What would the new year be without a fresh batch of rumors? Kaarbo Design let out some images that they had apparently worked on for Microsoft developer Turn 10. The images were removed rather quickly but resurfaced around the web.
The images contain what looks to be artwork for various regions of Forza 3. Who knows if these are just basic concept, or if the game is actually in production but the images are interesting nonetheless.
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Destructoid is reporting that Microsoft has been granted a patent for a process to "censor audio streams real-time." To dissect this a bit, it seems soon Microsoft will have the technology to permanently mute you on Xbox Live or censor what you are saying possibly using a list of unacceptable words if you are making racist comments or talking a bit too much trash.
This could be a great idea if they use it right. a line would have to be drawn where racist comments and just plain curse words are differentiated. Unless MS just wants to censor all words that could be deemed offensive. They could possibly use gamerzone to do this, censoring all bad words in the family zone, but allowing a bit more freedom in the underground zone.
Arstechnica has a bit of information from as well, albeit a bit technical:
"The automatic censoring filter employs a lattice comprising either phonemes and/or words derived from phonemes for comparison against corresponding phonemes or words included in undesired speech data. If the probability that a phoneme or word in the input audio data stream matches a corresponding phoneme or word in the undesired speech data is greater than a probability threshold, the input audio data stream is altered so that the undesired word or a phrase comprising a plurality of such words is unintelligible or inaudible. The censored speech can either be stored or made available to an audience in real-time."
More on this as it develops.
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As an update to a story we posted a while back, it has been confirmed to Edge-online via Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer that former Kojima Studios assistant producer Ryan Payton would be joining Microsoft game Studios. It was not confirmed whether or not Payton would be on a Halo team, but you can bet it is true.
"Also confirmed to be joining MGS is programming ace Corrine Yu, formerly of Gearbox Software, and her husband, artist Kenneth Scott of Doom house id Software.
Microsoft also confirmed that David Wu, former tech director at Full Auto developer Pseudo Interactive, and ex-Bungie content manager Frank O'Connor are also on Microsoft's Halo team."
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The news, very reliable news, comes weeks after we broke the news that Gearbox Director of Technology Corrinne Yu had been hired by Microsoft Game Studios to be Principle Engine Architect for Microsoft's Halo Franchise Team"
Interesting stuff on the Halo front today. Let's see how it all pans out.
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File this in the huge, most likely not true but very cool, section of the rumor mill. User Dodece from the VGChartz forums states that:
"September 25th 7pm EST. Microsoft will start a five hour countdown to relaunch their console. Yes that is right nothing short of a relaunch is acceptable. At the end of the five hours your console will update to the new interface with full functionality. To promote this most historic event with a full fledged media blitz. Microsoft has gone so far as to rent television space as in rent a channel. For those five hours G4 television will cover the event exclusively with live coverage. For those with Live they will be able to download or stream the channel."
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Want to redgister to vote but have no idea how or where to do it? Want to get the latest on the presidential race and each convention but don't know where to go? Microsoft and Rock the Vote have teamed up to help you out. Check out the official release below.
REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 20, 2008 — A leading gaming and entertainment platform just became a leading platform for change. Microsoft Corp. and Rock the Vote today announced a groundbreaking partnership that will allow Xbox 360 owners to register to vote, participate in presidential polls and voice their opinions to the presidential candidates. It will all happen through Xbox LIVE starting Monday, Aug. 25, the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
“Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters,” said Heather Smith, executive director, Rock the Vote. “To realize our goal of registering 2 million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there’s no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.”
This is the first time that Rock the Vote has joined forces with an entertainment partner such as Xbox to reach voters under 30. Xbox LIVE is the largest online social network connected to the television, with membership totaling 12 million — if Xbox LIVE were a state, it would rank as the country’s seventh largest, giving it approximately 20 electoral votes.
“The Xbox LIVE community is active, vocal and passionate,” said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox LIVE. “We’re thrilled to partner with Rock the Vote to make it easier than ever for youth voters — and our members — to register and be heard.”
Through the Rock the Vote partnership, Xbox LIVE members will be able to register to vote, voice their opinions to the candidates through an exclusive forum and participate in potentially election-predicting polls. They will also be able to download Rock the Vote public service announcements.
Xbox also will have a presence at both the Democratic and Republican conventions, promoting the Rock the Vote partnership and educating delegates about creating a safer entertainment environment on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE using the built-in parental controls known as Family Settings. These industry-leading settings allow parents to limit their children’s access to video games and movies and manage their activity and communications on Xbox LIVE. For more information on Family Settings and other safety-enhancing gaming tools and resources, delegates can stop by the Xbox on-site kiosk or visit http://www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset.
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Sony fans will have the chance to get a demo of Final Fantasy XIII. How you ask. The demo will be bonus content on the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete Blu-ray disc which is scheduled to release in Japan in March of 2009. There has been no U.S. date announced at this time.
In other Sony news, Sony announced their new service, Life with Playstation, is not ready to release. Do not worry though, Sony says it will be released later this month.
It looks like the storage of the Xbox 360 disc may be becoming a problem. John Carmack of id Software is working on a game called Rage, which will be released on PC, PS3, Xbox 360, and Mac. Carmack says the Xbox 360 version will look the worse due to limitations on storage. Apparently the royalty fees to include three discs are too high. He does go on the say the problem is only the storage space, not the hardware.
By now everyone knows the Xbox 360 will be getting Avatars. What is on everyone's mind now, will they cost? Well, initially, the basics will cost you nothing. VentureBeat asked Microsoft's John Schappert about the possibility of micro transactions. Schappert suggested it was a possibility while taking some jabs at Sony's Home. Basically, you can bet for sure you will be paying for extras down the road (similar to how gamerpics are now).
What would a wrap-up be without some rumors? Apparently, a rumor says Xbox 360 will be getting another price cut in September. Joystick has more on the price cut rumor. UPDATE: More on the rumor from 1up. UPDATE 2: Yet more evidence of a price drop. Info from Kotaku.
In other rumor news, Peter Jackson's Halo project is looking for a Creative Director. If you are interested, you can read more about the Halo rumor over at 1up.
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As some of you may know, Friday June 27th was Bill Gates' last day as chairman of Microsoft. We here at GamePlay Unlimited would just like to thank Bill for making the computing and gaming industries what they are today. Gates will still remain on board with Microsoft as a non-executive chairman to help guide the company. Take a look back at Gates' work over at Engadget. Again, thank you Bill for all you have done. You wanted to "put a computer on every desk, in every home" and no one really believed it could be done but look at the world today. Thank You, and have a great retirement!
We will leave you with the video of Bill Gates' last day from CES earlier this year.
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There have been some rumblings around the internet with leaks of news from next month's E3. Mainly from the Microsoft front we have four news items that are still rumored at this point so don't get your hopes too far up. Check out the following for what has been heard so far.
First, X3F reports that Forza 3 development is in full swing and the game is going to require two discs. Why two discs? Well the rumor is that F3 will contain over 400 cars and 100 tracks. The game is also rumored to have some sort of an assist system and car deformation.
Next, according to NeoGAF, Guitar Hero World Tour is set to have a touch sensitive guitar.
"New touch-sensitive guitar Neck Slide opens up the entire guitar neck for unbound solos - shred how you want."
The story also has the bundle with instruments priced at $179.99 and lists a few artists already signed on, "
Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, System of a Down, Ozzy Osbourne, Interpol, Muse "and dozens more."
NeoGAF is also reporting that "Lips" from Microsoft is a singing game (think Singstar) and includes "30 songs, 2 wireless interactive microphones, the ability to use and sing your own music or downloaded songs from an online service." The interesting part of the story is where it mentions "Take songs from a CD or your ipod, and upload them into the game. The game will reduce the vocals so you can sing along and be heard, and score on whether you're in tune. Lyrics can also be added directly into the song to sing along." This would be a step forward past games like Singstar and could help Microsoft gain market share in the Karaoke side of gaming.
Finally, the last rumor shows Microsoft's answer to the Wii's Mii. Details given to Joystiq state that ""Avatars", mentioned in an independent survey for Microsoft (as taken by an X3F tipster), will supposedly be used in place of gamer pictures, and will give Xbox Live subscribers an animated, customizable online persona." It seems Microsoft does believe that Sony's Home and the Nintendo Miis are posing a threat to their online service.
Remember, take all of this news lightly so far. Until E3 actually hits these are nothing more than rumors. Hit the jump for an image of the Avatars from Microsoft.
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In a press release today Microsoft confirmed that Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (or simply head of Xbox Marketing), has decided to leave Microsoft to pursue opportunities outside of the company. Bell will remain with the company throughout the summer to help transfer his duties.
“The time is right for me to pursue my life’s passion of consumer brand marketing and the creative and services that drive it.” Bell said “Coming from automotive, and now technology and entertainment, I am excited to expand to new industries and categories.”
Also, Shane Kim, formerly head of Microsoft Game Studios has received a promotion to the role of corporate vice president of Strategy and Business Development. Taking over for Kim will be Phil Spencer who has been on board at Microsoft Game Studios for six years and is the head of Microsoft Game Studios Europe.
“We’re strategically positioning the leadership team to drive every aspect of the Xbox business to new heights,” Don Mattrick,head of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment business, said. “I firmly believe that Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in games and entertainment. Today’s organizational announcements align us to accelerate this expansive growth.”
Read the entire press release after the jump. REDMOND, Wash. — June 12, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a new leadership structure in its Interactive Entertainment Business, assembled to align with future business development opportunities.
Shane Kim will assume the role of corporate vice president of Strategy and Business Development, a newly established role in Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. In addition, Phil Spencer, a Microsoft Game Studios veteran for six years, will assume leadership of all first-party development and publishing efforts worldwide. Both leaders will report directly to Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business.
After spending four and a half years leading the transformation of Microsoft Game Studios into a world-class entertainment publisher, Kim will now explore new growth opportunities with partners across all parts of the global Interactive Entertainment Business. His focus will be on future external relationships and partnerships, as well as developing growth strategies for the entire business.
Formerly the general manager of Microsoft Game Studios Europe, Spencer will return to Redmond from the U.K.to take on his new role as general manager of the global Microsoft Game Studios business. Spencer will oversee the creation of new, unannounced franchises that aim to attract new audiences. His teams will foster some of today’s most beloved entertainment franchises, including “Halo,” “Gears of War” and “Fable,” by continuing to partner with the industry’s best developers to deliver the best games for the Windows and Xbox platforms.
“We’re strategically positioning the leadership team to drive every aspect of the Xbox business to new heights,” Mattrick said. “I firmly believe that Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in games and entertainment. Today’s organizational announcements align us to accelerate this expansive growth.”
After two years of driving a cultural change in the way Microsoft markets its entertainment brands, Jeff Bell, current corporate vice president of Global Marketing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business, has decided to pursue other opportunities outside Microsoft. Bell will remain at Microsoft through the summer, working with Mattrick to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities. In the interim while Microsoft searches for Bell’s replacement, Matt Barlow, Charlotte Stuyvenberg and Jim Merrick, all day-to-day product marketing and marketing communications leaders in the Interactive Entertainment Business, will carry forward global marketing initiatives for the business group.
“The time is right for me to pursue my life’s passion of consumer brand marketing and the creative and services that drive it,” Bell said. “Coming from automotive, and now technology and entertainment, I am excited to expand to new industries and categories.”
“We thank Jeff for his achievements and contributions to Microsoft and the Xbox business. His innovative marketing programs included award-winning Xbox brand marketing campaigns, as well as world-renowned creative for ‘Gears of War’ and ‘Halo 3,’” Mattrick said. “We wish Jeff nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
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While most of you readers were sleeping, Microsoft, Square Enix, and Namco Bandai unveiled their lineup of RPGs in Japan. The games were unveiled by Takashi Sensui, general manager of the home and entertainment division at Microsoft. Among the games discussed were Infinite Undiscovery, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, The Last Remnant, Tales of Vesperia, Fable 2, and Mass Effect in Japan. Will this be the year the Xbox takes off in Japan? Only time will tell.
The highlights of the event were the announcement that Square Enix's Last Remnant will be releasing on the Xbox 360 first this winter, with the PS3 to follow some time later. Also Enix's Infinite Undiscovery got a lunch date, United States on September 2, 2008, in Europe on September 5, 2008, and in Japan and Asia on September 11, 2008. A system bundle for Tales of Vesperia was announced for ¥37,800 (US $356) in Japan only. The game and bundle is set to release August 7th with a demo coming sometime this month, no word on whether the demo will be Japan only or not. Finally, Star Ocean: The Last Hope was officially announced for 2009. Hit the jump for the full press release along with a few screens and a video of Star Ocean.
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Stellar RPG Title Lineup Announced at Xbox 360 RPG Premiere 2008
Microsoft Co. Ltd., NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. and SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. announce shelf dates for Xbox 360 RPG franchises
Microsoft Co. Ltd., SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. and NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. announced details about their epic RPG titles coming to Xbox 360® at the Xbox 360 RPG Premiere 2008 event which took place in Shibuya, Tokyo on June 10, 2008. Takashi Sensui, general manager of the Home and Entertainment Division at Microsoft Co. Ltd., took the stage to introduce the title lineup of upcoming role playing games (RPG) for Xbox 360.
SQUARE ENIX announced “INFINITE UNDISCOVERY™” which is an exclusive Xbox 360 title and will be launched in the United States on September 2, 2008, in Europe on September 5, 2008, and in Japan and Asia on September 11, 2008. In addition “STAR OCEAN® : THE LAST HOPE™,” the latest popular RPG title for Xbox 360, will be coming in 2009. “THE LAST REMNANT™,” will be launched worldwide this winter, with the Xbox 360 version hitting the shelves before other platforms.
Microsoft announced that “Fable® 2,“ the highly-anticipated action RPG title from Microsoft Game Studios, is coming to Japan by the end of 2008. “Mass Effect™” will also be coming to Japan.
NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. announced that “Tales of Vesperia,” the latest addition to the renowned “Tales” RPG series will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 in Japan on August 7, 2008, in the United States August 2008, in Europe in 2009, and in Asia in Summer 2008. Additionally, only in Japan, a bundle, “Xbox 360 Tales of Vesperia Premium Pack" will go on sale on August 7.
NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. also announced that the free trial game demo of this title will be distributed through Xbox LIVE® Marketplace by the end of June, 2008.
RPG games are by far the most popular game genre in Japan, and with these title announcements, Xbox 360 demonstrates it has an unparalleled lineup of RPGs for any current-generation gaming console in Japan as well as worldwide.
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Microsoft announced today that it is dropping prices of all three Xbox 360 SKUs in Europe in order to have "something to offer for every interest and budget."
Here is the new pricing setup:
Xbox 360 - was: €349.99 / £249.99 now: €269.99 / £199.99
Xbox 360 Elite - was: €449.99 / £299.99, now: €369.99 / £259.99
Xbox 360 Arcade – was €269.99 / £199.99 now €199.99 / £159.99
Here is the full press release from GameScore Blog:
LONDON - Monday 10th March, 2008- Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of €199.99/£159.99, Xbox 360 is a mass market entertainment proposition with something to offer for every interest and budget.
From Friday, 14th March, Xbox 360, which includes a 20GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of €269.99/£199.99 – a saving of €80/£50 on the current ERP. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of €369.99/£259.99 – a saving of €80/£40. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of €199.99/£159.99 – a saving of €80/£20.
Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 26 months on the market .
The new ERPs are part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with an offering for everyone:
* Best Choice for Families:
• Xbox 360 grows as your family does, offering games and entertainment for every member of the family – from movies to games to music videos.
• With over 150 3+ rated games and unparalleled parental controls, parents can feel good about their kids playing Xbox 360
* Most Diverse Entertainment:
• Xbox 360 offers great choice in high-definition entertainment
• Xbox Live Video Store offers a wide variety of movies to download, both in HD and SD, enabling great entertainment in the living room at the press of a button
• It’s easy to view and enjoy video and photos on Xbox 360 as well as connect wirelessly to share content with a Windows Media Center PC
* The Best Games:
• There will be over 1,000 games available on Xbox 360 by the end of the year, with something for every skill level, interest and taste.
• New community games allow gamers to sample the best of indie games, providing innovative new ways to play and enjoy
• Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto IV, with exclusive downloadable episodes on Xbox LIVE, and Rock Band make Xbox 360 the place to be this Spring
• Xbox 360 exclusives for 2008 include Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Too Human, setting new standards for next-generation gaming
“Xbox 360 is now mass market in Europe,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. “We have reached and surpassed several key milestones that form part of our long term strategic plan to achieve critical mass in Europe; and our portfolio now offers the kind of mainstream entertainment experiences that secure wider appeal for Xbox 360. These factors allow us to execute on our strategy to widen the market for Xbox 360, as planned.
“We continue to offer intense, immersive gaming experiences for gamers – but now we’re priced in a way that will allow new consumers to find out for themselves why Xbox 360 is the ultimate in high-definition entertainment.” said Lewis. “History shows that €199/£159 is the price point where a console’s audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we’re ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world.”
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UPDATE: Seattlepi.com covered the Mix08 event in which Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer spoke reguarding Microsoft's position on many issues. One which included the future of the company and BluRay.
"We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on. Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense."
So what does this mean for the Xbox 360 and it's future? Well I think it is safe to say that some kind of BluRay will make it to the console. It what form is the biggest question.
Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, has stated that Sony is in talks with Microsoft to bring a BluRay player to the Xbox 360. This comes after the fall of HD-DVD, the format Microsoft previously backed.
According to the Financial Times, letting Microsoft take advantage of the technology would not only make Microsoft more competitive with Sony, but also bring extra revenue to their electronics division.
The inquiry now would be whether Microsoft would add the drive as an internal or external player. Internalization would most likely bring more costs to production of the 360, and thus institute higher prices in the systems. It seems that Microsoft has thought of this problem, being that their HD-DVD player was an external peripheral.
Glasgow, who spoke at a media dinner, also discussed a partnership with Apple.
Source: Financial Times
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Free! We all like free right? Well Microsoft has decided to give away developer software to college students in 11 countries.
"Microsoft is announcing right now DreamSpark, a new program that gives free developer, designer and related software to college students in 11 countries. DreamSpark goes live today in Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, and gives away free stuff like Visual Studio, Expression Studio, and even Windows Server.
For gamers and game designers, an exciting inclusion in the program is the XNA Game Studio 2.0 software (as opposed to the free Express Edition), as well as a 12-month free membership in the XNA Creators Club, which means free running of XNA games on the Xbox 360.
Source: InsideMicrosoft, Bill Gates talks...
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