loosy|goosy|ness - Blog

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Half the things" Microsoft wanted to put into the New Xbox Experience were cut out, Europe's Xbox Live boss has told CVG.

Speaking in a recent interview Microsoft's Jerry Johnson said that the redesigned Xbox 360 dash isn't finished yet and detailed plans to bolster the backend with new applications and content.

"There's still a lot of stuff we want to do," Johnson told CVG in an interview. "Half the things we wanted to do [in NXE] we cut out of the service.

"One of the nice things we did was this architectural change to make things more published and driven from the service. All of a sudden we opened up the platform to say 'I don't have to wait until once or twice a year to release something onto the dashboard'.

"There's a Photo Party app that will be part of the platform," the XBL man added. "The way it will be distributed is all of a sudden you'll see a slot on the dashboard and if you don't have it you click on it and it's going to download from the service onto your application part of the dashboard. Those are the type of things we're going to start doing. Johnson also confirmed that Xbox Live Primetime, which offers server based 'game show' style online games, will be launched in spring 2009.

"I think we're going to see more social, more content-type apps. I also think from a platform perspective we can continue to do a lot of new things," he said.
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Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com

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Microsoft claims that the New Xbox Experience — that big dashboard upgrade being pushed to all 360 owners on November 19 — will allow your favorite Xbox 360 games to load more quickly. To enjoy that benefit, a gamer will have to install their disc-based games onto their 360’s hard drive.

People keep asking me if doing the installation is worth the trouble. Are loading times that much better?

I tested Microsoft’s claim on four games, using my NXE-enabled 360. Above, you can watch the initial loading for “Grand Theft Auto IV,” DVD vs Hard Drive. After the jump, check out loading comparisons for “Fable II” and “Gears of War.”

(Videos not viewable by users logging in from Canada or the U.K.)

In all cases, I spammed the A button of my controller as soon as the game started loading, so you’re seeing my fastest attempts to get from the new dashboard to the new games.

Each of the games took about 11 minutes to install and required between 6.6 and 6.8GB. It shaved off about nine to 15 seconds off the initial load times.Think it’s worth it?

 

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Source: http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com

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PCs are used for gaming more than any console and PlayStation 3 owners are more likely to have multiple consoles, according to the results of the Games Segmentation 2008 report from sales tracking and research firm The NPD Group.

In addition to stating that PlayStation 3 owners are most likely to have other "next-generation" consoles than Wii and Xbox 360 owners, NPD claimed that only 10% of PS2 owners have a PS3. In the realm of portables, 45% of PSP owners have a Nintendo DS, but only 21% of DS owners have a PSP.

Despite the broad declarations, NPD did not provide specific figures for console and PC playtime. Likewise, an exact breakdown showing the ownership patterns of those that have multiple "next-generation" consoles was absent from the release.

Using information gathered back in January and February, the report separated the North American game-playing populace into the following seven categories, totaling 174 million gamers:

• Young Heavy Gamers: 22%
• Seconday Gamers: 20%
• Console Games: 17%
• Offline PC Gamers: 15%
• Online PC Gamers: 14%
• Avid PC Gamers: 9%
• Extreme Gamers: 3%

The segments are categorized by usage, ownership and frequency numbers, though the specifics definitions were not provided.

Though PCs were "used more than any single console for gaming," NPD stressed that "Console Gamers, Young Heavy Gamers and Extreme Gamers are more likely to use consoles than a PC to play video games."

As for sales, NPD reports that 14% of games purchased between November 2007 and January 2008 were digital downloads. Extreme Gamers bought nearly 24 titles across the three month period, with NPD claiming that figure is "over seven times more than the second leading purchasing segment.""Although Extreme Gamers are heavily involved with the industry, they represent a small portion of the potential market for any new game that comes to market," commented analyst Anita Frazier. "In order to promote continued growth, we must better understand all of the gaming segments."

Details on the methodology of the report are as follows:

"The data was collected from more than 20,000 members of NPD's online consumer panel, ages two to 65+. Responses for consumers ages six to 12 were captured by instructing a parent to take his or her child in this age range to the computer to answer the questions, either with or without the parent's assistance. Qualified respondents reported they personally play video games on a PC, on a console or portable system, or on another device such as a mobile phone. The following four key variables were used to create the gamer segments: ownership; usage; frequency; and purchased/received video games. Final survey data was weighted to represent the U.S. population of individuals ages 2 and older. Fieldwork was conducted from January 11-February 5, 2008."

Note: This study was conducted in January, meaning that questions that refer to consumer behavior in the past three months include the Christmas/Hanukkah holidays.

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Source: www.shacknews.com

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One of the questions we've been hearing here at E3 is how existing themes you've bought from Xbox LIVE Marketplace will work with the new Xbox experience. The design team sent over this mock up to give you an idea of how it's going to work.

We've also been asked about the Game Detail Pages. Here are mock ups for a couple of them.

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Update:
In case you missed it on Inside Xbox, Marc Whitten gave an overview of the New Xbox Experience, including a peek at the Guide design. You will be able to access every part of what exists in the "blades" today, by calling up the Guide. A quick way to get to something specific, all without leaving the game you're in. Nice.

 

Source: gamerscoreblog.com via www.xbox-scene.com

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Microsoft is giving consumers more gigabytes for their buck. The company today announced an Xbox 360® console with triple the storage space of the original console, but for the same price of $349 (U.S.) estimated retail price.

Available in retail stores in the U.S. and Canada starting in early August, the upgraded Xbox 360 will include a 60GB hard drive for storing the growing wealth of digital entertainment available for the console, including music, movies, television shows, and game content. In addition, Microsoft today dropped the price of its 20GB Xbox 360 console in the U.S. and Canada to just $299 (U.S.) (ERP) while supplies last, a savings of $50.

"We know consumers need more and more space to store the amazing digital content Xbox 360 offers, and we're giving it to them at no extra charge," said Albert Penello, Xbox director of product management at Microsoft. "No one device offers the depth and breadth of entertainment that Xbox 360 can deliver, and now you'll have three times the storage to manage all that great content."
Xbox 360 is just one of three Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment systems Microsoft offers. Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade, which comes with a 256MB memory unit and five Xbox LIVE Arcade games, is a value for the whole family for $279 (U.S.) (ERP), and the premium Xbox 360 Elite console is available with a 120GB hard drive for $449 (U.S.) (ERP).

Out of the box, the Xbox 360 console is ready to provide an incredible gaming and entertainment experience:

• Xbox 360 console: The console is equipped with a cool white finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in high definition (HD) entertainment (up to 1080p for gaming), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output.
• 60GB Hard Drive: The 60GB detachable hard drive allows you to save your games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos, and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the premier one-stop digital download center for entertainment.
• Upscaling DVD Player: With an HDMI cable (sold separately), watch your favorite DVDs in near high-definition using the upscaling capabilities of Xbox 360.
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller: This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features the Xbox Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.
• Xbox 360 Headset: The headset lets friends and family around the world chat while playing games, watching movies, or sending voice messages on Xbox LIVE.
• Xbox LIVE Silver Membership: For no additional cost, Xbox 360 owners can chat with friends online, collect Achievements to improve their Gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, and purchase or rent HD movies and TV shows, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade. (Broadband Internet access required.)
• One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold: An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, and chat with an entire group of friends at a time.

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Source: Microsoft Press Release via www.xbox-scene.com

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I just got off the phone with Adam Sessler over at G4 (check here to see if G4 is available in your area.) who filled me in on G4’s plans for E3 next week. If you’re not headed to LA but you still want to get in on all the gaming action, don’t worry…it sounds like they have you covered.  They’ve posted a schedule of coverage on their site, and the great news is that they’ll be carrying the complete Microsoft Press Briefing on Monday (They’ll also be carrying the Sony and Nintendo events as well) without commercial interruptions. I guess the learned their lesson from last year. According to that schedule, it looks like they’ll have a stream available on G4tv.com as well. So set your DVR’s and get ready for some gaming news.

P.S. I’ll also be recording our show and live blogging it from backstage, but more on that later this week.
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Source: http://majornelson.com

Xbox 360 - was: €349.99 / £249.99	now: €269.99 / £199.99
Xbox 360 Elite - was: €449.99 / £299.99	now: €369.99 / £259.99
Xbox 360 Arcade – was €269.99 / £199.99	now: €199.99 / £159.99

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Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of €199.99/£159.99, Xbox 360 is a mass market entertainment proposition with something to offer for every interest and budget.

From Friday, 14th March, Xbox 360, which includes a 20GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of €269.99/£199.99 - a saving of €80/£50 on the current ERP. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of €369.99/£259.99 - a saving of €80/£40. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of €199.99/£159.99 - a saving of €80/£20.

Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 26 months on the market .
The new ERPs are part of Microsoft's ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with an offering for everyone:

Best Choice for Families:

• Xbox 360 grows as your family does, offering games and entertainment for every member of the family - from movies to games to music videos.
• With over 150 3+ rated games and unparalleled parental controls, parents can feel good about their kids playing Xbox 360
  

Most Diverse Entertainment:

• Xbox 360 offers great choice in high-definition entertainment
• Xbox Live Video Store offers a wide variety of movies to download, both in HD and SD, enabling great entertainment in the living room at the press of a button
• It's easy to view and enjoy video and photos on Xbox 360 as well as connect wirelessly to share content with a Windows Media Center PC
  

The Best Games:

• There will be over 1,000 games available on Xbox 360 by the end of the year, with something for every skill level, interest and taste.
• New community games allow gamers to sample the best of indie games, providing innovative new ways to play and enjoy
• Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto IV, with exclusive downloadable episodes on Xbox LIVE, and Rock Band make Xbox 360 the place to be this Spring
• Xbox 360 exclusives for 2008 include Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Too Human, setting new standards for next-generation gaming

"Xbox 360 is now mass market in Europe," said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. "We have reached and surpassed several key milestones that form part of our long term strategic plan to achieve critical mass in Europe; and our portfolio now offers the kind of mainstream entertainment experiences that secure wider appeal for Xbox 360. These factors allow us to execute on our strategy to widen the market for Xbox 360, as planned.

"We continue to offer intense, immersive gaming experiences for gamers - but now we're priced in a way that will allow new consumers to find out for themselves why Xbox 360 is the ultimate in high-definition entertainment." said Lewis. "History shows that €199/£159 is the price point where a console's audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we're ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world."
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Source: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/

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Downloading the new XNA Games takes a few extra steps.  You can watch a video (on Inside Xbox, or linked below) featuring Xbox LIVE's Michael Klucher to explain it, or use this handy-dandy crib sheet:

Xbox LIVE Community Games
Find out how to download the new XNA games from Xbox LIVE and play them on your console.  High | Low

1) Download XNA Creators Club Game Launcher (Marketplace/Game Store/All Games/XNA Creators Club).  Ignore the others.
(Note: If you use "XNA Game Launcher" or "XNA Game Studio Connect", you'll be told you need a Creators Club membership linked to your profile.)

2) Browse to My Games (Games/Games Library/My Games) and twist to XNA Creators Club.

3) Press Y to Download Games

4) Choose a game to download like any other game.

Filed Under: XNA, GDC

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Source: http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/

Here are the highlights:

• "The Xbox 360 community has unlocked over 1 billion achievements," says Schappert
• Over $250 million has been spent online in the Xbox Live Marketplace.
• How popular is Halo 3's saved films feature? Over 1,000 pieces are uploaded by the Halo 3 community every day -- that's 30% more than Youtube, claims Schappert.
• Over 800,000 downloads of the XNA toolset have occurred. It's been adopted by over 400 universities worldwide.
• DreamBuildPlay hoped to spur on creativity, and the results were "incredible." Over 200 games were submitted to the competition.
• Community games will be distributed through Xbox Live. "Xbox Live Community Games" will give creators a huge audience to share their creativity with. Game distribution will be democritized, allowing the community to control the content. Create, Submit, Peer Review, Play are the four key steps."
• Chris announced that Dishwasher, and 6 other community games will be available for you to try FREE on XBL marketplace later today.
• Also announced XNA games are coming to Zune.
• Tim Sweeney & Michael Capps from Epic are on stage showing off the next gen of Unreal Engine
• Over 1,000 games on Xbox 360 by the end of 2008, promises Schappert. And that excludes Xbox Live Community Games
• April 29th bring GTAIV to Xbox 360, "on day one." Starting Fall 2008, GTA DLC will hit Xbox Live Marketplace.
• A new guest on stage -- Team Ninja's Tomonobu Itagaki! He's here to demonstrate Ninja Gaiden 2. June 2008 is the release date.
• Peter Molyneux to show us Fable 2
• Cliffy B just burst through the set w/ Lancer to announce Gears of War 2 coming this November, exclusively on Xbox 360.
• Press Release: Xbox 360 Becomes First Video Game Console Ever to Invite the World to Create Original Games and Share Online With Millions

>> Microsoft's GDC keynote has been live blogged by joystiq.com and major nelson.

 

The new trailer for Gears of War 2 is now available on Xbox LIVE (only in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK and US for now). If it's not available in your country yet, you can watch it below in low res:

Also added to Xbox LIVE (everywhere except Australia, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan) is the 'XNA Creators Club Game Launcher':

The game will be using "Digital Molecular Matter" developed by Pixelux Entertainment for dynamically destructible objects, Havok for rigid body physics, and a graphics engine developed by LucasArts in conjunction with Industrial Light & Magic and Euphoria developed by NaturalMotion. Pre-visualization demonstrations were shown at the LucasArts booth at E3 2006.

The game takes place between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and, according to Steve Sansweet, "has some incredible revelations." The player assumes the role of "Darth Vader's secret apprentice". The player is sent across the galaxy to destroy the remaining Jedi. The story is both a continuation of the prequel trilogy - exploring the aftermath of Emperor Palpatine's order to exterminate the Jedi and focusing on the continued evolution of Darth Vader - and a direct bridge between the original films.

Official Website: www.lucasarts.com/games/theforceunleashed

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BioShock Takes Top Honors as Game of the Year. The full list of the 2007 Game Critics Awards: Game of the Year winners is now posted on the Game Critics Awards website. You can see the full list of winners at http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/goty.html.

Top 10 Games of 2007:

1. BioShock
2. The Orange Box
3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
4. Rock Band
5. Super Mario Galaxy
6. Halo 3
7. Mass Effect
8. God of War II
9. Assassin's Creed
10. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Game of the Year breakdown by platform:

1. Xbox 360: 7
2. PlayStation 3: 5
3. PC: 3
4. Wii:  1
5. PlayStation 2: 1

Game of the Year breakdown by publisher:

1. Microsoft Game Studios: 2
2. Sony Computer Entertainment: 2
3. EAP (Valve, MTV Games/Harmonix): 2
4. 2K Games: 1
5. Activision: 1
6. Nintendo: 1
7. Ubisoft: 1

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Full Story: majornelson.com

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Recently, Xbox.com posted a letter from Marc Whitten, General Manager of Xbox LIVE, thanking subscribers for their patience with the service. We’ve implemented several improvements to the service, to help ensure ongoing reliability and performance.  As the popularity of Xbox LIVE expands, we’ll continue to closely monitor the service and make adjustments.  As always, if you are having any problems, please contact your local support (1-800-4-MYXBOX in North America) so that we can assist you. 

Marc announced that all Xbox LIVE members (Gold and Silver) around the world would have access to a full Xbox LIVE Arcade game to download free of charge. We’re pleased to announce that beginning next Wednesday, 2:00 a.m. PST through Sunday, 11:59 p.m. PST, Xbox LIVE members worldwide can download the full version of the recent award-winning Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Undertow.

Developed by Chair Entertainment Group, Undertow is one of the highest-rated and best looking games available on Arcade.  Undertow redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. The game features a full story driven-single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for 2-16 players over Xbox LIVE for Gold subscribers. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units. "Undertow" is available worldwide (normally 800 Microsoft Points) and is rated E10+.

For more details on “Undertow,” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/u/undertowxboxlivearcade/
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Found on: http://gamerscoreblog.com/

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On the console front, last-gen consoles still rule in US households in terms of usage. PS2 captured 42 percent of all measured console minutes, while Xbox garnered 14 percent. Xbox 360 had 12 percent while PS3 had 3 percent.

Video Game Console Usage April-November 2007:

1. PS2 42.2%
2. Xbox 13.9%
3. Xbox360 11.8%
4. Gamecube 7.1%
5. Wii 5.5%
6. PlayStation3 2.5%
7. Other 17.1%
   

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Source: next-gen.biz

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To claim your 500 Microsoft Points [MS offers to active member who joined the service in 2002], all you have to do is register on this web site using your Windows Live ID associated to your gamertag. You can register until midnight (Pacific Time) on November 29, 2007, and after you do so, you will receive an e-mail with a 25-digit code that lets you to activate your Microsoft Points through your Xbox 360 console. Don't expect that email to arrive instantly as the deadline for that email is December 21, 2007.
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Full Story: teamxbox.com

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Sony's Playstation 2 accounted for 42 percent of video game console usage during June far outstripping the Xbox, which had the second highest usage at 17 percent, according to Nielsen's latest GamePlay Metrics. The Xbox 360 had 8% usage.
Rounding up the list of consoles

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Full Story: kotaku.com

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The PS3 isn't the only console with problems. Microsoft has an equal share of issues with the Xbox 360 that could prove just as harmful as Sony's. Here are six reasons why the Xbox 360 is in trouble, though not necessarily doomed.

1. It's unreliable.
2. It only sells marginally better than Xbox.
3. A recent string of bad publicity.
4. It has limited appeal.
5. It bleeds money.
6. It still doesn't sell in Japan.

Looking ahead to fall of 2007, the Xbox 360 has the biggest games lineup in recent memory, a lineup that includes BioShock, Mass Effect, Madden 08, Assassin's Creed, and more in addition to the hugely anticipated Halo 3. Master Chief's last adventure could easily be the best-selling game of the year and shift hundreds of thousands of 360s in the process. If there's one thing that sells consoles, it's great games, and Xbox 360 has them. Sadly, Microsoft's ongoing string of mishaps may keep them from truly ending the year (or the season for that matter) on a high note.
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Full Story: gamepro.com

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Microsoft Corp. today announced that Don Mattrick, a former president at Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), will lead the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB), which includes overseeing the Xbox® and Games for Windows® businesses. Peter Moore, who currently serves as corporate vice president of IEB, has decided to move his family back to the Bay Area for personal reasons and has secured another opportunity in the video games industry.

Mattrick will take over as the senior vice president of IEB at Microsoft, effective July 30. Mattrick was the founder of Distinctive Software Inc., which operated as a private company from 1982 until its merger with EA in 1991. Mattrick held various senior positions within EA, most recently as president of Worldwide Studios, until his resignation in February 2006. In February 2007, Mattrick began working with the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft as an external advisor.
"Peter has contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003 and we are sad to see him go," said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Since that time, he presided over the global launch of the Xbox 360™, spearheaded a revitalized and rebranded Games for Windows business, and helped steer the console's ascent."

Moore has decided to return with his family to Northern California, where they lived until he took the position at Microsoft. Moore will remain at Microsoft to assist in the transition through August and will then return to the San Francisco Bay area.
"While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry's most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business," Bach said. "Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy. Under Don's leadership, the games team is looking forward to embarking on our biggest holiday ever, with a wide-ranging roster of some of the most highly anticipated titles."

Mattrick brings 23 years of games industry and development experience to the strong Microsoft management team, having helped bring to life such celebrated game franchises as the "Need for Speed," "Harry Potter" and "The Sims" while at EA.

"Over the past two decades, and the past few months in particular, I've worked closely with many of Microsoft's top leaders and I've always been impressed by their talent, passion and commitment," said Mattrick. "I'm thrilled to join an already strong team that's delivering truly amazing gaming experiences to customers around the world. I've never been more excited about the future of the industry, and firmly believe Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in gaming."
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Peter Moore will join EA as President of their sports division.

Found on: www.xbox-scene.com

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The Microsoft pre-E3 Press Briefing has now ended, I quickly encoded a low-res/quality flv video below (re-cutting it took too much time, so briefing starts at ~01:57). Microsoft will offer a HD video download of the briefing tomorrow. You can also already download the MP3 of the briefing on majornelson.com. Realtime transcripts of the event are available on eurogamer.net or engadget/joystiq.

Video of the 2007 Pre-E3 Press Briefing by Microsoft
from tuesday July 10th 8:30pm PST in Santa Monica, California.

Some highlights:

• Briefing starts with lots of marketing stuff like marketshare, high attach rate, online purchases, live members (over 7 millions now) etc ... I'll pass.
• Only the xbox360 will have all 3 of biggest titles this holiday season (GTA IV, Madden 08 and Halo 3).
• New controller sold with game called 'Scene it' (based on the boardgame). Buzz-style button on the top, and the face buttons positioned in a line below.
• Sonic the Hedgehog and Golden Axe now available on XBLA.
• Microsoft will distribute Disney movies on marketplace in HD, starting tonight.
• By end of the year, video marketplace available in Canada and Europe too.
• Xbox 360 Elite coming to Europe on August 24th 2007.
• PGR4 demo shown, now also bikes. Coming in September. Also new demo of Lost Odyssey, also coming this year ... actually all games they show tonight will be coming out this year.
• Blue Dragon demo out on Xbox Live tonight.
• Viva pinata and Gears of War (with editor, new levels, etc) coming to Games for Windows.
• Demo and presentation of Call of Duty 4. Real-time playable demo shown, takes place near Chernobyl. Beta demo coming exclusive to Xbox360.
• Next Splintercell (called 'Conviction') coming exclusive to xbox 360.
• New GTA IV trailer shown. First 2 trailers were captured from a 360, not PS3.
• Capcom's Resident Evil 5 coming to Xbox360 too, not this year though.
• New demo of Assassins Creed by Ubisoft. Coming November 2007.
• Video of the 'Halo 3 universe' shown.
• Gray Xbox360 is real! It's actually more 'army green'. Will be a Halo 3 themed Special Edition console coming in September! DVD-bezel and HDD sides will be gold colored instead of silver.

• Ending briefing with another Halo 3 trailer!
• What we didn't get: price cut, MGS4 or FF XIII.

Here's the official press release of the E3 Briefing: LINK
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Found on: www.xbox-scene.com

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XNA Game Studio Express and the Demo Scene?

That's right. We've partnered with the Assembly 07 conference organizers who are including Xbox 360s and XNA Game Studio Express for the first time in their demos and game development competition! A number of top Demo teams are hard at work developing their first Xbox 360 demos ever and we look forward to them being shared later this year at the Assembly Summer 07 conference. To find out more on the Demo Scene, Assembly and even the links to a few blogs from the participating Demo teams, head on over to Assembly's site and check it out.
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Found on: XNA Blog (FYI: MS owned blog)

The May '07 Xbox 360 dashboard release is out now!! And here's the official press release for the Spring 2007 Update:

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Beginning May 9th