Category: News (Page 95 of 108)

      Take Two Has Natal Dev Kits At All Studios

      September 1, 2009 /

      Take Two Interactive logo.Looks like Microsoft isn’t the only one thinking Natal is going to be a serious game changer. Take Two CEO Ben Feder had plenty to say about the Xbox 360 periph during today’s Q3 earnings call with investors.

      “Natal motion-sensors – yes we have dev kits, yes we’re working on them,” he said. “Obviously, we can’t comment on games we haven’t announced. But those dev kits are embedded in all of our studios, or just about all of our studios, and everybody’s working with them to try to figure out new ways in which we can innovate and create the kind of content that this company is famous for. So yes, we’re working on it.”

      That’s a pretty serious commitment as I see it. Take Two isn’t just big, they’re huge, and it sounds like they’re dedicating a lot of resources to what is basically a new platform. Of course that could all just be talk, but why say so much when it could have just been, “Yes, we’re working on it.”

      Regardless, I’m excited to see what next year holds. As we get closer to hardware release you have to bet developers like Take Two will be showing off their stuff.

      News, Xbox 360

      Microsoft’s Shane Kim Says Natal Is About “Winning” This Generation”

      August 31, 2009 /

      Shane Kim.Microsoft’s XBox 360 Corporate VP Shane Kim recently sat down with OXM to talk about Project Natal and the future of the 360 platform. According to Kim, Natal is more than just a cool peripheral, it’s how Microsoft plans to bring “hundreds of millions” of gamers to platform and eventually win this generation.

      Kim is aware, as is the rest of the world, that Natal seems on the outside like a response to Nintendo’s Wii, the console that’s actually winning the generation so far. He claims that’s not what Natal’s about, but that’s a hard sell. “This is about unlocking the potential and breaking down all the barriers that remain that prevent people who are intimidated or feel awkward with a controller in their hand – anything that prevents them from jumping in and having a great time with Xbox 360 and Xbox Live,” Kim said.

      Kim’s sending a pretty clear message. The “barriers that remain” are obviously the things Nintendo didn’t do, which are the same things Kim thinks will help Natal win. You can read the rest of the interview over at OXM.

      News, Xbox 360

      Halo: ODST Drops Early In France

      August 30, 2009 /

      Halo 3: ODST screenshot.Last week Microsoft claimed 9t had a “very small breach in [its] distribution process,” which led to the early release of Halo 3: ODST to a few French retailers. Rumor says less than a hundred copies of the game were released, most of which were legitimately purchased, though some may have been acquired illegally.

      Microsoft was pretty even-keeled about the situation. The company released a statement that said, “We are also investigating Xbox Live accounts that show activity related to Halo 3: ODST and will take action against those we believe have procured copies of the game illegitimately.” There was some understandable confusion since several players actually paid for the game at a licensed Microsoft retailer. Xbox’s Stephen Toulouse was click to clear things up via his Twitter page. “Clarity on the ODST thing. We will not be banning legitimate customers from Xbox LIVE who play early,” wrote Toulouse, the current Head of Policy and Enforcement for Xbox Live.

      Since the leak, Microsoft has been making its way around the internet, pulling videos for copyright infringement and attempting to keep the game’s intimate details away from the eyes of the ravenous horde. You can get Halo 3: ODST when it officially launches on September 22nd.

      News, Xbox 360

      Champions Online Delayed By Microsoft

      August 30, 2009 /

      Champions Online.If you were hoping to kick back with your Xbox 360 and do a little arch-nemesis stomping, you’ll have to talk to Microsoft. Cryptic, who develops the new superhero MMO, says Redmond is the only thing standing between you and playing Champions over Xbox live.

      According to Cryptic CCO Jack Emmert, Microsoft is taking its sweet time with the process. “It just takes time for the big beast known as Microsoft to get moving,” said Emmert. “It’s as baffling to developers as it is to everyone else.”

      Every other MMO initially intended for the Xbox 360 has failed to make it to print, save for that Final Fantasy XI port. Cryptic still thinks Champions will see release on the console, but they have no clue when. We heard the same thing with regard to Age of Conan and you can see (or not see) how that turned out.

      Source: VG247

      MMO, News, Xbox 360

      No HDMI Cable = Flexibility For Consumers

      August 27, 2009 /

      HDMI cableSo spaketh Microsoft’s Chris Lewis to GI.biz, so let it be true. But wait that’s not true. That’s like the opposite of flexibility. That’s imposing choice on consumers who may not want to spend $30 on an HDMI cable at Best Buy or wherever else they buy their gaming hardware.

      But let’s be fair. Let the man’s words speak for themselves. “We wanted to get the Elite pricing to a figure that is acceptable for consumers so they have the option of a premium console gaming experience. Removing the HMDI cable gives the flexibility to consumers who can then decide which type of cable they want for their specific gaming and TV screen set-up,” said Lewis. You know, that still sounds like the opposite of flexibility.

      Let’s pick this one apart, shall we? First, Lewis suggests that the HDMI cable may have been part of the cost of the Elite Xbox 360. HDMI cables are like $4, and as someone who has used the $50 version alongside the $4, I can’t tell a difference in quality. He goes on to suggest that not giving you cables means you have flexibility in your standard of video quality. I don’t know about you, but when I bring home a new toy, I like to play with it. Maybe I just don’t plan ahead as well as Mr. Lewis, but if I’ve just purchased an HD capable system, I want it in HD. I don’t want to run out to hastily buy a new cable because I just can’t wait (and believe me, I can’t wait).

      As flimsy as the statement may be, it doesn’t lead us to the real reason Microsoft dropped the cable. It’s not cost. It just flat out isn’t. So why? And why no more component cable?

      News, Xbox 360

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