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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 25th, 2006, 19:18 Posted By: wraggster
Dismisses rumours of a manufacturing cessation
Microsoft has re-affirmed its continued support for the original Xbox games console, dispelling rumours that hardware manufacturing for the machine has now been officially stopped.
The rumour, which initially appeared on US website Kotaku.com, was sparked by an email from an undisclosed source in the retail sector, suggesting that hardware production of the original machine had stopped and prompting immediate questions regarding the level of support for existing customers, for both first and third-party games.
Microsoft had stated during last year's E3 expo in May that support for the original console would continue in terms of hardware sales and software launches, and it would seem reasonable to accept that the focus of its attention has shifted somewhat recently, in light of the continuing stock issues for its next-generation Xbox 360, which launched in the US in November. However, that change in product launch schedules and hardware support doesn't necessarily translate to Microsoft's outright neglect of its original machine.
Gamesindustry.biz contacted Microsoft to clarify its position on the Xbox, and a company spokesperson told us: "We remain very supportive of the Xbox platform and there have been no announcements about plans to cease or alter production."
"While we do not have other titles to announce at this time, we are committed to providing existing Xbox customers with exciting gaming experiences in 2006. There are 200 Xbox titles expected to ship this year. It is the responsibility of the first party to create genre-defining games for its platform and we are taking that stance with both Xbox and Xbox 360. We feel we have an amazing ecosystem with third parties providing content to Xbox at this time. We have done a great job on the Xbox side with such franchises as Halo, Project Gotham Racing, Fable, and Forza, not to mention our pioneering work we’ve done for Xbox Live," the spokesperson concluded.
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January 25th, 2006, 19:17 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's much publicised and apparently continuing stock issues for the launch of its next-generation games console have resulted in a reduction in estimates for the company's latest earnings report.
The Xbox 360 was launched in the US in November, reaching three continents in as many weeks and failing to meet consumer demand in each region. Stock shortages for the first next-generation console to reach market continue to plague the Redmond giant, with major retailers in the US and Europe still struggling to fulfil launch day pre-orders - leaving thousands of potential customers disappointed.
The continued pressure to meet US and EU consumer demand, combined with less than impressive sales in Japan, has prompted UBS analyst Heather Bellini to reduce her predictions for quarterly Xbox 360 shipments from 1.5 million to 1.25 million. Additionally, Bellini estimates that Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division (housing all Xbox operations) will see a sales increase of just 21 per cent, as opposed to earlier forecasts of between 26 and 32 per cent.
A general downward turn in demand for PCs and the strength of the US dollar during the final quarter of 2005 are also predicted to have a significant impact on Microsoft's earnings, which are due to be released this week.
Speaking to Reuters, Buffalo Funds portfolio manager Bill Kornitzer stated: "By and large, we're not going to be hoping for great things from Microsoft, because Xbox wasn't a blow-out this year and it doesn't look like PCs were a blow-out."
Not everyone is quite as glum about the financial postings, though the general consensus does appear to be less than optimistic in terms of what was initially expected, and what is more likely following the launch issues and downturn in the demand for PCs.
Pacific Crest Securities analyst Brendan Barnicle commented: "There has been some weakness in Xbox and the currency has worked against Microsoft. I don't necessarily think that means it's going to miss earnings, but revenue could be on the lighter side."
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January 24th, 2006, 19:01 Posted By: wraggster
Weekly Special: Microsoft's Xbox™ mech game MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf, Conker Live & Reloaded, Fable and Rallisport Challenge 2 at US$ 10.90 each only - offer valid for 1 week
From the publisher: MechAssault® 2: Lone Wolf continues the massive destruction, intense combat, and addictive online play that gamers have been praising since MechAssault® first hit the Xbox.
Continuing in the thirty-first century, MechAssault 2 allows gamers to encounter entirely new experiences in the epic BattleTech world. With 15 fully destructible environments, this third-person action-shooter takes immense destruction to another level.
Choose from a variety of weapons and vehicles—from the stealthy Raptor 'Mech to the 'Mech-jacking BattleArmor—all equipped with different weapon configurations and artillery.
Embark on the brand-new and intensive single-player campaign, or test your teamwork skills in the ultimate online multiplayer arena, strategizing and communicating with teammates via the XboxLive™ Communicator headset.
Microsoft's MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf is now available at discounted US$ 10.90 only.
This weekly special is valid for exactly 1 week (if not sold out earlier) and this time limited to a maximum purchase of 3 units per customer. As a small restriction, please also notice that you cannot use any further discount coupons along with this special offer.
At the same time, another three great Xbox™ titles has been discounted down to US$ 10.90 as well as long as supplies last:
Conker: Live & Reloaded ASIA US$ 10.90
Fable ASIA US$ 10.90
Rallisport Challenge 2 ASIA US$ 10.90
More info here --> http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html
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January 24th, 2006, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
Despite the wait for big-name game releases, the folks at Microsoft haven't been sitting still now that the 360 is (more or less) on store shelves. IGN reports that plans are still moving forward for more backwards compatible titles, despite rumours to the contrary. No dates or titles to expect were released, though. Additionally, a launch in India is just a matter of time, according to a Gamasutra report. They consider the Indian market very important ... they just don't have a date in mind yet. The 360 is slated to launch in Korea on February 24th, and Australia, Taiwan and Singapore on March 2nd.
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January 23rd, 2006, 20:28 Posted By: Darksaviour69
I have started a dcemu halo2 clan and you are all invited to join!
Just msg me on live, Darksaviour69 and I will add you too the clan.
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January 20th, 2006, 17:01 Posted By: wraggster
While hardware unit shortages continue to mar the retail trade, those who have managed to purchase an Xbox 360 are, according to Microsoft, making full use of the online Xbox Live Arcade service.
In an official statement to consumer website IGN, Microsoft has revealed the current top ten titles available for download through Xbox Live - one aspect of the next-generation console launch that has so far failed to receive any negative opinion from the industry, or consumers in the gaming community.
Although no exact figures for sales were revealed, the publishing giant has detailed its most popular games on the Arcade service, with Bizarre Creations' Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved leading the pack. The game is an adapted version of the retro styled arcade game that first appeared on the original Xbox, as part of Project Gotham Racing 2. Since the launch of the service in November, Geometry Wars has achieved some 200,000 trial downloads and 45,000 paid downloads, proving exceptionally popular with the online community.
Genuine retro titles such as Gauntlet and Smash TV hold prominent positions in the chart listing, the remainder a mix of retro and casual games previously available over the Internet. Whilst the majority of games are available to download for between 400-800 Microsoft points (where 80 points equals one dollar), Bankshot Billiards 2 is the most expensive title, costing 1200 points (USD 15). The continued success of the title does perhaps give some indication of consumers' willingness to pay higher prices for quality downloadable content, and may prompt the creation of more higher-priced titles.
The full chart from Microsoft is as follows:
1. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
2. Gauntlet
3. Smash TV
4. Bejeweled II
5. Zuma
6. Bankshot Billiards 2
7. Outpost Kaloki X
8. Mutant Storm Reloaded
9. Joust
10. Wik: Fable of Souls
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January 20th, 2006, 16:53 Posted By: gadgetHacks_er
I was told by a very reliable source that, although estimated units of the 360 will be up 500,000 over sony ps3 however by the end of 2007, sony will have surpased and nearly doubled that of the 360. I have always been a fan of the PS and knew it would end up selling even more ps1's than the x-box, that didnt suprise me. I fell in love with my 360 and dont think this is possible, even for sony. I know sony will pass them, but I dont think this time by that much.
Get more out of your gadgets --> http://www.gadgethacks.com
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January 19th, 2006, 18:39 Posted By: wraggster
New Xbox 360 Game at Lik Sang:
Yuke's first game for the Microsoft Xbox 360, is a wrestling game under licence of Japanese federation. Wrestle Kingdom favors a "work the body" style of gameplay, where you can focus on various body parts to wear out your opponent and make him more vulnerable. There's also a "voltage" meter that builds as you perform more impressive moves. Once your meter is filled, you can hit the A and X buttons together to perform your wrestler's finishing move.
More Info and to buy here --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...2&lsaid=219793
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January 18th, 2006, 19:47 Posted By: wraggster
Despite continued reassurances of a steady retail supply from Microsoft, US retailers continue to suffer shortages, with GameStop yet to fulfil approximately 30 per cent of its launch day pre-orders for the Xbox 360 console.
According to videogames website Gamespot, an internal memo from GameStop informed retail staff that almost 70 per cent of pre-orders for the next-generation console had now been completed. The company expects to complete all remaining pre-orders during February, furthering the disappointment of hundreds of eager games fans who had hoped to receive their console at the time of launch in November, 2005.
According to the source at GameStop, an increasing number of the lower-priced Core System units (shipped with a wired controller and lacking a hard drive) have begun to appear on store shelves for immediate purchase, though the majority of customers appear to be holding out for the more comprehensive package, which includes a number of additional peripherals for USD 399.
The pre-order completion estimates do not take account of online orders, or those coming from Electronics Boutique, which recently merged with GameStop.
Stock shortages have plagued the Xbox 360's market debut, partly due to Microsoft's ambitious tri-continent launch strategy, releasing the first next-generation console in three global territories within a matter of weeks.
The company recently stated that plans to sell 3 million units in the first three months remain on track in spite of the wide-spread shortages, and Microsoft has repeatedly promised a continued supply of units to retail in each territory - its manufacturing plants operating on a 24-hour basis in an effort to meet consumer demand.
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January 18th, 2006, 19:40 Posted By: wraggster
Undisclosed children's entertainment property in development
Microsoft Game Studios has entered into an exclusive agreement with children's entertainment firm, 4Kids, which will act as the global licensing agent on a new undisclosed children's property.
4Kids Entertainment, which currently looks after a number of popular children's brands including Yu-Gi-Oh! and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will serve as MS Studio's exclusive licensing agent for videogames, broadcast, music, and merchandising rights.
Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, commented: "We are thrilled to serve as the partner of choice and act as the vehicle for Microsoft to broaden its appeal among a more mainstream market focusing on children and family entertainment. We are confident our strong track record in developing integrated marketing and merchandising programs designed specifically for kids will enhance the future success of Microsoft Game Studios."
There has been no confirmation to date on any specific gaming titles to de developed under the terms of the new agreement, though it is thought likely that Rare, which has the most experience in developing children's games for Microsoft, may be involved in the creation of an entirely new IP, or the next-generation re-invention of a classic children's branded game.
Ed Ventura, Microsoft's director of franchise development added: "We are excited to explore the opportunities our collective efforts can create when we combine 4Kids's proven expertise in bringing engaging children's properties to life with Microsoft's leadership and knowledge of interactive entertainment."
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January 18th, 2006, 18:54 Posted By: wraggster
A new gun for gaming 
This universal light-gun is the first light gun to support CRT, LCD, Plasma, DLP as well as Projector. It supports every Gun Shooting game on PC, PS2™ and Xbox™. Now you can enjoy Gun Shooting games with your LCD or Plasma or any TV you have, instead of your old and small CRT TV.
More info --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...5&lsaid=219793
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January 17th, 2006, 19:21 Posted By: wraggster
As expected, sales figures for last week indicate that the Xbox 360 is still having a tough time moving units in Japan according to the most recent Japanese sales data. Xbox Circle writes: "In a report from research group Media Crate, Microsoft has only managed to sell 7,477 Xbox 360 consoles to the Japanese market [from Jan 2 to Jan 8]... The Xbox 360 was outsold by most handheld and console systems, including the PSP, Nintendo DS, PS2, GBA SP, GameCube, and Game Boy Micro."
Though the next-gen console is off to a slow start in US, Europe (see NDP data) and Japan, there are two widely divergent reasons for the sluggish sales. While US gamers are starved by shortages, Japanese gamers can walk into any store and pick up an Xbox 360, thanks to a surplus. What'll it take for Microsoft to move Xbox 360s in Japan?
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January 17th, 2006, 19:05 Posted By: wraggster
Christmas was last month, but many gamers got a nice present over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Word broke on the forums of the fan site Star Trek: Gaming Universe that a new, as-yet-unannounced Star Trek game is in the works. Currently, the only game based on the popular television and file franchise known to be in development is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Star Trek Online.
It all began on Friday, when STGU's founder reported that the next issue of Game Informer magazine has an article about Star Trek: Legacy, a new game for the Xbox 360 and PC. Posters said Legacy, being developed by Mad Doc Software, is set for a September 2006 release, and will span the eras of all Star Trek television shows--Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise.
To paraphrase Mr. Spock, Mad Doc is a logical choice for a new Star Trek game, as it developed the 2001 real-time strategy title Star Trek: Armada II. Since then, the company has gone on to publish the more acclaimed Empire Earth II and its forthcoming expansion, Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy.
The Star Trek: Legacy posts are also apparent confirmation of a rumor from January 2005, which hinted that a Star Trek strategy game was in development. The source of this rumor was a post on the STGU forums from Harry Lang, the director of the licensing division of Paramount Pictures, the Viacom subsidiary that owns the Star Trek license.
Late this past Friday, Lang returned to the STGU board to confirm a new Star Trek game was indeed the works--although he avoided details. He dodged the subject of the game's title but appeared to confirm the release date mentioned in the forums. "Like I said before, traditional ST single player/multi player games have returned--and before STO ships," Lang said, referring to Star Trek Online's tentative early 2007 launch window.
In his January 2005 STGU post, Lang mentioned that a Star Trek game would be coming to a "non-traditional platform" by the end of 2005--presumably the Xbox 360. In his more recent post, he made brief mention of the "stringent requirements for Xbox 360" development, apparently confirming that the Star Trek game was coming to the console.
Though Lang also did not mention a developer, he did say the new Trek game has been in the works for a while. "Just because it was announced in this issue [of Game Informer], [it] doesn't mean development just started," he said. He also promised the game would be visually spectacular. "As for graphics, once you see the screenshots and this thing in motion, you will be blown away," he said.
However, some of Lang's comments were more confusing than enlightening. Responding to posters' claims that Star Trek: Legacy would be published by Bethesda Softworks, Lang made an aside about a "different publisher," making it unclear which firm would distribute the game.
However, the confusion was cleared up on Monday, when GameSpot contacted Mad Doc regarding Star Trek: Legacy. A friendly rep told us that "for assistance, interviews and general information regarding the Star Trek: Legacy title, all inquiries should be directed to Bethesda Softworks." For its part, Bethesda declined to comment, saying only to expect an announcement "shortly."
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January 17th, 2006, 19:04 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox 360 has sold 600,000 units in the United States since it launched there in late November, according to market research firm NPD Group, which revealed the figures late last week.
Stock shortages of the console have severely restricted its sales in North America and Europe, even in the wake of Christmas, and some retailers are believed to have unfulfilled preorders even now.
However, Microsoft is bringing a new factory on line to produce the Xbox 360 next month, and hopes to be able to deliver new stock to the market at a faster rate by the end of this quarter.
The software giant revised its shipment targets for the Xbox 360 at the start of this year, and now expects to ship between 4.5 and 5.5 million units of the console worldwide by the end of its financial year on June 30th.
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January 17th, 2006, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster
In response to recent comments from Microsoft's VP of marketing, Peter Moore, the company has issued a formal statement clarifying its position on next-generation DVD support for the Xbox 360 console.
Speaking to Japanese website ITMedia at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Moore had stated that a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360 could be released if the Blu-Ray standard - which is backed by Sony - wins the next-generation DVD format battle.
The Xbox 360, the first of the next-generation of games consoles to reach market, currently uses the standard DVD format, but a peripheral HD-DVD drive has been announced. Microsoft has publicly backed Toshiba's Blu-Ray rival, despite strong support for Sony's preferred technology (which will ship as standard in the forthcoming PlayStation 3 console) from the majority of film studios.
Moore's comments were, it appears, intended to add weight to Microsoft's believe in the 'future-proof' flexibility of the Xbox 360, and the company is keen to clarify that a Blu-Ray drive for the machine is not an option in reality. The official statement reads: "It is important to understand the context in which that statement was made. Microsoft firmly stands behind the HD-DVD format as the best choice for our consumers.
"As we've said before, we're confident that HD-DVD will bring the excitement of high definition movies to the consumer faster and at a greater value. We believe that consumers have signalled what format they want to enjoy high definition DVD and we're going to follow them down that path."
"The question of whether Xbox 360 has the flexibility to adapt to consumers' needs is a different issue entirely," the statement continues. "Xbox 360 is a future-proofed system - one that allows us to add features as consumers demand them - as evidenced by our offering of the HD-DVD drive as an accessory. Current reports indicating that we have a back-up plan, which includes Blu-Ray support are incorrect. At this point, we're fully committed to HD-DVD and have absolutely no plans to support other optical formats."
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January 16th, 2006, 21:59 Posted By: wraggster
Planetxbox360 report You might remember that Peter Moore (Xbox Corporate VP) recently told a Japanese site that the Xbox 360 could get a Blu-Ray drive, if the need arises. Microsoft have since released an official statement that they are fully committed to the HD-DVD format and have absolutely no plans to support other next-gen DVD formats.
quote:
Here is the official MS statement:
Microsoft firmly stands behind the HD-DVD format as the best choice for our consumers. As we’ve said before, we’re confident that HD-DVD will bring the excitement of high definition movies to the consumer faster and at a greater value. We believe that consumers have signaled what format they want to enjoy high definition DVD and we’re going to follow them down that path. The question of whether Xbox 360 has the flexibility to adapt to consumers’ needs is a different issue entirely. Xbox 360 is a future-proofed system – one that allows us to add features as consumers demand them – as evidenced by our offering of the HD DVD drive as an accessory. Current reports indicating that we have a back-up plan, which includes Blu-Ray support are incorrect. At this point, we’re fully committed to HD-DVD and have absolutely no plans to support other optical formats.
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January 16th, 2006, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster
All fanboys of any system have to have their demi-gods, their 'false idols', and for the Xbox community Microsoft bigwig Steve Ballmer appears to be emerging as an unlikely figurehead. Sony has no strategy for an online service, the CEO told Investor's Business Daily, affirming simultaneously that Microsoft will beat Sony in this generation. He told the magazine again that Microsoft will have shipped 4.5 to 5.5 million Xbox 360 consoles by the end of June, and that the new system is off to a very good start indeed. Of the Xbox 360's disappointing start in Japan, Ballmer remained bullish, I'm not sure we're going to beat Sony in Japan this generation. Maybe, he commented. This despite sales that were eclipsed by all other systems, the original Xbox excepted.
Nobody knows when PlayStation 3 is going to come. The rumours are it will come out in the spring, but only in Japan. And nobody knows what PlayStation 3 is going to cost. PlayStation 3 has a (Blu-ray Disc) drive built in, so who knows what the heck they're going to charge for the thing, because those are very expensive drives. Who the heck knows what the games are going to look like for PlayStation 3? Ballmer quipped. So, a lot of questions. And Sony has no strategy for an online service. Fighting talk indeed.
Of course, most of us with an unbiased view might have a little more faith in Sony than Ballmer, especially given that their dominance of the outgoing generation leaves them still holding most of the cards. More as we get it, regardless.
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January 16th, 2006, 19:57 Posted By: wraggster
That the Xbox 360 can stream video from your PC to your nice, big TV is a well-known feature. Well, at least in video formats that Microsoft approves of. Naturally, that leaves out DivX. Sure, you could convert your files to 360-compatible WMVs, but where’s the fun in that? Using mceDivX360, you can now stream all those DivX and Xvid movies you’ve accumulated over the years straight to your 360. While it technically still converts the files, it does it on the fly, so you really don’t even notice.
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/19...60_hack_allows
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January 16th, 2006, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster
Redmond giant says online safety is "top priority"
Microsoft has issued a statement confirming that the safety and security of Xbox Live users is "a top priority", and that it works closely with global law enforcement to ensure child safety.
The statement was issued following to reports that an adult Xbox Live user allegedly used the online gaming service to groom and molest a 14 year old boy.
"Safety and security, specifically child online safety, are a top priority for Microsoft, and we insure that Xbox Live is equipped with the tools that allow parents to monitor the activities of their children during online game play, including disabling voice communications," Microsoft said.
"Xbox Live is regulated by our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct which prohibit all illegal activities. We work closely with law enforcement around the world on child safety issues on the Internet and will provide any and all help to the authorities investigating this case."
Xbox 360's wide range of parental controls also allows parents to disable Live access entirely on specified profiles and limit access to games and DVDs based on particular ratings.
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