Xbox One backward compatibility a theoretical proposal, Microsoft says

September 8th, 2013, 22:25 Posted By: wraggster

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Xbox One SmartGlass helps you with your gaming

September 8th, 2013, 22:05 Posted By: wraggster

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Microsoft gives you 67p for playing a new Xbox 360 game

September 8th, 2013, 21:52 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft's Xbox Live Rewards scheme has been relaunched with new ways to earn money back for use on Xbox 360 - including a reward for simply playing new games.With the retirement of Microsoft Points, the company has introduced a new Rewards Credits currency. You'll earn 1000 Credits every time you play a new game for more than 10 hours - but it must be a disc-based release.
Xbox Live Arcade, Indie Games, even full-priced Games on Demand titles will not qualify. Also you must play it at least 10 hours in your first 30 days with the game.5000 Rewards Credits are equal to £3.35, Microsoft says, so 1000 Credits equals 67p.You can also get money back on purchases - with the amount earned dependent on your Gamerscore.Those with 3000-9999G earn the title "Contender". This is the lowest reward tier where you get 50 Credits back on every £6.70 spent (previously the equivalent of 800 Microsoft Points). 50 Credits is worth about 3.3p.Those with more than 75,000G ("Master") get 300 Credits back for every £6.70 spent - about 20p.Rewards Credits are deposited into your Microsoft account on the 15th and 30th of each month, once you hit 5000 Credits. Or, you can now request an earlier desposit once you've earned at least 1000 Credits.It might not seem like a huge amount (it's not), but the service offers a number of other ways to earn Credits, too - taking surveys, renewing your Xbox Live subscription, recommending friends. Put it all together and you could earn back a few quid.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-xbox-360-game

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Assassin's Creed Liberation HD spotted

September 8th, 2013, 21:50 Posted By: wraggster

Vita adventure Assassin's Creed 3 Liberation may soon be headed for a re-release on other platforms, a new leaked logo suggests.
An image of upcoming Ubisoft digital games includes mention of Assassin's Creed Liberation HD (the numeral has presumably been removed to avoid confusion with this year's AC4). A PC, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live launch would seem likely.Also mentioned in the list is Assassin's Creed: Pirates. Ubisoft usually releases a mobile tie-in game for the series each year - this could be it, or some form of tie-in app for Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag.The image popped up on Chinese forum A9VG and was then spotted by NeoGAF.Already-known titles such as Trials Frontier and Child of Light - a JRPG-inspired fairytale platformer from the director of Far Cry 3 - are also listed.Other unknown games mentioned include Rabbids Big Bang, Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Poptropica: Forgotten Islands and what looks like a Just Dance tie-in named Auto Dance.Ubisoft declined to comment when approached by Eurogamer.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ion-hd-spotted

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Unity gets Xbox One support 'later this year'

September 8th, 2013, 21:41 Posted By: wraggster

Popular game development engine Unity will gain Xbox One support 'later this year'.
So confirmed Unity Technologies CEO David Helgason in a recent talk with the Official Xbox Magazine UK.
Helgason said that while the dev kit will support high-end features that will make use of Xbox One's additional power, its established toolset will simplify deployment for familiar developers.
"Depending on which platform there are different costs, but the fundamental thing is that the tools themselves are the same," said Helgason.
"And once you build what you want to build you can just export it directly. So now we're adding, in collaboration with Microsoft, Xbox One support later this year and we also worked with them to make the Windows store export free," he added.
Helgason went on to emphasise the simplicity of bringing existing Unity titles to Xbox One.
"There is the toolset that we have been working on for many years that supports many platforms. From a technical perspective the idea is that you work on your game once and then you can bring it to any platform," he said.
"But we also make sure you can really make use of the hardware. So if you're running a really high-end device, you want to go crazy with shaders, you want to go crazy with particle systems, you want to really use what is there."
Microsoft has confirmed an Xbox One release date of November 22, 2013 in 13 markets. The Xbox One price has been set at £430 / €500 / $500.
Microsoft has confirmed 23 Xbox One launch games including Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5 and Killer Instinct.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ter-this-year/

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Xbox One availability 'should feel a lot better than it did for 360'

September 8th, 2013, 01:37 Posted By: wraggster

Despite receiving record Xbox One pre-orders, Microsoft is aiming for consumers to be able to go into stores and find a console on launch day.
Speaking to Game Informer, Microsoft Game Studios vice president Phil Spencer said Xbox One availability "should feel a lot better than it did for 360" back in 2005.
"You want people to be able to walk in the store and buy one on day one, so you're trying to manage the inventory that isn't pre-sold," he said. "I want parents who don't think about pre-ordering electronics to be able to walk in and have a chance to find a box. There might be a line, but I don't want it to be that if you didn't pre-order in September, you can't get one. That doesn't feel like a great consumer experience.
"Availability should feel a lot better than it did for 360," he added. "If people want to pick up more controllers and games, they'll be there. We feel really good about our pre-order number, and we're managing it through allocation rather than demand. [Pre-order] isn't the business. It's way more important to me what happens when people walk in the store. The business is selling consoles."
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a Xbox One release date of November 22, 2013 in 13 markets. The Xbox One price has been set at £430 / €500 / $500.
Microsoft has confirmed 23 Xbox One launch games including Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5 and Killer Instinct.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...t-did-for-360/

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Xbox One SmartGlass details: Matchmaking, full games store access

September 8th, 2013, 01:25 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft has confirmed new details for the new Xbox One SmartGlass companion app.
SmartGlass is a companion app that connects with Xbox consoles via smartphones or tablet devices. Xbox Live General Manager Ron Pessner has confirmed that Xbox One will receive an all-new SmartGlass app separate from the existing Xbox 360 app, which will be released 'this holiday' for Windows Phone 8, iOS and Android devices.


Pessner says SmartGlass' native connection to Xbox One will make for a much improved experience. "Xbox One was designed from the ground up with SmartGlass in mind, and an immediately noticeable difference with Xbox One SmartGlass compared to Xbox 360 SmartGlass is the connection speed and performance," he said.
"On average it only takes about four seconds for SmartGlass to recognize your Xbox One and create an instant connection," claimed Pessner, noting it to be "about three-and-a-half times faster on Xbox One than its Xbox 360" counterpart. Xbox One will also be capable of connecting to up to 16 SmartGlass devices simultaneously.
SmartGlass will also be far more useful than before. Gamers will be able to use SmartGlass for matchmaking on Xbox One, which Pessner called a "core feature" of the companion app. "If you're in the middle of game on your console, you can begin matchmaking for a multiplayer session through SmartGlass and you won't interrupt your action on the big screen," he described.
For games that support the feature, the app will also contain a dynamic players guide mechanic. "If you're having trouble in a game, you can tap a Help button in SmartGlass that will give you contextually aware information for whatever you're playing," said Pessner.
"We're working closely with developers today to add game help to individual Xbox One titles. This is done by game creators making a help manual that we then host in SmartGlass. During gameplay, SmartGlass follows your progress and knows exactly where you're at and where you're having trouble, so that when you hit the Help button you'll be given the tips you need."
Users will also have access to the entire Xbox Games Store within SmartGlass, or remotely control your console to more easily "navigate the web, turn up the volume on your TV, and select a video, music or game to play," Pessner explained.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a Xbox One release date of November 22, 2013 in 13 markets. The Xbox One price has been set at £430 / €500 / $500.
Microsoft has confirmed 23 Xbox One launch games including Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5 and Killer Instinct.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...-store-access/

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First Xbox One TV ad features no games

September 7th, 2013, 22:35 Posted By: wraggster

Half-minute spot for North American market focused on NFL fantasy football, Skype functionality
[h=3]Microsoft[/h]microsoft.com


Microsoft has added the first North American Xbox One television ad to its , and surprisingly, it doesn't feature any games. Instead, the 30-second spot is focused on the NFL on Xbox One initiative, which lets users watch games while receiving personalized fantasy football updates on the edge of the screen, or while using Skype video chat.
The system's first TV ad is risking a similar reaction to its first media briefing. When Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One in May, it received criticism for, among other things, focusing its event on sports and TV functionality rather than games. The company responded at the time by promising that Xbox One's E3 showing would be "all about the games." As of this writing, the YouTube ad has more than 5,000 likes and dislikes, with the latter outnumbering the former by nearly 2:1.
The ad was revealed just before the NFL regular season kicked off with a Denver Broncos-Baltimore Ravens game last night. The Xbox One is set to launch in North America on November 22, which means football fans will have limited time to enjoy those features during the regular season, which concludes December 29.
The NFL on Xbox One partnership is reportedly costing Microsoft $400 million over five years. Beyond the Xbox One integration, it will also see Microsoft's brands receiving placement during NFL broadcasts, with logos on or around the field, and possibly coaches calling players using Surface tablets.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...tures-no-games

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Microsoft admits surprise at extent of Xbox One negativity

September 7th, 2013, 22:30 Posted By: wraggster

“Was I surprised that people had a reaction to it? No. I mean, we knew it was going to be a controversial decision. Was I surprised how negative the reaction was going to be? Yes.”
That’s the admission of Xbox One strategy boss Albert Penello, who admitted to (as transcribed byCVG) that the extent of the backlash Microsoft endured after revealing the Xbox One was beyond what he had envisioned.
"We were surprised at how vocal it was, we were surprised at the reaction and the assumptions that people had about what we were trying to do. So we did the famous '180'.
"If I had to go back and wish that I could rewind time and redo one thing, that would be the one thing.
"People got in their minds that what we were trying to do was evil or anti-customer when, in fact, we were looking at what Steam does, we were looking at what iOS is going, we were looking where the customers were going and saying 'I think we can actually give you a better all-digital experience’.
"I think with time, people have understood what we were trying to do, and in fact I'm sure you've seen it with the fans. They were saying, 'God, I wish some of this stuff would come back'.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/micro...tivity/0120690

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Microsoft selling Xbox One hardware at a profit

September 7th, 2013, 22:29 Posted By: wraggster

Xbox chief marketing officer Yusuf Mehdi has claimed that Microsoft will not make a loss on each Xbox One it sells.
Console platform holders have traditionally taken a hit on hardware in the hope of regaining any losses via software sales. Nintendo is the notable exception to this rule, although even the big N recently admitted that it actuallyloses cash for each Wii U it sells.
"The strategy will continue which is that we're looking to be break even or low margin at worst on [Xbox One] and then make money selling additional games, the Xbox Live service and other capabilities on top,” he told the Citi Global Technology Conference, as reported by Gamesindustry.
"And as we can cost-reduce our box as we've done with 360, we'll do that to continue to price reduce and get even more competitive with our offering.
"If you look at 360 that platform lasted for seven to eight years and it's going to go for another three years. It's incredibly profitable now in the tail.
"Some of these things take some time in the launch year in which you invest, and then they play out over time. We're going to continue to invest in Xbox 360, and the two devices can work in concert. So it's not like the day we ship Xbox One your 360 won't work. We'll continue to support it."
Xbox One will be released in the UK November 22^nd and will retail for £429.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/micro...profit/0120691

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Cross Plane controller aims to bring Wii U tablet control to Xbox 360 and PS3

September 7th, 2013, 22:26 Posted By: wraggster

A new Kickstarter project wants to bring some of the Wii U’s key functionality to owners of rival systems.
The Cross Plane works by connecting an HDMI transmitter to devices such as Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. This then delivers their output directly to a Wii U tablet-like device complete with standard joypad controls.
Obviously it can’t replicate all of Wii U’s functions, but at the very least it offers a way for users to access their other devices in tablet form.
“The Cross Plane is the first Wireless Video Interface designed specifically with the modern gamer in mind,” the pitch reads. “Utilising a universal control interface and wireless HDMI technology, The Cross Plane brings all your home entertainment devices to you, on your time and where you want to be in your home.
“With a unique controller exchange, jumping from console based systems like the Xbox 360 to the Ouya is as simple as taking out a game cartridge and putting in a new one.
“Though we are excited about The Cross Plane's ability to jump from gaming console to gaming console, what we're really excited about is the Cross Plane's PC compatibility and the freedom it will allow users to break away from their computer desk.
“For the first time, PC users will have to opportunity to "Cut the cord" and take the full power of their machine anywhere in house. That means "Steam" can go with you to the couch or Crysis 3 can actually be played on a handheld.”
Cross Plane is looking to raise $350,000 and currently has 42 more days to run. It currently has 54 backers who have pledged a total of $14,980.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/cross...nd-ps3/0120702

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MS surprised by 'how negative' reaction was to Xbox One DRM

September 6th, 2013, 01:03 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft's director of product planning Albert Penello says the firm expected controversy over its original always-online Xbox One pitch, but was surprised by "how negative" the reaction was.
"If I had to go back and wish that I could rewind time and redo one thing, that would be the one thing," he told , admitting flaws in the firm's messaging.
"I think with time, people have understood what we were trying to do, and in fact I'm sure you've seen it with the fans. They were saying, 'God, I wish some of this stuff would come back'," he said, likely in reference to the axed Family Sharing plan that would have allowed gamers to share all their games, digital or retail, with friends.
"People got in their minds that what we were trying to do was evil or anti-customer when, in fact, we were looking at what Steam does, we were looking at what iOS is going, we were looking where the customers were going and saying 'I think we can actually give you a better all-digital experience."
"So was I surprised that people had a reaction to it? No. I mean, we knew it was going to be a controversial decision. Was I surprised how negative the reaction was going to be? Yes," said Penello.
"We were surprised at how vocal it was, we were surprised at the reaction and the assumptions that people had about what we were trying to do. So we did the famous '180'."
But Penello insists that an all-digital future is imminent. "Nobody debates there's going to be a world, whether it's this gen, or next-gen, that discs are going to go away, it's gone away in just about every medium," he said.
"I think if anything we thought it was going to happen sooner than the customer. We took a hard stance on it.
"I hope that in some point in the future some of those cool features - some of the Family Sharing, the household sharing stuff, the games are always with you - we want to bring that stuff back."
The Xbox One release date has been confirmed as November 22, 2013. The console will launch in 13 markets including North America, UK and Australia simultaneously.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...-xbox-one-drm/

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MS: Xbox One will be break-even or profit-making from launch

September 6th, 2013, 00:06 Posted By: wraggster

And expect another 3 years and over 100 games from 360, says Mehdi
[h=3]Microsoft Corporation[/h]

Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi has revealed that each sale of an Xbox One will be a break even transaction for Microsoft at the very least, suggesting that the machine is to be sold at profit from day one - a feat normally reserved for Nintendo.
Speaking at the Citi Global Technology Conference on Tuesday, Mehdi told listeners that: "the strategy will continue which is that we're looking to be break even or low margin at worst on [Xbox One]," he explained, "and then make money selling additional games, the Xbox Live service and other capabilities on top.
"And as we can cost-reduce our box as we've done with 360, we'll do that to continue to price reduce and get even more competitive with our offering."
Mehdi also expanded on his employer's plans for the continuing support of the Xbox 360, that the machine will be receiving support for another three years - a period which he expects to see the release of over 100 games.
"You've seen us over the years constantly be focused on profitability and improving year over year," Mehdi explained when asked about the profitability of the Xbox business and how it would weather the launch of the One. "There are different points in the cycle when you invest in new hardware.
"If you look at 360 that platform lasted for seven to eight years and it's going to go for another three years. It's incredibly profitable now in the tail.
"Some of these things take some time in the launch year in which you invest, and then they they play out over time. We're going to continue to invest in Xbox 360, and the two devices can work in concert. So it's not like the day we ship Xbox One your 360 won't work. We'll continue to support it."
Answering more directly to the question of margins, Mehdi highlighted the importance of the revenue stream from XBL memberships as a growth factor - a subscription which Microsoft obviously hopes many customers will continue on its new machine.
"We've seen our Xbox Live subscription service continue to grow. We're up to 48 million members now. We're shipping more games than we've ever done before. Those are things I look to to say, 'hey we can grow not just top line revenue but also profitability.'"

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ng-from-launch

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Microsoft lists qualifying 360 games for Xbox One $10 upgrade program

September 5th, 2013, 23:58 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft has revealed the grouping of Xbox 360 games participating in its Xbox One $10 upgrade program.
The firm’s previously announced trade-in upgrade plan will be offered to a short list of big name AAA titles – games you’d expect would most likely see a high volume of upgrades, including multiplayer shooters and sports titles.
The list is as follows:

• Battlefield 4
• Madden NFL 25
• Need for Speed Rivals
• Call of Duty: Ghosts
• NBA 2K14
• FIFA 14
• Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

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Rockstar requests online retailers delay shipping Grand Theft Auto V

September 5th, 2013, 23:56 Posted By: wraggster

Grand Theft Auto V will allegedly not be shipped by online retailers until September 16^th – just one day before its release.
That’s according to an email obtained by Videogamer in which GAME claims Rockstar has made the demand of all UK retailers.
It reads: "They have requested that no UK retailer despatch GTA V before the 16th September and GAME, along with all reputable retailers, will respect this request."
First Class Royal mail delivery should see the game still arrive with many customers on the day of release, but many will face the prospect of not receiving it until the following day – or conceivably even later.
That’s why online retailers typically ship out new releases earlier in the week, quite often on a Wednesday. The result, of course, is that titles will often arrive a day before their official release date. This is obviously something Rockstar is keen to avoid with a game as huge as Grand Theft Auto V.
Whether this will have a knock-on effect remains to be seen.
Leading online indie retailer ShopTo revealed in May that it would not be stocking November’s Call of Duty: Ghosts because Activision would not allow it to be posted until the day before its release.
This, it claimed, “effectively destroys an e-tailer's pre-order campaign as many deliveries inevitably arrive post-release date."
ShopTo boss Igor Cipolletta added: "This has the undesired effect of previously loyal and satisfied customers thinking that, if we can't 'get it right' for one of the biggest games of the year, why should they trust us with any future orders?”
The game is still not available on the site.
Fellow online retailer SimplyGames was last year caught up in a controversy surrounding COD: Black Ops II when it shipped the game to some customers early, meaning they got it on Saturday November 10^th ahead of its official release on November 13^th.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/rocks...auto-v/0120667

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Free Forza 5 bundled with Day One Edition Xbox One

September 5th, 2013, 23:55 Posted By: wraggster

Some UK retailers are now offering the choice between Xbox One Day One Edition bundles including either FIFA 14 or Forza 5.
Microsoft announced at Gamescom that those who pre-order the console in Europe would receive a free copy of EA’s FIFA 14. Then on Monday Microsoft altered its stance, saying that only the Day One version would come with a free download of EA’s football sim.
Now retailers such as GAME and ShopTo are offering the Day One SKU with a choice of either FIFA 14 or Forza 5.
It’s unclear whether those who have previously ordered the FIFA 14 version of the bundle will be able to change their pre-orders to include Forza 5 instead.
This is presumably an official Microsoft promotion although there’s been no word yet from the platform holder.
UPDATE: It looks like the Forza 5 Day One Editions are sold out. Sorry folks.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/free-...ox-one/0120668

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GAME FIFA 14 lock-ins start this weekend

September 5th, 2013, 23:47 Posted By: wraggster

Gamers will have the chance to try FIFA 14 from this weekend thanks to a nationwide run of lock-ins run by retailer GAME.
Kicking off on September 8^th across six stores, a total of 50 lock-ins will take place by September 22^nd, all of which will offer hands-on time with the game ahead of its September 27^th release.
Participants will get free refreshments and a goodie bag.
Punters aged 16 or over can register for the events in-store, over the phone or by Tweeting their local branch.
The complete list of lock-ins can be found here.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/game-...eekend/0120677

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Xbox One indie scheme now accepting devs

September 5th, 2013, 23:34 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft's bid for the indie community kicks off this week

Microsoft has this week opened its Xbox One indie developers scheme, ID@Xbox, and it is due to begin contacting registered users soon, according to a message on its official Twitter feed.
The Independent Developers @ Xbox scheme is due to kick-off alongside Microsoft’s next-gen console, Xbox One, which will launch in major territories on November 22nd.

Developers have been encouraged to apply for the programme with those that are accepted as registered Xbox One developers receiving two dev kits for free.
Further down the line, at an unspecified date, the programme will ultimately allow developers to use retail Xbox One units as dev kits and self-publish on the next-gen hardware.
During PAX Prime, Microsoft’s portfolio director for digital games Chris Charla confirmed that the ID@Xbox programme will support free-to-play, microtransactions and premium pricing models.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...accepting-devs

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Best Buy offers $10 Xbox One upgrade on select games

September 4th, 2013, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster

Best Buy has rolled out a program offering $10 next-gen upgrades for a handful of coming games, similar to systems put in place at Gamestop andAmazon.

Included in the list of eligible games are FIFA 14, Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag,Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4 and Watch Dogs.

Exactly how you score your cheap upgrade is where things get complicated. According to Best Buy's official site, if you purchase one of the above games within a set period after its release (most can be picked up as much as a month after release day), you'll be given a $10 coupon to be put toward your game's Xbox One incarnation. When you want to upgrade, you must present this coupon as well as the Xbox 360 game. Best Buy will then give you $40 store credit in exchange for the game, reducing the final cost of your new Xbox One game to $10 (unless the Xbox One version has a retail price greater than $60; in that case you'll be paying the remainder as well).

If this scheme sounds intriguing, you should also note that all such upgrades must occur by December 31. Full legal details and all the fine print you can digest can be found on Best Buy's official site.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Games-Pr...at311100050008

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Peggle 2: Ball-bouncing, peg-clearing, unicorn-pooping goodness

September 4th, 2013, 23:43 Posted By: wraggster

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