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Week of May 31, 2009
Video: Xbox 360 Games on Demand service
>> From joystiq.com:
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Curious how the Xbox 360's recently announced "Games on Demand" service is going to look in your Dashboard? Microsoft made this helpful video, walking you through the entire process.
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Full Story: joystiq.com
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Microsoft: Project Natal Can Support Multiple Players, See Fingers
>> From kotaku.com:
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* I thought the system, as impressive as it was in letting me play kickball with virtual balls on a TV and no controllers on my body, might not be able to handle multi-player gaming.
* Wrong, the project's director, Kudo Tsunoda told me. He had me look at a special display set up as part of the ball-ricocheting demo. What I saw proved how clearly Natal was easily reading both my body and his as we both stood in front of the sensors. We appeared on screen as simplified, mutli-jointed stick figure skeletons within silhouettes of our bodies. It clearly saw us as separate people. There would be no problem, he said, for the system to support a game that let us play at the same time and track our movements separately.
* I thought Project Natal might be good for reading big body movements but not for finer finger movements.
* Theoretically, I got that wrong too, Tsunoda told me, though he didn't have a way to prove it to me there. The stick-figure skeletons that Natal recognize us as did not have fingers. Each one had a short stick for each hand. I saw no fingers, so I assumed it could not see my fingers. There seemed to be no way for Natal to know, say, how many fingers I was holding up. If it could, then it could maybe read hand signs issued to squadmates in military first-person shooters. I questioned Natal's ability to detect those finer movements. Tsunoda said that such detection was possible, though the sensitivity would be different at different distances. He thought my fingers idea was do-able.
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Full Story: kotaku.com
Full Story: kotaku.com
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Where Is Xbox Live Anywhere?
>> From gizmodo.com:
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When you have Microsoft's VP of LIVE, Software and Services for Interactive Entertainment Business John Schappert in front of you, you can't not ask whatever happened to the long-lost Live Anywhere service. So we did.
"It's all right there. We're with you. That remains our vision. Right now though, what remains our number one priority, that's our box in the living room, so we're going to continue to push that hard." He brought up all the stuff going on with Games for Windows Live, pointing out that "we do PC and Xbox connectivity happening, and we don't have the mobile phone just yet. There's nothing to announce now, but we still live the dream."
"When I hear 'Live Anywhere' our vision for Live Anywhere is to be able to access the LIve services from any device that we have: our PC, our mobile phone, our Xbox. We've got some of that functionality on the PC now, we don't have it all. But we don't have a mobile client right now."
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Full Story: gizmodo.com
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Microsoft and Paltalk settle lawsuit over patent infringement
>> From seattlepi.com:
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Microsoft and Paltalk, which owns patents for video chat technology, settled in March a lawsuit in which Paltalk accused Microsoft of infringing on two patents. New York-based Paltalk alleged Microsoft illegally used the technology in its "Halo 2" and "Halo 3" Xbox games, among others.
The two companies settled for an undisclosed amount of money after the case went to trial, allowing Microsoft to continue using the technology, according to a Paltalk news release. Paltalk's technology allows Xbox players to talk to each other over an Internet connection.
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Full Story: seattlepi.com
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We've 'Maxed Out' Xbox 360, Says EA Games VP
>> From edge-online.com:
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Patrick Soderlund, senior VP of EA Games Europe, claims that the company's developers have "maxed out" the Xbox 360.
"Sony has a lot of good games this year. If you go to their [E3] booth, there's a very consistent, high quality product line-up and that will help them. I do think that we'll see developers inside the organisation getting to understand the PS3 better and I think that we're getting more power out of PS3 right now... I think that we've maxed out the 360 but we haven't maxed out the PS3."
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Full Story: edge-online.com
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Xbox 360's DVD format falling behind?
>> From developmag.com:
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Forza 3 shipping on two discs, questions surround Metal Gear Rising's capacity, while MS kills off Blu-ray possibilities
Three and a half years since it launched, the Xbox 360's modest DVD format is now struggling to keep up with demands of modern game development, and the solution may not be as simple as "put disc 2 in tray".
Forza 3 will soon ship on two 360 discs, with one holding the core product and another hosting additional content. However, news site Joystiq reports that, because of the two-disc set-up, not all 360 owners will be able to access all the game's content.
At the same time, questions are being placed on whether Metal Gear Rising will be able to fit on a single dual-layer DVD; Kojima once infamously stated that Sony's Blu-ray format wasn't big enough to fit in everything MGS4 had to offer.
Forza 3 developers Turn 10 has confirmed how the full Forza 3 experience will work. The additional content on disc two will be downloaded and stored on the Xbox 360's hard drive. The game itself will run from the core content on disc one and, as the game is being played, data from the hard drive will be accessed to provide the additional content.
But the 360's basic Arcade SKU, of course, doesn't come with a hard drive; a near-certain indication that 360 Arcade owners will not be able to play the full game.
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Full Story: developmag.com
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How Microsoft stole the show at E3
>> From news.cnet.com/:
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CNET conducted a poll earlier this week asking readers which company--Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony--had the most impressive announcements at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
More than 10,000 people responded. More than 51.9 percent of the respondents said Microsoft bested its competitors. Thirty-four percent of those who answered the poll said Sony had the best announcements. Nintendo finished last, with just 5.6 percent of respondents saying it had the best E3. Ironically, the fourth option--"None of them--they were all yawners"--beat out Nintendo, with 8.4 percent of the vote.
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Full Story: news.cnet.com/
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Close-up Shot of Project Natal
>> If you haven't seen it yet, here's a close-up shot of Project Natal.
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'Wii hacker' part of Microsoft's Natal effort
>> From cnet.com:
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Johnny Chung Lee, the former Carnegie Mellon researcher known for finding creative ways to adapt the Wiimote, has revealed himself as one of the minions behind Project Natal, Microsoft's effort to add motion-sensing capabilities into the Xbox 360.
Lee, who is now a researcher at Microsoft, said in a blog posting that he has been working on the motion-sensing project.
"Now, I should preface by saying I don't deserve credit for anything that you saw at E3," Lee said in the blog. "A large team of very smart, very hard-working people were involved in building the demos you saw on stage. The part I am working on has much more to do with making sure this can transition from the E3 stage to your living room - for which there is an even larger team of very smart, very hard-working people involved."
"The 3D sensor itself is a pretty incredible piece of equipment providing detailed 3D information about the environment similar to very expensive laser range finding systems but at a tiny fraction of the cost," Lee wrote. "Depth cameras provide you with a point cloud of the surface of objects that is fairly insensitive to various lighting conditions allowing you to do things that are simply impossible with a normal camera."
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Full Story: cnet.com
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Xbox Controller Still Has A Future, Says Don Mattrick
>> From edge-online.com:
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Don Mattrick, senior VP of Microsoft's interactive entertainment business, says that the company has no intention of ditching traditional controller-based games following the unveiling of its motion sensing Project Natal.
"I think we've got the best thumb-based controller ever created," Mattrick told Edge. "We're not going to take anything away. There will be controller-based games. What we're really doing is adding to our platform; when I think about Natal, I think of it like a Guitar Hero controller--it fits the experience better. There will still be games that use the controller, games that use only Natal, and games that use a combination.
"Think, you could be playing a game with a controller and have your character react when you instinctively duck out of the way of an explosion, or the ability to throw a grenade with a gesture. I don't think of Natal as taking anything away, I see it as adding more. As a creator, I love the potential to do more; I think it's going to net out a renaissance of new ideas. We haven't figured it all out, but I see it as additive."
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Full Story: edge-online.com
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Strategy Analytics: Xbox Changes the Game at E3
>> From the press release:
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Strategy Analytics games analyst, Martin Olausson, anticipates a strengthened market position for Microsoft's Xbox360 game console following a solid showing at this year's E3 Expo in Los Angeles, CA. After all three console manufacturers - Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony - had given their respective press conferences at this year's E3 Expo, it was clear that Microsoft has pulled ahead of Sony and Nintendo when it comes to offering next generation online entertainment experiences.
Although both Sony and Nintendo announced some new updates - such as Sony's PSP Go and Nintendo's Wii Motion Plus - both companies mainly announced "more of the same". In Strategy Analytics' view, neither firm offered a clear vision for entertainment services beyond the core gaming features of their respective consoles.
Microsoft, meanwhile, announced a torrent of new services for its Xbox Live platform, including instant streaming of full 1080P HD movies and TV shows, 10 new markets where Xbox LIVE will offer its TV shows and movies, social media services Facebook and Twitter and music streaming service Last.fm on the Xbox Live platform, and a completely new user interface, code-named "Project Natal".
"With Project Natal, full HD streaming of movies and TV shows, and new social media features, Xbox is ushering in a new era of digital entertainment and continues to put new challenges to its competitors in the battle for online entertainment leadership," said Martin Olausson, Director of Digital Media Research at Strategy Analytics. "So far these challenges have gone largely unmet and as a result Nintendo and Sony are falling further and further behind in the online entertainment market".
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E3: Xbox Live Originals Nearing End
>> From computerandvideogames.com:
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Xbox Live's Xbox Originals download service is to end, it's been revealed.
The Xbox 1 download service is set to receive one final game release - highly likely to be Halo 2 - before Microsoft shifts its focus to the Games on Demand Xbox 360 service, IGN reports.
Apparently, despite having only a handful of Original Xbox games available on the service, after one more release Microsoft will have "finished it's portfolio" of Xbox Originals.
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Full Story: computerandvideogames.com
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Some Xbox 360 Games May Be 'Fixed' For Games On Demand Downloads
>> From kotaku.com:
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Microsoft reps said that any game planned for a Games On Demand will go through a "rigorous" QA process to make sure they work precisely as intended when played from a hard drive.
And mega blockbusters like Halo 3 and GTA IV may need to be "fixed" to become a Games On Demand, something Microsoft seems willing to do.
Oh and one other thing. Those Xbox 360 games you can buy as Games On Demand downloads will be available for purchase via the Web Marketplace, but not through Amazon.com.
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Full Story: kotaku.com
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E3: Games-on-demand does re-downloads , Prices like retail
>> From eurogamer.net:
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Announced on Monday after the Microsoft conference, the service is starting up this August, and the platform holder said yesterday that prices would be "comparable" to retail.
Games can also be re-downloaded if you have to delete them to make space at some point in the future.
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Full Story: eurogamer.net
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E3: MS execs: Natal not derived from 3DV, 360 life cycle through 2015
>> From eurogamer.net:
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Microsoft's Shane Kim has said that the systems making up Project Natal have been in development "for a long time", and distanced the full-body motion-sensing camera from the company's acquisition of 3DV Systems.
Shane Kim told VentureBeat, "At Microsoft Research, we have had a lot of working going on for a long time."
His colleague Aaron Greenberg was even more direct. Asked whether Natal was derived from 3DV technology, he told Eurogamer: "No, we built this in house."
Elsewhere in the interview, Kim implied that Natal was as good as a new console anyway. "We firmly believe that the Xbox 360 has a life cycle through 2015," he said when asked about future plans for Xbox.
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Full Story: eurogamer.net and venturebeat.com
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Tony Hawk Not Worried About Project Natal
>> From multiplayerblog.mtv.com:
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In an interview with Tony Hawk, who is at E3 promoting his new skateboard-centric peripheral, "Tony Hawk Ride," we asked whether he was concerned about Project Natal. Microsoft's experimental tech promises to rid the world of controllers, and even showed off a kid playing a skateboard game by just standing on his carpet. Yep, no expensive gear required! So does this mean Hawk's game will be obsolete?
"We actually tried to get [Tony Hawk Ride] running with a camera, but it wasn't accurate enough. Plus you can't really do ollies, grabs and flips when you're just standing on nothing."
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Full Story: multiplayerblog.mtv.com
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More Xbox LIVE news from E3: Full 360 Games on Demand and more ...
>> From the press release (letter from Marc Whitten):
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Last week we announced that Xbox LIVE has reached a staggering 20 million active members, reinforcing that Xbox LIVE isn't just an online gaming service; it's a community. That's why we're committed to offering entertainment for everyone on Xbox LIVE, from the core gamers with us since the beginning, to our newest members just learning about all the fun of Xbox 360.
We took a great step toward that goal last November when we re-imagined the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE with the New Xbox Experience.
I talked then about our commitment to innovation on LIVE, and today we continue to deliver on that promise as we showcase new blockbuster games, technologies and partnerships that will transform the way people think about home entertainment. With Xbox LIVE at the center of your living room, you can watch your favorite movies in instant on 1080p HD and 5.1 channel surround sound with Zune video, or update your Netflix instant Queue and share the fun with a virtual movie party.
You can take your entertainment experiences to the largest social network on the planet with Facebook on Xbox LIVE, and even post a snap shot of your favorite gaming moments through Facebook Connect. And with Twitter, you can stay connected and keep your social circle up to date by reading, posting and replying to tweets right on your Xbox 360.
And for music lovers like me, our partnership with Last.fm will bring personalized streaming radio stations right to your Xbox 360.
We're also thinking globally, and delivering a custom experience from BSkyB, one of the biggest names in European home entertainment - bringing great local content and live football to our members in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
We're excited about all the innovations we unveiled today, and I want to share some of the new gaming and community features coming to Xbox LIVE this fall:
* Games on Demand. Xbox LIVE has changed the way you play your games, and now we're changing the way you access them, with the digital distribution of full Xbox 360 games. The Games on Demand channel will launch with a library more than 30 great games, from classic hits like "Mass Effect," "BioShock" and "Assassin's Creed," to family favorites like "LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga" and "Sonic the Hedgehog." You'll have access to a wide variety of great games, downloadable in only a few hours and at the touch of a button. We've also added the option to purchase Games on Demand directly with your credit or debit card.
* Great games on Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Arcade. Xbox LIVE Arcade is keeping the fun rolling all summer long. We are continuing our commitment to quality and innovation by delivering five weeks of downloadable blockbusters with the second annual Summer of Arcade - bringing you the biggest and best smash hits of the season including "Shadow Complex," "Trials HD," "Splosion Man ™," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ : Turtles in Time Re-Shelled," and "MARVEL™ VS. CAPCOM® 2." And of course I'm excited to see the launch of our beta season of "1 vs 100" today. I'm also already playing a ton of our newly announced game, "Joy Ride," and I can't wait for you to experience it this holiday.
* Avatar Marketplace. Since the launch of NXE, millions of Avatars have been created on Xbox LIVE, giving our members a whole new way to express themselves online, in games, and in their social experiences. Starting this summer, you will see some great new ways to make your Avatar truly your own. First, we heard loud and clear from you that you wanted to get new avatar items as awards when playing games, and I'm happy to announce support for in-game Avatar Awardables. Second, you're going to see some great new options with animated Props and full costumes to add to your Avatar. Finally, we're continuing that spirit of customization and self-expression with a virtual closet full of premium clothing and interactive props to download and purchase for your Avatar. Whether its game-inspired gear or the latest fashion trends, there will be creative options for everyone to enjoy. You'll also be able to easily access the new Avatar Marketplace directly through the Avatar editor.
* User Ratings. We're adding a five star rating system that lets you easily rate any content in the Games Marketplace. Now you'll be able to show your support for your favorite games and Game Add-ons on Xbox LIVE and also quickly organize by user rating to find the community's favorite content. This has been one of your most-requested features, and we're very happy to bring it to you this summer.
* Performance Updates. We know that the details also matter. That's why we're making a series of updates based on your feedback. First and foremost, the entire Xbox LIVE service is being upgraded for improved performance including better guide and friends access. Some other things we've done based on your feedback include revamping the friends sorting list, Achievement views and improving our matchmaking support. There's always room to improve, and your input really matters to us...so keep it coming!
I've never been more proud to be a part of this team, and I truly believe that there's never been a better time to be an Xbox LIVE member - there are more entertainment choices than ever before for our members. With today's announcements, I can confidently say that an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is hands down the best value in home entertainment, giving you exclusive access to Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Sky, Last.fm, "1 vs 100 Live" beta, and the best gaming and entertainment network on the planet.
There's much more to come, and you'll hear even more details soon. But in the meantime, we hope you're having as much fun as we are.
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Project Natal: On Stage and Promo Video, IGN Hands-on
>> Here's the on-stage demo and promo video of Microsoft's Project Natal:
The guys at IGN also had a hands-on with the new device:
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Here's the amazing thing -- I played with the Natal for all of 5-6 minutes, and I have to say, it actually works.
The first demo I tried was what Microsoft was calling "Burnout Natal." Though it isn't a real game in development, the mixture of Burnout Paradise and the Natal camera was meant to provide proof that you could use the device's technology for practically any genre or software. How quickly I was recognized into the Natal's body identification system (just a few seconds) was surprising, and in a matter of moments I was controlling Burnout paradise with my feet and hands.
Most of the people around me during the MS press conference were groaning when they showed how a racing game would control with Natal in the aforementioned marketing footage, but truth be told, it's a lot more fun than it looks. Though I did miss the bit of resistance that a controller or steering wheel normally gives me, I was shocked to see how natural it felt to drive a car without actually being in one. How easy was it? To accelerate, I simply moved my right leg forward; to brake, I moved it backwards, and to pop it into a neutral position, I just stood straight up (or as straight as my spine would allow me to stand after 12+ hours of E3 spelunking). Driving was just a matter of pretending that I had a steering wheel in my hands, and every subtle movement I made was picked up by the camera allowing me to drive pretty well (and pretty straight) for the few minutes I got to try it out. As an added bonus, the motion for going into Burnout mode was an appropriate Top Gun Volleyball fist-pump. The whole experience was surprisingly fun and I walked away with nary a bad thing to say (which is quite an accomplishment, because normally I complain a lot).
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E3 PR: Xbox Unveils Entertainment Experiences That Put Everyone Center Stage
>> From the press release:
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The future of home entertainment has a new name: Xbox 360. Today, Microsoft Corp. opened the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) with a historic Xbox 360 briefing that rocked, tweeted, revved and awakened the world to a new era of fun and entertainment. In addition to premiering 10 exclusive new games, revolutionizing the way we watch TV, and making it easier than ever to connect to friends, Xbox also welcomed visionary filmmaker Steven Spielberg to introduce "Project Natal" and controller-free gaming.
"Today with cultural visionaries at our side and controller-free gaming on our horizon, Xbox 360 authored a new page in home entertainment history," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "For us, this E3 is about breaking down barriers -- between generations, between games and entertainment, and most important, between video game players and everyone else -- in a way that only Xbox 360 can."
During its briefing, Microsoft showed why Xbox 360 continues to defy industry sales trends. First: A lineup of blockbuster games to ignite every passion, including "Forza Motorsport 3," "Alan Wake," "Halo 3: ODST" and "The Beatles: Rock Band." Next? A host of groundbreaking Xbox LIVE services, from instant on 1080p HD streaming movies and television to Facebook and Last.fm tailor-made for your TV. And rounding it all out, "Project Natal," a whole new way to play, no controller required.
* "Project Natal": No Strings (or Controllers) Attached
Unveiled for the first time to the public was "Project Natal," pronounced "nuh-tall" and a code name for a revolutionary new way to play, no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak, you and your friends can jump into the fun. The only experience needed is life experience.
Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the "Project Natal" sensor is the world's first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, "Project Natal" tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.
In addition, unlike other devices, the "Project Natal" sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn't just react to key words but understands what you're saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox LIVE? Simply step in front of the sensor.
"The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear," said Steven Spielberg, visionary director and producer. "With 'Project Natal,' we'll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us."
* The Best of the Internet, Custom-Made for Your TV
Groove, party or connect with a friend. Xbox LIVE, the world's largest social network on TV, today announced that Facebook and Last.fm would be tailor-made for your TV, only on Xbox 360. Microsoft also announced Xbox LIVE Party for movies, which allows movie experiences to be shared -- on the couch or across the country over Xbox LIVE in supported movies.
"We are always asking ourselves how to make the TV more social," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Studios at Microsoft. "By bringing Facebook, Last.fm and Xbox LIVE Party for movies and TV shows to Xbox LIVE, we're not only extending the walls of your living room beyond your home to your friends in different corners of the world, we're creating the definitive social network, uniting more than 200 million people to share status updates, pictures, thoughts on music and the world's best online gaming experience."
The addition of Facebook to Xbox LIVE means friends are always connected, anytime, anywhere -- from virtually any couch. But updating your status and sharing photos won't be the only things you can do. Using Facebook Connect, you can share your greatest moments in gaming by posting updates and screenshots from supported games directly to Facebook. Don't let your moment of glory fade away -- make sure everyone sees it with Facebook Connect, starting with the future version of the premier EA SPORTS golf franchise "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®."
A first for TV, Last.fm,1 part of the CBS Interactive Music Group, will give Xbox LIVE subscribers access to millions of songs streaming through Xbox 360 to the best speakers in the house. Xbox LIVE subscribers will be able to create their own free, personalized radio stations and listen to them with friends in the living room or across the country.
Xbox 360 also solidified its place as one of the leading social entertainment networks by announcing Xbox LIVE Party for movies. Go to the cinema with your friends whether you are sitting on the same couch or in living rooms across the country. Starting this year, you can share a virtual theater, see your avatar (a virtual you) on the screen, all while you listen to each other laugh and cry at the movie through voice chat on Xbox LIVE. With movie parties, the only thing you can't share is the popcorn.
* 1080p HD in an Instant
Continuing a pioneering effort that began with the introduction of the industry's first video marketplace in November 2006 and broke new ground with the announcement of the first live TV straight from a gaming console last week in the U.K., Microsoft today announced that Xbox would deliver yet another first-to-the-world: instant on 1080p movies and TV with 5.1 surround sound -- direct to consoles connected to compatible HD TVs through the Xbox LIVE social entertainment network.
Starting this fall, a broad selection of movies and TV shows from Zune video on Xbox 360 will be available to start and stream instantly, in the highest video quality and at the push of a button.2 No discs, no waiting for downloads and no delays. Get the selection of a video megastore, the best video clarity available and the convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360.
In addition, Microsoft announced it will more than double the number of markets where Xbox LIVE offers its TV shows and movies, growing from eight to 18, by adding Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Xbox LIVE members in these markets will have access to instant on 1080p video. New Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace advancements also came for the U.S., U.K.and Ireland, specifically:
· More choices with Netflix. Watch movies instantly streamed from Netflix.3 Browse and add selections to your instant Queue -- right on your TV with your Xbox 360. Plus now with Xbox LIVE Party, you can watch and share supported movies with up to seven friends on Xbox LIVE. Debating between comedy and horror? Recommend your favorites to friends and see your virtual you as an avatar on the silver screen.
· Live TV with BSkyB Ltd. The Xbox LIVE commitment to providing the best global entertainment gains momentum with its newest partner, Sky. Now, for the first time, watch live or on-demand TV from Sky on Xbox 360, including Sky Sports. Never miss a moment of your favorite live TV shows, sports, movies and family-friendly entertainment across the U.K. and Ireland on Xbox LIVE. You can even share your favorites with up to seven friends in an Xbox LIVE Party.
* Games for Everyone
Get behind the steering wheel of the sleek Audi R8. Rock out with your friends to the latest music and party games. Discover a new chapter set in the iconic universe of "Halo." Xbox 360 has the most celebrated, highly anticipated games and experiences in the industry. With more than 1,000 titles to date, there's more than just one for you.
· Get behind the wheel. Hit the straightaway in more than 400 cars on the world's most beautiful tracks in the definitive racing game for this console generation, "Forza Motorsport 3." Or get your avatar in the driver's seat as you tear up the track with your friends in "Joy Ride."
· Adrenaline-rushing exclusives. Xbox 360 is your top destination for the biggest exclusives this year and beyond, including "Halo 3: ODST," "Crackdown 2," "Alan Wake," "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™" and "Left 4 Dead 2."
· Tap into your inner musician. Xbox 360 continues to be the preferred venue for the music games you love. Discover the magic of music and The Beatles with "The Beatles: Rock Band" or start a spontaneous singing party with "Lips: Number One Hits."
· The best blockbuster experiences. Third-party games play better on Xbox 360. Pairing must-have titles such as this year's blockbuster from Infinity Ward, "Modern Warfare 2" with Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360 offers more friends to play with and an exclusive collection of Game Add-ons.
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E3 PR: Xbox 360 Primes Every Passion With Games That Rock, Race and Sizzle
>> From the press release:
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Rock out. Duck and cover. Shift into overdrive. On the eve of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. today made it perfectly clear: No matter who you are or what games you crave, Xbox 360 is the only gaming and entertainment console for you.
At a time when, according to NPD Group Inc., nearly seven in 10 consumers plan to spend the same or more on video games compared with last year, Xbox 360 today unveiled a lineup that is sure to tip the scales in favor of more -- more fun, more entertainment value and more games available only on Xbox 360.
A "who's who" of hot games, the list of Xbox exclusives includes "Forza Motorsport 3," "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™," "Left 4 Dead 2," "Alan Wake," "Shadow Complex," "Crackdown 2," blockbuster "Halo 3: ODST" and the surprise announce of "Halo" trilogy prequel "Halo: Reach." Sharing the stage were blockbusters Infinity Ward's "Modern Warfare 2" and "The Beatles: Rock Band."
"We know that your fun and our success boil down to one thing: our ability to make games that are creative, diverse and entertaining. Period. And this year, we deliver in spades with the biggest and best lineup in our history," said Phil Spencer, general manager of the global Microsoft Game Studios business. "From the core first-person-shooter fans who've enjoyed Xbox since the first 'Halo' to new audiences who are discovering us today with genre-defining games like '1 vs 100,' we have something for everyone with our best and broadest lineup ever."
Xbox 360 has the most celebrated, most played, most coveted and most E-rated games in the industry -- and with 1,000-plus titles to date, there's more than one for you.
Heart-Thumping Entertainment, Exclusively on Xbox 360
Get behind the wheel of an Audi R8 V10 in "Forza Motorsport 3," jump into the immersive movie-like action of "Alan Wake," and download "Shadow Complex," the newest Xbox LIVE Arcade game from the minds behind the blockbuster "Gears of War" franchise. Some of the most exciting games in 2009 and beyond are only on Xbox 360, including the following:
· "1 vs 100" (Microsoft Game Studios). Are you ready to win big? The "1 vs 100" U.S. and Canadian beta launches today, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. PDT. For the first time, "1 vs 100" on Xbox LIVE combines the best of TV gameshow experiences with social gaming to create the largest interactive game show in the world. Based on the hit TV game show of the same name, "1 vs 100 Live" is regularly scheduled and features a live studio host who provides comedic commentary throughout the show and fresh content from a team of trivia writers and experts. Players can play as "the one," "the mob" or "the crowd," for the chance to win real prizes. Check your local Xbox LIVE listings to join "1 vs 100 Live."1
· "Alan Wake" (Remedy/Microsoft Game Studios). "Alan Wake" is the all-new psychological action thriller from the renowned creators of the "Max Payne" franchise. Coming in spring 2010 and exclusive to Xbox 360, "Alan Wake" will immerse players in an intense cinematic thrill ride of dreams and reality, where light is the only ally.
· "Crackdown 2" (Ruffian Games/Microsoft Game Studios). The sequel to the award-winning "Crackdown," "Crackdown 2" is the premier open-ended action experience that lets you be judge, jury and executioner for a vast city. Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 in 2010, "Crackdown 2" will take multiplayer2 gaming to unprecedented levels for the ultimate cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, providing you and your friends with the complete freedom to explore, destroy and play as you return to restore justice and peace to Pacific City -- by any means necessary.
· "Forza Motorsport 3" (Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios). Launching this October, "Forza Motorsport 3" is the definitive racing game for everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who's ever dreamed of driving at full-throttle. Backed by breathtaking HD graphics and bone-jarring physics, you'll take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. "Forza Motorsport 3" includes driving assists and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill levels, while new customization and sharing tools will further fuel the imaginations of the thriving "Forza Motorsport" community on Xbox LIVE.
· "Gears of War 2: Dark Corners" (Epic Games Inc.). The "Gears of War 2: Dark Corners" Game Add-on includes seven brand new multiplayer maps and a new campaign chapter, "Road to Ruin." "Dark Corners" launches on Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 28. The entertainment blockbuster of 2008, "Gears of War 2" has now surpassed 5 million copies sold worldwide.
· "Halo 3: ODST" (Bungie). Launching Sept. 22, "Halo 3: ODST" is a new game in the landmark "Halo" saga that lets players experience the events leading up to the epic story told in "Halo 3" through the eyes of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). In addition to an all-new campaign, "ODST" includes three new "Halo 3" multiplayer maps and the complete, stand-alone "Halo 3" multiplayer experience.2 The game also introduces Firefight, an exciting new cooperative multiplayer mode that pits up to four players against increasingly challenging waves of enemies. As a special bonus, "Halo 3: ODST" also includes an invitation to the "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta on Xbox LIVE. Also, launching on the same date with "Halo 3: ODST" is the "Halo 3: ODST Collector's Pack," which offers "Halo" fans a new and exclusive wireless controller and the game title in one package at a great price.
· "Joy Ride" (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios). Avatars, start your engines! Full of wild driving fun, "Joy Ride" will get your adrenaline pumping as you tear up the track with your friends, or jump, flip and trick your way through the Stunt Park as you work with the whole community to unlock rewards. "Joy Ride" is completely free to download and gives you all new ways to play, whether you're looking for a quick game or a deep, custom social experience, all on Xbox LIVE.2 Design your dream car or purchase new tracks, game modes and avatar items. You can share the racetracks and game modes with your friends so no one is ever left out.
· "Left 4 Dead 2" (Valve). "Left 4 Dead 2" is the sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed cooperative multiplayer smash from Valve, creators of "Half-Life," "Portal," "Team Fortress" and "Counter-Strike." Introducing melee weapons and new enemies to the original's award-winning gameplay, "L4D2" casts players as one of four new "Survivors" battling zombie hordes as they travel from Savannah, Ga., through New Orleans' French Quarter.
· "Shadow Complex" (Epic Games Inc. and Chair Entertainment Group/Microsoft Game Studios). New from Epic Games and Chair Entertainment, "Shadow Complex" combines the best of old-school side-scroller design with modern, cutting-edge gameplay and incredible high-definition graphics. Collect power-ups, discover new abilities and evolve your character into a force of destruction as you explore an original story set in the world of Orson Scott Card's best-selling novel, "Empire." "Shadow Complex" marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the accessibility you love, exclusively on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE Arcade.
· "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™" (Ubisoft). Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 this fall, unleash the ferocious skills of renegade agent Sam Fisher and uncover a deadly terrorist plot in "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™." Completely reinvented and revolutionized, "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™" ushers in a new breed of action gameplay leaving players fully immersed in the life of the world's most dangerous spy. Take full advantage of the 20 million member Xbox LIVE community in this latest installment of the award-winning "Splinter Cell" franchise.
Blockbusters Here, There, Everywhere on Xbox 360
It's a simple truth: third-party games play better on Xbox 360. Why? Because only Xbox 360 can pair must-have titles like this year's blockbuster from Infinity Ward, "Modern Warfare 2"; "The Beatles: Rock Band"; and "Tony Hawk®: RIDE™" with Xbox LIVE, the world's largest social network on your TV. The result? As the world's largest online gaming network, Xbox LIVE gives you more friends to play with and its exclusive collection of Game Add-ons ensures the fun never ends. It leaves only one question: Why would you play these blockbusters anywhere else?
· "Final Fantasy® XIII" (Square Enix). The world-renowned "Final Fantasy" will continue making its home on Xbox 360 with the upcoming release of "Final Fantasy XIII," the eagerly anticipated title from Square Enix. "Final Fantasy XIII" uses the power and cutting-edge technology of Xbox 360 to deliver seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics as gamers summon the courage to execute powerful attacks with an evolved Active Time Battle system and ultimately fulfill their destiny. Scheduled to be released only in North America and Europe.
· "Metal Gear Solid: Rising" (Konami Digital Entertainment). "Metal Gear Solid: Rising" is the highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima's critically acclaimed "Metal Gear Solid" franchise on Xbox 360. "Metal Gear Solid: Rising" will star Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the "Metal Gear Solid" universe, in a new, thrilling adventure on Xbox 360.
· "Modern Warfare 2" (Infinity Ward/Activision). On Nov. 10, 2009, Infinity Ward will make its return with the release of "Modern Warfare 2" on Xbox 360, the most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, "Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™." "Modern Warfare 2" continues the gripping and heart-racing saga with an unprecedented level of action as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. Xbox LIVE gamers will also be the first to get their hands on two "Modern Warfare 2" map packs coming first to Xbox 360.
· "The Beatles: Rock Band" (Harmonix/MTV Games). On 09.09.09, "The Beatles: Rock Band" will allow fans all over the world to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles' extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band's legendary career. In addition, "The Beatles: Rock Band" offers Beatles fans the opportunity to rock out with new hardware replica controllers modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr throughout their careers. And, for the first time, players will be able to download music and make a change: Available only on Xbox 360, all Apple Corps, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds from downloads of "All You Need Is Love" will benefit Doctors Without Borders.
· "Tony Hawk: RIDE" (Activision). "Tony Hawk: RIDE" redefines the sports genre by offering a dynamic hands-free gaming experience featuring an innovative skateboard controller. Using full motion sensing technology, players physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game. The skateboard controller provides an accessible and social gaming experience on Xbox 360 that allows players of all skill levels to battle for skateboard supremacy by challenging gamers worldwide over Xbox LIVE, the largest social gaming network.
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