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February 2008 - Posts

Back from GDC, had a great  time! We apologize if you hear someone *cough*Tony*cough* breathing during the recording.  I tried to fix it a bit, but we were one mic short this week. MP3 File: 12.2 MB, 35 minutes AUDIO podcasts - available via Read More
Exclusive TV Content and a New Film Line-up Available in March on Xbox LIVE Read More
Get ready for some great new releases on Xbox LIVE's Video Marketplace! In the coming months, US viewers will not only be given exclusive eye-candy but also great movies and TV shows in both SD and HD. For example, from March Read More
FBI agent Ethan Thomas can't catch a break.  He recovered from the events of Condemned, only to find himself working as an intern at Microsoft.  He's having a tough time fitting in. Read More
Do you remember that dream you had in elementary school of becoming a crab boat captain in the Bering sea?  So much gets in the way of our young hopes.  Freezing cold, crushing waves and a very high rate of worker death make for a mildly unpleasant Read More
I checked with the official "Microsoft Style Guide."  While "videogames" isn't officially listed, I see that most uses are consistent with the new way of doing things.  And the right folks are on it, I'm assured.  Thanks to College Humor Read More
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It's time once again for us to have a contest where the winning website or blog gets to throw a contest to give away a prize! [Editor's note: I searched the 'net for a suitable contest image, and could find none, so I made this one in anger] You may Read More
Beginning today, in most regions, you can pick up the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player for an estimated price of $49.99 /€49.99  (and equivalent local currencies). Supports existing HD DVD movie discs (more than 400 titles currently available in Read More
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Fans of this week's Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Triggerheart Exelica, are probably wondering how this baby looks in HD and widescreen.  The answer is: pretty sweet.  Since I am a nice guy, I captured the first few minutes of the game to whet your Read More
A unique spin on a classic shooter, players can capture enemies with anchors and fling them away with Triggerheart Exelica. The vertical scrolling shooter deploys on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday. Triggerheart Exelica will be available worldwide for Read More
A unique spin on a classic shooter, players can capture enemies with anchors and fling them away with “Triggerheart Exelica.” The vertical scrolling shooter deploys on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PST). Read More
Podtech's games podcast The Reboot posted an abridged audio version of the GDC Blogger's Breakfast.  Your browser does not support JavaScript. This media can be viewed at http://www.podtech.net/home/4932/the-rebootgdc-2008-xbox-blogger-breakfas Read More
As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD. Read More
We just issued an updated statement regarding HD DVD support for Xbox 360.  As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD.  Xbox will no longer manufacture new Read More
Yesterday Chris talked to XNA's Michael Klucher about the community arcade games being featured at 2008's Game Developer's Conference. I got to talk with game developer James Silva about his upcoming game "The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai". We also took a Read More
Our good friend Godfree over at Gamertag Radio sent us a reminder about this weekend's Gamertag Radio Community Vib3s event.  If you are in the Miami area, be sure to head over to Club PS14 and check it out.  For those of you in other parts Read More
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I just heard from the XNA team that they've had an amazing response to the XNA Community games for download on LIVE.  Lots of people at GDC have commented that they won't be back home before the games are no longer available, so the Read More
We crowned the winners of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards at GDC. In January, more than 26,000 people voted for their favorite Xbox LIVE Arcade games, chosen by a panel of select industry journalists.  The winners for the first six categories were determined Read More
In January, more than 26,000 people voted for their favorite Xbox LIVE Arcade games, and this week Microsoft announced the winners at a private developer reception at GDC. Read More
This morning, Chris headed up the blogger's breakfast with Nelson and I in tow. Several members of the community were invited to sit and share bacon with Chris Satchell, John Schappert and Aaron Greenberg from Microsoft.It was a great session and lots Read More
Jake (Jaken Bear) was able to get into the N+ Launch Party, and captured this video of the co-founders of Metanet Software, Mare Sheppard and Raigan Burns, describing the game.  Worth a look! Read More
I pity the fool that doesn't head over to Marketplace and download these movies!     Or for those of you that prefer something a bit more shaken (not stirred)...   And finally for those that want to watch a movie with a Read More
It's official.  Xbox Canada dropped the price of the Xbox 360 this morning. From the media alert they sent to the press: The Xbox 360 console is reduced from CDN $399 to $349 The Xbox 360 Elite console is reduced from CDN $499 to Read More
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Xbox Canada is now offering even greater value to Canadians by reducing the price of the Xbox 360™ Elite, Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Arcade consoles Read More
Winners announced for this year’s warm-up challenge to Microsoft’s Dream Build Play Competition for 2008 Read More
While Sara was snapping a frenzy of photos, Chris and I were behind the scenes capturing video. While we didn't get to see the keynote speech, we had fun, and got a new understanding of how complicated writing, producing, and delivering a huge news-filled Read More
Today was another busy day as Chris, Nelson and I hit the Moscone Center to catch the Microsoft keynote. We set ourselves up both in the front of the house and behind the scenes so we could bring you as much coverage as possible.As you can see by all Read More
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 GamesFind out how Read More
David Weller (Let's Kill Dave) posts an interesting Q&A on the XNA Team Blog.  From his blog post: The XNA Community Games Platform team is delighted to offer you a sneak peek at our first major feature for XNA Game Studio 3.0: The ability to Read More
Dave Weller (Let's Kill Dave) shares some more information about how things are going to work in a blog post on the XNA Team Blog, plus points to the XNA forums where more discussion is going on.  Worth checking out if you have questions after Read More
In case you haven't seen it, here's the new Gears of War 2 trailer, also available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. High | Low [Edit: I'm pointing to the trailer hosted on Xbox.com, which has appropriate age gating.] Read More
Larry just posted the audio from the keynote.  You can listen in while you browse through the pictures, kind of like flipping through your grandma's photo album while she tells you stories about the good ole days.  Read More
Flood of community-created games to double leading games library. Read More
The world’s hottest developers pave the way for a banner year with a blockbuster lineup that includes “Gears of War 2,” “Fable 2,” “Ninja Gaiden II” and a rich mix of indie Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. Read More
We just published two press releases that provide some detail on the announcements we just made on stage at GDC.  If you missed the keynote, Joystiq, Kotaku, Destructoid, and others live-blogged the whole thing.  (photo from Kotaku) Read More
Chris had a few minutes to talk to Brian Cresente and Michael McWhertor from Kotaku at the Too Human Press Preview Tuesday Night.   Read More
After delayed flights, lots of fog and almost getting in a car accident, Chris, Nelson and I made it down to San Francisco. We got here a little later than we hoped but managed to make it to the last part of the Too Human preview as blogged below.Keep Read More
Ross Miller and the crew at Joystiq are bringing us some great live coverage of GDC 2008.  To see what's being said about Too Human, check out their post (and refresh often). (photo from Joystiq) Read More
In the comments, Shamrock makes a good point that the screenshots for N+ don't do the game justice.  He suggests that we put up the video from Xbox.com, so you get a better idea of what the game is about.  Video: N+ Gameplay Trailer On Metanet Read More
If you live in the Bay Area, don't forget to stop by the Xbox and Games for Windows Community "Meet-and-Eat" tomorrow night, in San Francisco.  Chris, Nelson and Sara will be there, along with Major Nelson, e, and TriXie.  Once again, Read More
Chris, Nelson, and Sara are all on their way to GDC, but we noticed they left the podcasting equipment behind.  Tony and I didn't want our very special 50th episode to pass without fanfare, so we decided to record a show ourselves.  MP3 File: Read More
Heads up! For those who can't make it to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) this week, coverage will be brought to you through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace starting on February 20. You will be able to watch the keynote speech by John Schappert, Read More
This week, XBLA is offering you the chance to play as a ninja whose mission is to save the world from evil robots. Should you have the need, you can also pull a friend over to the couch or hop on Xbox LIVE and play co-op. If you don't feel like teaming Read More
Leap, Sneak and Evade Your Way to Safety as the World’s Most Elusive Ninja in “N+,” An Innovative Platformer Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday! Read More
We do not believe the recent reports about HD DVD will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace.  As we’ve long stated, we believe it is games that sell consoles and Xbox 360 continues to have the largest Read More
Want to see something uncanny?  That Nelson is a mysterious cat to begin with, but take a look at something. If he emails you for Overnight Success, or an interview opportunity - I would do my best to respond immediately - especially with this newfound Read More
Tal has been playing video games from the earliest days of action-oriented pixels and he even held a job at Atari, the legendary games company, many moons ago.  He is now a tools programmer at a major auction website, but he spends a lot of his free Read More
In an email we sent to media last night, we joined in the monthly "NPD Dance" to give our take on January's sales in the U.S.  Some highlights: Xbox 360 experienced a record-setting holiday that has not slowed down in 2008. NPD today reported Read More
Email update sent to media contacts Read More
Still preparing for GDC, and some larger game launches that are coming down the road. PS - If you live in the US and haven't gotten your sweetheart a gift by the time you are reading this, good luck - it's Valentine's Day. MP3 File: 11.9 MB, 35 minutes Read More
We apologise for having too many posts about Hannah Montana.  Those responsible have been sacked. Read More
GDC Bringing It Home Read More
Got some younger ones running around the house driving you nuts? Instead of having to hunt down a DVD that never seems to be in the case - head on over to Marketplace where you can now enjoy downloading Disney Channel favorites. Ok - stop pretending Read More
Nelson and I took a short trip down to Pop Cap (which is literally 10-15 minutes from work) and had a chance to talk to VP of Platforms (and Xbox Alumni) Greg Canessa. He was generous to answer some questions given to him by the community.  It's Read More
A video preview of this week's XBLA Title Commanders: Attack of the Genos, with commentary from Terry Coleman - a Producer on the title. xp_commanders.mp4 51.7mb Read More
Arm Yourselves! Xbox 360 Exclusive “Lost Odyssey” Is Available In U.S. Stores! Read More
It's no secret that I LOVE turn-based strategy games, so when I first played this week's XBLA title Commanders: Attack of the Genos I got a little giddy. Commanders is a turn-based tactical strategy game supporting 15 single-player campaing missions, Read More
Deploy, Engage and Win with “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” and Help Tron Destroy the Evil Sark in “Discs of Tron” – Both Games Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday! Read More
This week, we have two arcade offerings for you - Commanders: Attack of the Genos and Discs of Tron. Commanders is a turn-based strategy game where you fight alongside a - you guessed it - commander to protect your territory as well as trying to take Read More
So my kids (especially my 8 year old twins) fah-reaked out when they heard that Trixie and Video Monkey got to hang out with the Plain White T's AND Miley Cyrus at an event leading up to tonight's Grammy Awards.  Read More
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A co-worker, Staci, forwarded over a post she found while on one of her favorite blogs, Design*Sponge.  I'm not sure if I love it because it makes me feel like less of a geek, or if it's just to remind me that there's more to the InterWebs than Read More
This morning, I was asked to talk to a class at the University of Washington about women in gaming, community aspects and how the GamerchiX group helps female gamers. The name of the class is "The Future of Chick Lit" and is taught Read More
I debated using ONLY abbreviations in my blog title, but decided that you folks would prefer information to funny.  (For those that care, it was going to be PGR4 DLC ZOMG!!11!)  (On a tangent, please tell me in the comment section where the Read More
Graeme "Acey Bongos" Boyd was in town for some Community Meetings.  We thought he had a pretty cool accent, so we invited him onto the podcast.  We think he did a decent job for his very first time on a podcast - what do you think? MP3 File: Read More
Make fun of me, if you must.  I have played video games since I was a small precocious child.  Years later, as a large precocious adult, I found myself forced to admit that I hadn't played a single minute of a Devil May Cry game - until the Read More
The Epic Journey Continues with the Release of the First Downloadable Content for the Sci-Fi Blockbuster “Mass Effect” on March 10, 2008 Read More
We’re happy to announce that we’re lowering the price of the popular Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $179 to $129 (estimated retail price) in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately. Read More
Starting next Monday, February 11, you can download three more Xbox Originals from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Download and play Ninja Gaiden Black from Team Ninja (Tecmo), Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2K Games), or BLACK (Electronic Arts), for 1200 Microsoft Points each. Read More
Think you're a Hellmuth in training? Think you can outwit the likes of Brunson without breaking a sweat? Then this Wednesday's arcade release is for you. Poker Smash will be hitting the Xbox Live Arcade on February 6th at 9:00am PST. Not only Read More
Nelson LOVED this clip, and I wanted to share it with the rest of you.  I don't want to spoil the video, so I'll say no more. Special thanks to XBLArcade for the head's up! Read More
Puzzle with a Poker Twist – “Poker Smash” Launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday along with a Free Gameplay Update for “Crystal Quest” Read More
This weekend the biggest sporting event in the world will take place in Arizona at 6pm EST/3pm PST.  This, my friends, is Super Bowl Weekend. Don't forget that Xbox is throwing some Super Bowl activities for those of you in North America.  Read More