1." Constantly cited in press releases, it appears uno is the only number the publisher cares to count on: #1 US publisher in 2007; a $1 billion dollar franchise in Guitar Hero; and #1 game in last week's Xbox Live Activity. Perhaps you too would be laughing all the way to the bank if you weren't such a mean-spirited brat in your early years.
Activision's latest claim to #1 fame is based on sales figures obtained from The NPD Group, Chart Track and The GFK Group, which label Infinity Ward's critically acclaimed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare as the best-selling game for 2007. The frantic first-person shooter is said to have sold in excess of 7 million units worldwide, a particularly impressive victory considering the game's relatively recent November release. Of course, those keen on the shooting of the aliens will recall that Microsoft claimed an 8.1 million sales 'splosion for Halo 3 earlier this month, bringing the title of "Best-selling Game of 2007 OMG" title into minor dispute.
We've contacted both boasters to clarify the figures ... just so we can be sure to stick the air pump into the right ego. Regardless, you'd best take this as a sign to start counting down the months until the inevitable Call of Duty 5 arrives. Let's just hope it's not a #2.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/ac...-game-of-2007/
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January 26th, 2008, 00:13 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
Welcome to Paradise City! Make action your middle name, as you control what happens when and where in Burnout™ Paradise! Immerse yourself in the open roads of Paradise City from the downtown streets through the hectic freeways to the sweeping mountain roads; the world is waiting to be explored!
Slam, Shunt and Wreck opponents in cross-town race events, where YOU decide the fastest route to the finish line. Hit the jumps and find shortcuts, smash through barriers and get to the places that other racers can't reach to get that competitive edge!
Meet your friends online with the revolutionary EasyDrive system that smashes through the tedium of lobbies and servers and cuts straight to the chase. Burnout Paradise provides the ultimate driving playground for you and your friends to play online on the PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360™.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-28v0.html
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January 25th, 2008, 22:24 Posted By: wraggster
hardware and game sales up $115 million over the year prior, as the company sees overall sales of $16.37 billion and operating profits of $6.48 billion.
The overall results are a 30 percent rise in sales and 87 percent rise in operating profits. The company's entire Entertainment and Devices Division, which houses Xbox 360 and PC gaming as well as Zune and set-top devices, saw a 3 percent rise in revenue to $3.06 billion, and $357 million in operating profit, up from losses of $302 million the year prior.
Microsoft notes that it shipped 4.3 million and 6.1 million Xbox 360 consoles in its second quarter and first half, respective, compared to 4.4 million and 5.4 million the year prior. It adds that life to date sales of Xbox 360 has reached 17.7 million units, up 70 percent from the prior year.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=17106
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January 25th, 2008, 22:23 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox 360 will continue to outpace the Wii in terms of software attach rate, GameStop management told Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey.
"Management expects the Wii software attach rate (roughly 5 according to NPD) should continue to be at a discount to the 360 (8.8 attach according to NPD)," Hickey wrote in a Thursday investor note. Update: A Microsoft earnings conference call Thursday said the attach rate was seven for Xbox 360.
He added that the PS3's 2007 attach rate is about equal to Wii's.
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?op...=8835&Itemid=2
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January 25th, 2008, 22:23 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft® today announced the launch of a unique European competition looking for fans across the region to help create and show the unseen adventures of Master Chief. Whether its Master Chief's"Meet the Parents", a Spartan high school reunion, or even break dancing to MC Hammer, the"HALO: RECUT" contest is encouraging gamers and filmmakers alike to be as creative as possible, with the lucky winner scooping a once-in-a-lifetime master-class trip to Los Angeles.
Microsoft is looking for innovative movie makers to construct their own original video of Master Chief, which sees him taken away from the Halo universe and remixed into different scenarios. Whether created using a traditional video camera, gaming footage, old school animation or the latest video editing software, the point is just to be creative.
To enter the competition participants simply have to visit the following site www.xbox.com/en-GB/halorecut and upload their video from 31st January until 21st March 2008. The entries will then be judged by a panel of experts from the gaming industry to find the most creative concepts. One winner from each country will win themselves an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and a copy of Halo 3. Terms and conditions apply, please visit www.xbox.com/en-GB/halorecut for details.
Each country's winning video will then be put through to the European final which will be judged by the creators of the game, Bungie Studios. The overall European winner will win a trip to Los Angeles to study for one month at the New York Film Academy, where they will learn all they need to know about making movies. The prize includes return transatlantic flights, accommodation, car rental and $2,000 spending money.
Brian Jarrard, Bungie Studios added:"This competition is a great way to showcase the creativity and passion that drives the Halo fan community. We can't wait to see how people infuse their own style and personality into Master Chief and deliver a whole new take on the Halo phenomenon. May the best Spartan win!"
For more information about the project please visit www.xbox.com/en-GB/halorecut
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January 25th, 2008, 22:22 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft sold fewer Xbox 360 video game consoles during the lucrative holiday shopping season than it did the previous year -- despite September's launch of the blockbuster Xbox 360 title Halo 3.
Microsoft shipped 4.3 million Xbox 360 systems in the three months ended Dec. 31, compared with 4.4 million systems during the same period in 2006-- a decline of 2.3%.
Halo 3 -- a first-person shooter that runs exclusively on the Xbox 360 -- debuted in late September, just before the start of Microsoft's crucial second fiscal quarter. The quarter covers sales made during the key Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping periods.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/...ubSection=News
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January 25th, 2008, 18:13 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Earlier in the month Ascaron revealed a delay to September for its RPG sequel Sacred 2, but in the meantime here's a bunch of new screenshots to look at.
Out on PC and Xbox 360, Sacred 2's a Diablo fan's cup of tea. There are goblins, a crap-load of items and a massive, seamless world that Ascaron says will take you more than six hours to run across. Crikey.
Toward the end of last year the company granted us a glimpse of the hack 'n' slash game, so you can read all about it here.
Screenshots
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January 25th, 2008, 18:08 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The ongoing Mass Effect 'sex' saga which kicked off following Fox News Channel's inaccurate drubbing of the RPG has taken a fresh turn.
Now, Fox News Channel wants to invite EA to a live TV debate to talk things over.
It follows the publication of a letter penned by Jeff Brown, EA's vice president of communications, which was sent to Fox.
In the letter, he called out the news channel and asked for an apology over its "reckless" and error-heavy coverage of Mass Effect.
In the error-laden news segment in question, the headline indicated that the game included "full digital nudity and sex", while a voiceover claimed that players could engage in "graphic sex".
"Fox News Channel has extended several invitations to EA through a company representative to appear on Live Desk With Martha MacCallum to discuss Mass Effect and the segment which aired on Monday. We have received no response", Fox News has now said in a statement.
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January 25th, 2008, 17:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft has revealed its latest financial results and bugger us, its Entertainment & Devices Division (that's Zune and Xbox) has actually made a profit! Again!
The company reports that it's managed to rake in $357 million [£180.36m] in operating income for the final quarter of the year.
Last quarter it reported income of $165 million - [£83.33m] so that's too quarters in a row the E&DD devision has managed to make money. Impressive if you remember the days when it through billions at the original Xbox with nothing in return.
In its last quarter the company pointed to strong sales of Halo 3, the Xbox 360 and video game accessories as revenue drivers. The latest profits can probably be put down to erm, exactly the same things (plus Christmas, of course).
This puts Microsoft's E&DD team up over a half-billion for fiscal year 2008. After years of promising then, the Xbox 360 business could finally be in the black. What does this mean for Microsoft's game strategy in 2008? We'll let you know when we see some...
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January 25th, 2008, 17:30 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Gamers in western Kentucky have one less reason to smile this morning with news that the area's annual gaming tournament, dubbed Gameathon, is likely in jeopardy of taking place this year at all. The reason? According to a report by the Bowling Green Daily News, the event's chief sponsor, the US Army, has opted out of supporting the gaming tournament, stating that the military branch has "other priorities this year" beyond support for game tournys.
Or really? That doesn't seem to keep the Army from wanting to host this April's Halo 3 tournament over Xbox Live, nor did it stop it from throwing the branch's considerable weight (not to mention an estimated $2 million) behind the Global Gaming League last year. The Amry had sponsored the event in 2005 and 2007, and was expected to contribute $5,000 [£2,524] this year, a burden that we guess was simply too terrible to bear.
The Army's decision strikes us as doubly odd considering that the event is something of a showpiece for America's Army, with the title sharing space with Halo, PGR, and Madden in the Gameathon's tournament. For now the event sponsors have begun to look elsewhere for sponsorship, while a post on the event's website appears to hold out hope that the local recruiting office will eventually be swayed to once again participate in the competition. We've strapped on our mental projection helmets, and are sending good vibes their way.
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January 25th, 2008, 17:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Lost Odyssey will be out in Europe on 29th February, although Microsoft hasn't jumped up and down about it in its usual public manner.
The date has been known about for a while now, but because we give presents to friends and help old people across roads we thought that you might like to know. Concrete. Set in stone. That sort of thing.
Lost Odyssey is the next enormous role-playing project from Japanese developer Mistwalker, lead by Final Fantasy mastermind Hironobu Sakaguchi.
This, along with Blue Dragon (also developed by Mistwalker), is part of The Big Microsoft Idea to break into the Japanese market. It doesn't seem to have helped a great deal.
Lost Odyssey also scored well in Japanese magazine Famitsu upon release last November, totalling 34/40 in the 360 publication and 36/40 in the full edition - just one point shy of Blue Dragon.
But then we gave Blue Dragon 6/10 because it was lengthy, monotonous, childish and repetitive. Stuck in the past, if you like. Still, it spurred me to play it for 55 hours and only get 120 Gamerpoints for it. I am the real winner.
It also prompted Sakaguchi (or MS prompted Sakaguchi) do alter some bits and pieces this time around, like focusing on better voice acting for the west and appealing to a more mature audience.
Journey over to our Lost Odyssey gamepage to find out more.
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January 25th, 2008, 01:55 Posted By: Elven6
As you may have seen, there are attempts being made to portray NPD’s weekly sales tracking figures for next generation DVD as a trend. We want to remind you and make clear that it is not accurate to make long term assumptions based on one week of sales - a cautionary point that NPD has made as well. The facts are that during the week that is being singled out, both Blu-ray disc players and software were being given away for free with the purchase of 1080p TVs. It is also important to note that the instant rebate promotions that had previously netted Toshiba’s players’ MSRP’s to $199 and $249 had actually ended on Jan. 5th - causing an increase in HD DVD’s MSRP back to $299 and $399 during that same week. Since Toshiba’s retail price move on Jan. 13th to $149 / $199 - Toshiba is seeing very positive sales trends at retail. This reinforces the fact that price is a significant driver of sales
http://www.hddvd.com/go.php/toshiba-...ay-sales-blip/ for the full article
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