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Xbox Live’s Fifth Anniversary Party

Microsoft launched the Xbox Live for the original Xbox console On Nov. 15, 2002. Now Microsoft is celebrating XBL’s fifth anniversary with a number of special events for 360 owners. Xbox Live will be hosting the events which include playing against the dev teams from your favorite games on Nov. 15 like Halo 3, Gears of War, Guitar Hero III and even Halo Wars in a Halo 3 match. Also as part of the big fifth birthday celebration, XBL is also kicking off a huge Play & Win Sweepstakes where you could score some great prizes just by playing online. Register your gamertag before midnight (ET) on November 15, 2007, to be eligible to win.

Get your chance to play with the developers on November 15 at 9 A.M. Pacific and ends at 8:30 P.M. Pacific time. We’ve got the lineup of developers ready to kick your Ass:

• Halo Wars Dev Team: Look for the creators of this upcoming strategy game playing Halo 3 from 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• skate Dev Team: Get ready for some serious boarding with the developers of skate. from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Ghost Recon Dev Team: Get ready for intense squad-based multiplayer with the developers of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighterâ„¢ 2 from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Rainbow Six Dev Team: Take to the streets of Vegas with the makers of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas® from 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• ProStreet Dev Team: The Need for Speedâ„¢ ProStreet developers will be ready to race from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Medal of Honor Airborne Dev Team: Jump into battle with the creators of Medal of Honor Airborneâ„¢ from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Guitar Hero Dev Team: Get ready to rock with the creators of Guitar Heroâ„¢ III: Legends of Rock from 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• Valve Dev Team: Pick your class and get ready for battle in Team Fortress 2 from 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Ace Combat US Team: Take to the skies against the developers of ACE COMBAT® 6: Fires of Liberationâ„¢ from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• NBA Live Dev Team: Hit the hardwood with the makers of NBA Live 08 from 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• Forza Dev Team: Race to the finish against the creators of Forza Motorsportâ„¢ 2 from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Madden Dev Team: The masterminds behind Madden NFL 08 are ready to take the field from 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• NBA 2K Dev Team: Tip off the basketball season with the devs from NBA 2K8 from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• NCAA Football - Tiburon Studio: Join the developers of NCAA Football 08 for some college action from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Tony Hawk Dev Team: Shred with the makers of Tony Hawk’s Project 8 from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
• Bungie Dev Team: Get ready to play against the creators of the mega-hit Halo® 3 (time TBD).
• Gears of War Dev Team: The developers from Epic will be on hand to play Gears of War® (time TBD).
• PGR Dev Team: Race the streets of Gotham against the creators of Project Gotham Racing® 4 (time TBD).

Xbox 360 Has small Japanese Sales Boost

Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that the latest Japanese game sales chart’s show that Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console managed to make headway against Sony’s PS3 console in sales, but just barely. The Xbox 360 sold 17,673 units last week while the PS3 sold 17,434 units. The Xbox 360 had a boost to its sales numbers due to the release of the Namco’s Ace Combat 6 which is an exclusive to the console. However, The Wii continues to dominate in console sales with 37,617 units sold, thanks in part to the new release of Super Mario Galaxy in Japan .

Mass Effect Exclusive Debut On SCI FI Channel

Microsoft, Yahoo! and SCI-FI Channel celebrate the upcoming release of the new action role-playing game with two weeks of exclusive special programming and events. The SCI FI Channel will also be celebrating the launch of “Mass Effect” with the debut of a 30-minute special entitled “Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect.” Scheduled to air at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Tuesday, Nov. 20.

As the Nov. 20 launch date for “Mass Effect” for Xbox 360 draws nigh, the threat of an alien rogue force looms ever closer. To help unlock some of the secrets and mysteries of the vast universe in the highly-anticipated action RPG, Microsoft and Yahoo! will debut the exclusive television trailer for the upcoming game on Thursday, Nov. 8. On Monday, Nov. 12, the SCI FI Channel and Microsoft will continue its countdown for the retail release of “Mass Effect” by premiering the all-new, two-hour extended episode of “Battlestar Galactica: Razor” in select movie theaters. For those lucky enough to attend the Seattle premiere, Jamie Bamber, who plays Apollo in “Battlestar Galactica,” and show creator and executive producer Ronald D. Moore will be in attendance.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the SCI FI Channel will celebrate the launch of “Mass Effect” with the debut of a 30-minute special entitled “Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect.” Scheduled to air at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, the special will feature more in-depth information about the game, exclusive interviews and exciting behind-the scenes footage.

In conjunction with the special, fans are encouraged to go to the SCI-Fi “Mass Effect” web site to find all the show times and sign up for the “Mass Effect” sweepstakes, starting Nov. 13, for a chance to win the coveted limited collector’s edition of “Mass Effect.” Also fueling anticipation for the game is the new “Mass Effect” micro-site on Xbox.com, which launched today.

The micro-site offers a wealth of “Mass Effect” content in one convenient portal, including the latest news and events on the game, as well as screenshots and special promotional items that no space traveling enthusiast should be without. Music fans will also find the “Mass Effect” Original Game Soundtrack, now available for presale and at retailers on Nov. 20.

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Jade Empire” comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense sci-fi tactical combat, “Mass Effect” features an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games.

Microsoft Windows Home Server Launched

Microsoft announces that the Windows Home Server software has officially launched, as the company pushes out their latest entry to make an easy server product for families. The first product specifically designed to use Windows Home Server, the HP MediaSmart Server, will launch later in November. Here is a snip:

Windows Home Server is a “stay-at-home” server that delivers the benefits of powerful server technology used by many people at work within a simple, easy-to-use solution for the home. It automatically backs up Windows XP-based and Windows Vista-based home computers each night, provides a central place to organize digital documents and media, and includes a free Windows Live Internet address to access the home server from virtually anywhere and share content with friends and family. It also monitors the health and security status of home computers and can stream media to other devices in the home, such as Xbox 360, allowing people to enjoy digital music, photos and videos on their television.

The HP MediaSmart Server, powered by the AMD LIVE! solution, was designed for the Windows Home Server platform. It provides consumers with easy, more secure access to all their movies, photos, music and documents through any broadband Internet-connected PC. The product also includes HP Photo Webshare software for consumers to easily and more securely share photos with select friends and family. The MediaSmart Server is offered in a 500GB version for $599 (U.S.) and a 1TB model for $749 (U.S.).

Microsoft Officially Makes Xbox 360 Arcade Official

After weeks of deliberation, speculation and rumors the Xbox 360 Arcade Console has officially launched for a price of $279.99.  Talk about a poorly kept secret.

Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360^® console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price)*. Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), “Uno” (Carbonated Games), “Luxor 2” (MumboJumbo), “Boom Boom Rocket” (Electronic Arts Inc.) and “Feeding Frenzy” (Sprout Games).

“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing — and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”

Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us, added, “We are excited to offer this new gaming experience to our customers — children and families — who can now enjoy the fun of Xbox 360 together. Many of this holiday season’s hottest items provide Internet connectivity, and with the online entertainment options available through Xbox LIVE^®, Xbox 360 Arcade offers families a great mix of online content and traditional gaming in one console.”

The news of Xbox 360 Arcade comes as part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to bring the Xbox 360 experience to families everywhere. Microsoft also announced today that it is significantly expanding its catalog of high and standard-definition family fun content that is available on demand direct to the consumer’s living room. This includes the addition of everyone’s favorite characters such as “Bugs Bunny” and “Daffy Duck” from Warner Bros., which will be delivering the first ever “Looney Tunes” cartoons for download on Xbox 360, starting today. In addition, Nickelodeon is adding three new shows to its already large library of more than 300 episodes of TV shows on Xbox LIVE, Microsoft’s premier online gaming and entertainment service, with the inclusion of “Blue’s Clues,” “The Backyardigans” and “iCarly.”  “SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam™” (THQ Inc.) and “SHREK-N-ROLL™” (Activision) games will also be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the place to download games for Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE, adding more fun for everyone in the family.

Built In HD-DVD Drive 360

An Australia gaming site called SmartHouse claims they have inside source that Microsoft and Toshiba are working on a Xbox 360 with Builtin HD-DVD, Wifi and other features. If this is true and Microsoft can keep the price right they may have something here. Smarthouse says it will be released late 2008 or at CES 2009. We will keep you updated when we have more information.

PC Gears Of War Goes Gold

Microsoft Game Studios announces the Games for Windows edition of Gears of War is gold, and the PC variant of Epic’s futuristic third-person shooter will be on North American shelves on November 6:

The Windows iteration of the massively popular and critically- acclaimed Xbox 360 blockbuster draws nigh; set to hit store shelves November 6th in North America.

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the eagerly-awaited “Gears of War” for Windows has gone gold and will hit retailers throughout North America on November 6th.

With the Xbox 360 version of the game selling more than 4 million copies to date, “Gears of War” has been lauded by critics for its gripping campaign and fast-paced multiplayer action. Windows gamers can look forward to the “Gears of War” experience for the very first time, and will get to choose between doing battle via mouse and keyboard, or using the Windows-enabled Xbox 360 controller. From renowned developer Epic Games, “Gears of War” for Windows will engage gamers in hyper-realistic combat, allowing players to fight for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

In addition to retaining all of the content from its Xbox 360 counterpart and all previously released downloadable content (seven multiplayer maps and the Annex game mode), “Gears of War” for Windows will feature exciting original content, all-new Achievements to unlock, and ultra-high resolution visuals. Five new campaign chapters expand upon the riveting story (including an epic battle with the fearsome Brumak), and the action-packed multiplayer offering is bolstered with three exclusive multiplayer maps, a “King of the Hill” game type, and Games for Windows – LIVE support to deliver online matchmaking for Gold members. A new game editor will allow users to develop an unlimited number of user-created levels with complete access to the Unreal Editor.

Players can get their hands on “Gears of War” for Windows for the estimated retail price of $49.99 “Gears of War” for Windows is rated M for Mature.

Games + Adware = Don’t Buy It or Give Me A Discount

Do you read the license agreements when you install software, or do you just keep hitting next? Well if you downloaded the newly released Hellgate: London demo you should have, since you get the extra bonus of adware included. (Advertising-supported software)

Here’s the pertinent section of the license you have to agree to once Hellgate is installed onto your system:

The Software incorporates technology of Massive Incorporated (”Massive”) that enables in-game advertising, and the display of other similar in-game objects, which are uploaded temporarily to your personal computer or game console and replaced during online game play. As part of this process, Massive may collect your Internet protocol address and other basic anonymous information, and will use this information for the general purposes of transmitting and measuring in-game advertising. Massive does not store or use any of this information for the purpose of discovering your personal identity. For additional details regarding Massive’s in-game advertising practices, and to understand your options with respect to in-game advertising and data collection, please see Massive’s privacy policy. The trademarks and copyrighted material contained in all in-game advertising are the property of the respective owners. Portions of this product are © 2007 Massive Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Consent to Use of Data. You agree that EA, its affiliates, and each Related Party may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer, including without limitation your Internet Protocol address, operating system, application software and peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including online play. EA and/or the Related Parties may also use this information in the aggregate and, in a form which does not personally identify you, to improve our products and services and we may share that aggregate data with our third party service providers.

Here is one better example for you As reported on CNN.com about splinter cell and other titles serving in-game ads for the UK Xbox 360 users.

Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is taking a new approach to attracting new recruits. ‘The monthlong ad campaign, which starts at the end of October, is being run by GCHQ, the recruitment firm TMP Worldwide and Microsoft-owned in-game ad agency Massive Inc. Ads headed ‘Careers in British Intelligence’ will appear as billboards in scenes in Splinter Cell and other games including Need for Speed Carbon and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars when they are played on computers and Microsoft Xbox consoles in Britain.

You might be saying well the ads are only posters on walls in certain areas, but with the adware fully incorporated into the game they don’t have to stop at just posters on walls. You could find yourself kicking the crap out of some Zombie flesh by chucking some Windows ME CDs at it, since Massive is owned by The Borg errr Microsoft.

I am ok with including this crap err technology with a free demo but to be included in a game you’re paying full price or paying a monthly fee for … NEVER! I have refused to buy a game at full price that has in game ads in it. I feel the same way about in game ads as I did when I found out Blizzard and World of Warcraft had been stealing my bandwidth to substitute for having game patch servers by using a bittorrent system. This would have been ok if they would have had an option to turn it off or receive the download some other way, or *Gasp* discounted my bill for supplying them with bandwidth.

Us as a consumers have allowed this to continue and dare I say it, even grow. More greedy game studios are looking at this as a great option to pad the bank account even more than the already high prices they charge for games.

If you don’t like it, do something about it like write emails, don’t by the game or setup a petition. But for your sake do something or all the games you play will be just like watching TV with commercials popping up at every loading screen / save point.

What do you think take the poll on your right or leave us a comment about your thoughts.

Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals Demo

With the newest Zoo Tycoon 2 expansion pack hitting store shelves, Microsoft has put a out a playable demo for Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals.

Biggest expansion pack for the award winning “Zoo Tycoon® 2” now available to all animals lovers looking for new challenges and a slew of new extinct creatures

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals,” the biggest expansion pack for the award winning “Zoo Tycoon 2,“ has landed onto retail store shelves starting today.

Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC, “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” enhances the “Zoo Tycoon 2” experience by introducing new challenges, more than 30 new animals, new exciting ways to play and a new look through extinct-themed objects and buildings. “Zoo Tycoon 2” players can experience all of these new features with ease, as the expansion pack seamlessly integrates with the core game so that gamers can play immediately.

“Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” is available for the estimated retail price of $29.99 for Windows. “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” is rated “E10+” for everyone 10 and older. “Zoo Tycoon 2” is required to play “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals.”

The demo is available at GamersHell.

Games for Windows LIVE Update Plans

Microsoft announces plans for a November update for Games for Windows LIVE that will bring the online service to version 1.2:

The Games for Windows – LIVE v1.2 update will continue to add numerous end-user benefits to the service, such as support for offline Achievements, so gamers can continue to rack up Gamerscore when not connected to the internet, the ability to see whether your friends are “joinable” in games, along with additional UI features.

Microsoft is rolling out two Games for Windows – LIVE updates in a matter of only four months, but we’re just getting started! Our goal is to deliver new and exciting experiences for Windows gamers, while maintaining the unique PC gaming environment we love. We’ve come a long way since announcing the vision of LIVE across multiple Microsoft platforms last year and are committed to continually refining and bringing future functionality to Games for Windows – LIVE.

Be sure to check out the first wave of titles to support the service which should hit shelves by Holiday:

• “The Club” (SEGA) – Rated M
• “Kane & Lynch: Dead Men” (Eidos) – Rated M
• “Universe at War: Earth Assault” (SEGA) – Rating Pending
• “Gears of War” (Microsoft Game Studios) – Rated M
• “Viva Piñata” (Microsoft Game Studios) – Rating Pending