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November 2006 - Posts

Xbox Get On It!

posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 4:30 PM by Bastelyon
Justin Timberlake has nothin' on Laura Foy of On10.net.  Check out this video that Laura and crew made reminding us all to not forget about Xbox.  Hit it Laura... Read More
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Sign Up Monday for Chance to Join Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta

posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:02 AM by johnporcaro
Starting Monday, Dec. 4, visit http://www.halo3.com, those of you in North America will be able to register for the opportunity to be one of the select members to join the Halo 3 public beta program, scheduled to kick off in spring 2007. This is the Read More
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Master Chief Like You've Never Seen Him Before

posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:01 AM by johnporcaro
We just released a media alert, along with this be-a-utiful image from the upcoming Halo 3 TV spot set to air on ESPN's Monday Night Football.  You're not going to want to miss the spot as it's seen for the very first time ever (they won't even show Read More
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Exclusive Halo 3 Trailer Makes Broadcast Debut – Viewers to See Master Chief Like He’s Never Been Seen Before

posted Thursday, November 30, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Fans worldwide can experience a thrilling look at the most anticipated game of 2007 with a special 60-second “Halo 3” trailer; Microsoft announces first chance for North American gamers to participate in the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta by entering at Halo3.com Read More
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Lunchtime Conversations - Episode 001 - Got G4W Questions?

posted Wednesday, November 29, 2006 10:06 PM by johnporcaro
So the other day, Tony, Chris, and I were asking all kinds of questions to Michael Wolf, our resident Games for Windows expert.  Just as he got into the rhythm of things, we thought it'd be really interesting to grab a microphone and get it Read More
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Mario Lopez will Shake It Like a Party Animal this Saturday

posted Wednesday, November 29, 2006 3:35 PM by johnporcaro
At the "World's Largest Piñata Party" this Saturday in LA, Mario Lopez will be there hosting the event.  Will you be there?  More information in a media alert we just sent out.  Read More
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Mario Lopez Hosts World's Biggest Piñata Party

posted Wednesday, November 29, 2006 3:00 PM by johnporcaro
Get transported to Piñata Island for an afternoon of free family fun to celebrate the launch of “Viva Piñata” for the Xbox 360 Read More
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Seattle Snowstorm - Cesar "Works from Home"?!?

posted Tuesday, November 28, 2006 3:23 PM by CPaladino
If you saw the Monday Night Football game last night, you already know that Seattle has been hit by snow and freezing rain which turned our roads to solid ice.  We don't usually get this type of weather here.  The amount of people, a lack Read More
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ESPN and Microsoft Unveil The Ultimate Xbox 360 Entertainment Experience Sweepstakes on SportsCenter

posted Tuesday, November 28, 2006 10:00 AM by johnporcaro
Tune in tonight to ESPN’s SportsCenter at 8pm PST/ 11:00 pm EST for a sports program packed with an Xbox 360 punch. Read More
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Texas Hold 'em Update Coming Wednesday

posted Monday, November 27, 2006 4:00 PM by johnporcaro
This week on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays we offer a full-featured update to one of the most popular titles on the service – Texas Hold ‘em. Read More
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Be Part (Virtually) of the World's Largest Piñata Party

posted Monday, November 27, 2006 3:25 PM by johnporcaro
If you can't make it to LA this Saturday, you can still take part of the World's Largest Piñata Party (and get some of the cool prizes, too!).  We're planning on having 1500 piñatas on the Santa Monica pier, but you can add your own piñata Read More
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Xbox 360 no Brasil: Jump In!

posted Monday, November 27, 2006 2:44 PM by johnporcaro
Congrats to co-workers in Brazil, who just held a celebration of the launch of the Xbox 360. The console goes on sale in Brazil on Dec. 1.    I got a summary of the event from them, which I'll post in Portugese.  Com o lançamento Read More
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World's Largest Piñata Party, Saturday in LA

posted Monday, November 27, 2006 10:13 AM by johnporcaro
Here's your official invitation to this Saturday's Viva Piñata party.  If you're in the Los Angeles area, bring your family and join us at the Santa Monica Pier December 2, from 11-3pm.  I'll be there, and I'm planning on bringing my kids.  Read More
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Do your played games affect your manhood?

posted Monday, November 27, 2006 10:54 AM by DirtyDiva
With the recent release of Viva Piñata, something I've noticed happening more and more is that people are overlooking great games for fear that they will be mocked into oblivion for having it appear on their "played games" list. I know I probably shouldn't Read More
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$100 Xbox 360's Slow Amazon.com

posted Friday, November 24, 2006 9:08 PM by johnporcaro
No wonder I couldn't get logged in to grab one of the $100 Xbox 360s from Amazon.com...  From MSNBC.com: "We saw dramatically more traffic than what we anticipated," Amazon spokesman Craig Berman said Friday. The Xbox sold out in 29 seconds, Read More
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Video Marketplace

posted Friday, November 24, 2006 6:47 PM by johnporcaro
I know a lot of you in the US have been checking out the newly launched Video Marketplace on Xbox Live.  As you're aware, downloads are taking longer than they should.  Larry's been on the case over the last few days (I've been copied on a bunch Read More
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Giving Thanks

posted Thursday, November 23, 2006 5:44 PM by johnporcaro
Once a year we gather together with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, to celebrate the harvest season, and to give retailers an excuse to start the "holiday" season.  We've closed down the offices for a few days, and we stuff ourselves Read More
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World’s Biggest Piñata Party Hits Los Angeles to Celebrate Xbox 360’s Viva Piñata

posted Wednesday, November 22, 2006 1:00 PM by johnporcaro
“Don’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em” on December 2nd at the Santa Monica Pier Read More
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The new GamesforWindows.com is live!

posted Wednesday, November 22, 2006 12:24 PM by kevinu
Today, the new GamesforWindows.com launches!   It won't keep you from overeating at Thanksgiving dinner, but it will be the source for the latest games, hardware, and news for Games for Windows. Today's launch is the first wave and is by Read More
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WWE And AFE To Entertain U.S. Troops In Iraq, Call On American Public To Send Holiday Greetings

posted Wednesday, November 22, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Armed Forces Entertainment and World Wrestling Entertainment announced today that WWE Superstars and Divas will travel to Iraq in December to entertain U.S. troops. Read More
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365 Days Later, Xbox 360 Unveils First Wave of TV Shows and Movies on Xbox Live

posted Wednesday, November 22, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
Xbox 360 offers the latest in entertainment options for everyone, from a library of 160 high- definition games expected by holiday to downloadable standard and high-definition TV shows and movies. Read More
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PS3 for a PC

posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006 8:23 PM by wolf
The crazy kids at PC Gamer magazine pulled a stunt at the Sony Metreon on Thursday night, the evening of the PlayStation 3 launch. Their gimmick? They offered the first several kids in line, the guys who’d been waiting for 40+ hours to get their hands Read More
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Gears of War Hits 1 Million Sold

posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006 4:03 PM by johnporcaro
Wow!  A million units sold in just two weeks.  That makes Gears of War the fastest-selling original Xbox game of all time (non-sequel).  On top of that, there have been more than 10 million gameplay sessions, 7 million Achievements earned, Read More
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Gears of War Hits 1 Million Units Sold and Shoots to #1 on Xbox Live

posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006 4:00 PM by johnporcaro
More than 85 Percent of Players Connect to Xbox Live, Driving New Gold Memberships by 50 Percent Read More
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Gears of War for Windows?

posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006 3:57 PM by wolf
Let's put the rumors to rest, please. Many folks out there on the Internet may have seen this story. Or this one. Or even this one. Here's the truth: Yes, Microsoft provided the image that is published in the Games for Windows cover story Read More
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Field Trip to Burger King

posted Monday, November 20, 2006 4:23 PM by johnporcaro
Tony, Chris and I made a pilgramage to our local Burger King, to check out the new BK Xbox video games.  We each got our Whopper Value Meal (Tony forgot to tell them no veggies, so he had to pull off the lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles himself).  Read More
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Small Arms On Xbox Live Arcade This Wednesday

posted Monday, November 20, 2006 3:57 PM by CPaladino
I had mentioned that Small Arms would be arriving "soon" in a previous article.  Apparently "soon" is this Wednesday the 22nd when the game will be launching on Xbox Live Arcade for the price of 800 Marketplace Points. The game includes Read More
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Sneak Peak at One of the Most Anticipated XBLA Titles...

posted Friday, November 17, 2006 3:20 PM by CPaladino
I had the unique opportunity to take several community members to Seattle for a sneak-preview of Gastronaut Studio’s upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title, Small Arms.  FragMaster B (League of Amateur Gamers), Godfree (Gamertag Radio), Ivan (Video Game Read More
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Xbox 360 Racing Wheel Review

posted Thursday, November 16, 2006 10:20 PM by Bastelyon
Are they going to catch you ridin' dirty?  They sure won't catch racing enthusiast Jaken Bear.  Check out Jaken's review of the Xbox 360 wireless racing wheel on Xbox Canadian Live. Read More
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Three Locust Hordes, Two Race Cars and a Piñata in a Pear Tree

posted Thursday, November 16, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
From naughty to nice, Xbox 360 has something for everyone this holiday season: more than 160 high-definition games and a host of new accessories make up the best 12 days ever. Read More
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The Busiest First Week Ever?

posted Wednesday, November 15, 2006 5:38 PM by CPaladino
Today is the one week anniversary of me working from the office here in Redmond (I was telecommuting previously).  It’s a very busy time here for the Xbox and Games for Windows teams.  During the first week of most normal jobs, you set up your Read More
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Bungie Studios Prepares Halo Nation to Finish the Fight

posted Wednesday, November 15, 2006 2:00 AM by johnporcaro
Groundbreaking worldwide “Halo 3” public beta and “Halo 2” maps exclusively for Xbox Live on Xbox 360 coming in spring; first “Halo 3” TV ad coming this December. Read More
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Halo Nation, Are You Ready to Finish The Fight?

posted Wednesday, November 15, 2006 2:24 AM by johnporcaro
The guys and gals at Bungie have been busy putting up balloons and streamers to celebrate Halo turning 5 years old today.  $700 million in sales, 14.5 million units sold worldwide, 800 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live.  Read More
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Defender Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

posted Tuesday, November 14, 2006 10:45 PM by Bastelyon
Defender, the Midway classic is launching on Xbox Live Arcade tomorrow, November 15th. This game features classic and enhanced graphics, multiplayer (local and Xbox Live) and 2 player co-op (local and Xbox Live), online leaderboards and 12 Xbox Live Read More
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Welcome, Zune

posted Monday, November 13, 2006 8:22 PM by johnporcaro
Today, six cities across America (Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami) celebrated the launch of Zune, Microsoft's new digital music software and device shipping in the US starting tomorrow.  I was lucky enough to get to attend Read More
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Possible Female + Spartan = Makes Diva a Happy Camper

posted Monday, November 13, 2006 1:38 PM by DirtyDiva
Wooohoo!! Something cool could be on the Halo 3 horizon for us chicas according to Frankie on Bungie's Weekly Update last Friday. BUT, we need to make it happen. "Hey, ladies. Yeah, I'm talking to you, ladies. It has come to my attention that a significant Read More
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MTV Got Game, This Monday Night

posted Friday, November 10, 2006 1:18 PM by johnporcaro
MTV is showing a special documentary called Gears of War, The Race to Launch, this Monday at 8:30 PM (check local times).  Right after that, they'll air the first episode of "Settle the Score," where celebs battle each other on Xbox Live.  Read More
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When Was That Again?

posted Friday, November 10, 2006 11:19 AM by johnporcaro
For a short time, some sites were reporting incorrectly on an interview Peter Moore did with MTV. The interview was accurate, but some reports were wrongly reporting that we were launching Forza 2 and other titles in the month of June.  What Read More
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November 2006 Momentum

posted Friday, November 10, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
As we near the anniversary of the Xbox 360 launch, we are on track to have sold 10 million units by holiday, and have delivered on the plan to offer a console that revolves around “you” - your choices, your friends, and your entertainment. Read More
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Viva Piñata On Sale Today

posted Thursday, November 09, 2006 6:02 AM by johnporcaro
Viva Piñata was shipped to stores on Nov. 9, and it will continue to be rolled out to retailers throughout the U.S. and worldwide through Dec. 2. Created by Rare and Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360, the two-disc “Viva Piñata” Special Read More
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Viva Piñata Bursts Into Stores: Don't Beat 'em, Join 'em!

posted Thursday, November 09, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
Breakthrough Xbox 360 game “Viva Piñata” hits store shelves and creates new Piñata Islands around the world. Read More
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NVIDIA Unveils the GeForce 8800 and nForce 680

posted Wednesday, November 08, 2006 10:03 PM by wolf
Earlier today, NVIDIA announced their latest dedicated graphics card, the new GeForce 8800 series, as well as their latest integrated motherboard solution, the nForce 680 series. I got to sit in the audience, comprised of major media and community members Read More
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Xbox Live Marketplace TV and Movie Announcement Update

posted Wednesday, November 08, 2006 3:13 PM by Bastelyon
We’ve seen some screenshots on the internet of the recently announced TV show and Movie downloads for Xbox Live Marketpalce. While these screenshots are accurate in terms of how the service will look on 11/22, I was told that we are still working on our Read More
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New NVIDIA Products Transform the PC Into the Definitive Gaming Platform

posted Wednesday, November 08, 2006 12:01 PM by johnporcaro
New NVIDIA GeForce 8800 and NVIDIA nForce 680 Redefine Reality on the PC Read More
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4Kids Entertainment Teams Up with American Greetings to Launch Social Expressions Line Inspired by Hit Children's Property Viva Piñata

posted Wednesday, November 08, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
4Kids Entertainment, Inc. has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with the American Greetings Corporation to develop a line of social expression products for the hot new kids property Viva Piñata that includes party goods, greeting cards, gift wrap and gift bags, stickers and Christmas ornaments with initial products launching in Fall 2007. Read More
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The Advent of DirectX 10 Hardware!

posted Tuesday, November 07, 2006 7:18 PM by wolf
One of the major leaps forward for gaming in Windows Vista is our newest graphics technology, DirectX 10. With DirectX 10, developers will have more graphics power at their fingertips than ever before. There will be fewer limits as they create virtual Read More
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CliffyB Signs GOW at LA Gamestop Today

posted Tuesday, November 07, 2006 11:53 AM by johnporcaro
In LA? You'll be among the very first to buy a copy of Gears of War, if you head over to the Universal City Gamestop.  Cliffy B will be there to sign your copy, starting at 4pm.  The event is scheduled to end at 5PM, so don't miss out.  Read More
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NYC Community Event: Fall Showcase Divafied

posted Tuesday, November 07, 2006 1:48 PM by DirtyDiva
Tonight the Xbox team threw an event to showcase some of the upcoming games headed for the 360. As well as to dazzle the media, many community members were invited and I got to hang out with a bunch of them. Among them were Morgon (mygamercard.net), ThrillsKilla, Read More
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Xbox 360 Fall Showcase

posted Tuesday, November 07, 2006 6:19 AM by johnporcaro
On Monday night, we held an event in downtown New York City and San Francisco, to showcase our upcoming titles for the press and our community.  I took a few photos, and posted them on our Flickr site.  Sara (Dirty Diva) and I were in New Read More
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Gears of War Available Starting Tuesday

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 9:01 PM by johnporcaro
It's Midnight in New York City.  That means, today retailers begin selling Gears of War.  GOW is exected to hit 1 million copies sold faster than any new IP on Xbox.  I just heard that  OXM gave it a perfect 10 out of 10 score, and Read More
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Hunker Down and Pray for Daylight – Gears of War Emerges Today to Storm Retailers Worldwide

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 9:00 PM by johnporcaro
Xbox 360 exclusive “Gears of War” poised to light up Xbox Live leaderboards and online battlefields starting today; title forecast to be the fastest-selling original game ever for Xbox. Read More
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Movies and TV Shows Coming to Xbox Live Marketplace

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 6:01 PM by johnporcaro
Peter Moore was on stage at the Showcase event in New York City, and just announced a partnership with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, UFC, and Warner Bros Home Entertainment to digitally deliver high-def (or SD) TV shows and Read More
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Xbox 360 Teams with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, UFC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to Digitally Deliver TV Shows and Movies to Gamers

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 6:00 PM by johnporcaro
Xbox 360 will become first gaming console to offer downloads of over 1,000 hours of TV shows like “CSI” and “Robot Chicken” and movies like “V for Vendetta” and “Nacho Libre” Read More
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Games for Windows: The Official Magazine -- on newsstands November 14

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 4:33 PM by wolf
The editorial team in charge of the publication formerly known as Computer Gaming World is launching the newly-minted Games for Windows: The Official Magazine. Not only is Microsoft treating Windows a real games platform with marketing and retail efforts, Read More
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Congrats to Major Nelson for Episode 200

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 7:30 AM by johnporcaro
Wow, what a milestone!  Not only does Major Nelson appear on a new show for Siruis Radio, but he hits episode number 200 for his own podcast.  For those that listen in every week, you know how much effort Larry puts into making his podcast Read More
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2nd Annual Xbox Community Awards Presented by Gamertag Radio

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 7:01 AM by johnporcaro
Once a year, Gamertag Radio presents their Xbox Community Awards.  Here's you chance to give your vote to your favorite community sites.   Voting Ends Nov 30, 2006.  Congratulations to all the nominees, and to those that just missed Read More
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Atari Classics and More Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 3:02 AM by johnporcaro
Speaking of classic arcade titles, Atari has announced that they'll be bringing six more of your favorites to Xbox Live Arcade, beginning in early 2007.  Centipede/Millipede: defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, Read More
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Contra Coming to Xbox Live Arcade This Wednesday

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 3:01 AM by johnporcaro
Great news!  We got word that Contra is coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday.  From the media alert: Use veteran Special Ops soldiers Bill Rizer or Lance Bean to battle the alien menace Red Falcon and all of its minions.  Fight Read More
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The Konami Code Returns! Contra on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 3:00 AM by johnporcaro
Relive the fight to stop the destruction of humanity in Konami’s classic side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, “Contra”, available on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 for download beginning Wednesday, November 8. Read More
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No Cartridges or Quarters Needed! Atari Classics and More Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

posted Monday, November 06, 2006 3:00 AM by johnporcaro
In addition to its robust classic arcade roster, Microsoft also delivers a great mix of original development and independent game titles to Xbox Live members this holiday season and into the New Year Read More
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Off to NYC and SF

posted Saturday, November 04, 2006 5:15 PM by johnporcaro
Can't wait to get to NYC tomorrow (and I know Tony's excited about heading to SF).  Our "Fall Showcase" event we're hosting Monday night is sort of a mini-X06, to give press a chance to get their hands on all the Xbox 360 Read More
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Take a Look at the Burger King Games

posted Friday, November 03, 2006 4:07 PM by johnporcaro
Wonder what $4 will get you?  Here are a couple of video trailers just released from Burger King, to give you a flavor of the games.  I saw one of these discs around here, gotta give it a try.  I especially love the "review quotes" sprinkled Read More
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Flop a Straight with Marc Ecko on Xbox Live

posted Thursday, November 02, 2006 2:00 PM by johnporcaro
Internationally Known Fashion Designer, Marc Ecko, To Compete in World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions as Part of the Latest Xbox Live Game with Fame Session Read More
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Are You In with Incubus on Xbox Live

posted Thursday, November 02, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Multi-Platinum Alternative Rockers Incubus Chosen as November’s Xbox Live “Artist of the Month” Read More
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XNA Studio Express Beta 2 Ships Today

posted Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:01 PM by johnporcaro
Today we're releasing the second major iteration of XNA Game Studio Express beta, upgraded with full functionality for Windows and third party toolset support.  The new update offers: The addition of XNA Framework Content Pipeline, a Read More
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Microsoft Kicks it Up Another Notch with XNA Game Studio Express Beta 2

posted Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:00 PM by johnporcaro
Upgraded software toolset available as a free download today offers highly sought features that make game design even easier. Read More
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Fall Update Fix Coming

posted Wednesday, November 01, 2006 1:39 PM by johnporcaro
We’re hearing from a small number of customers (less than 1%) that are having issues with the Fall Console Update.  I’ve been told that the team should have an updated version in the next 12-24 hours.  We’ll let you know when the issue is Read More
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Zoo Tycoon 2 Marine Mania and Georgia Aquarium Contest

posted Wednesday, November 01, 2006 6:03 AM by johnporcaro
We're teaming up with the Georgia Aquarium to sponsor a national essay contest on marine conservation and the importance of preserving aquatic life, to celebrate the launch of “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania.” The national essay competition (US Read More
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Microsoft Makes a Splash at the Georgia Aquarium with National Essay Contest

posted Wednesday, November 01, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
The Microsoft “Zoo Tycoon” franchise and the Georgia Aquarium challenge kids to discuss marine conservation. Read More
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