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Showing posts with label xbox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xbox. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Treyarch interested in Smart Glass For Black Ops 2
Black Ops 2 developer Treyarch hasn't confirmed nor denied if the game is coming to Wii U, but isn't ruling out using the hardware just yet.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 developer Treyarch is keeping quiet on the subject of Wii U development, but director of communications John Rafacz has confirmed to NowGamer that the studio is open to considering Nintendo's console in future.
Rafacz explained, "We're always interested to see what the first-party is up to. Taking a step back from just the Wii U - whether it's Wii U or SmartGlass or what have you, we are always interested in exploring anything that can enhance the Call of Dutyexperience."
"When you talk about fan expectations," Rafacz continued, "I think it's fair to say that people come to the Call of Duty experience with those, so anything that furthers that experience and remains true to the Call of Duty universe, we're open to considering."
The jury is still out on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for Wii U and SmartGlass, but we'll keep an eye on Treyarch for more information.
Written by Dane Cook
New Xbox Rumors
While gossip surrounding the next Xbox has been churning around inside the rumour mill for a good few years now, there's no doubt that we're getting closer to learning some cold, hard facts.
We fully expect the Xbox 720 - if it is indeed to be called that – to launch in time for Christmas 2013. And with the increasing frequency of new rumours, reports and leaks, an official reveal from Microsoft cannot be too far away.
So what can we expect from the Xbox 720 when it is finally revealed by Microsoft, and when will it finally hit the shelves?
Xbox 720 to pack Blu-ray and DVR features?
A document that leaked in June 2012 indicates that the Xbox 720 will come packing 1080p 3D support, Blu-rayplayer and DVR functionality. This would indicate that Microsoft is trying to position the Xbox 720 as the single does-it-all set-top box in your living room.
Xbox 720 to pack AMD graphics and CPU?
If the next Xbox is to be as popular and last as long as theXbox 360 – without the frankly appalling hardware failures which blighted its early days – it's going to need some reliable and powerful components.
Latest rumours suggest that the console will contain a revision of AMD's 7000 series graphics, which is based on its 28nm Graphics Core Next (GCN) Southern Islands tech.
Anonymous sources are being quoted on VG247 as saying that the graphics setup in the Xbox 720 will be "like two PCs taped together" which sounds like waffle to us. What does that even mean?
The same sources say that the two GPUs in the Xbox 720 "aren't structured as they are in a normal dual PC set-up," with each chip working separately to draw different items simultaneously.
Again, this sounds rather wooly to us, so let's try and make some sense of it...
Perhaps it depends what the source is referring to as different 'items'. The traditional usage of multi-GPU tech is Alternate Frame Rendering (AFR) where each GPU renders a frame in turn; if the source is saying that is not the case in the Xbox 720 then it will be a whole new usage of twin graphics chips.
It's also possible the confusion here could be arising from the difference between AMD's old GPU architecture, used in the Xbox 360, and the new Graphics Core Next technology. The old Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture of AMD's last gen GPUs essentially batched up instructions before outputting them.It's possible this simultaneous rendering of different items could be referring to using the twin GPUs to display 3D outputs – where each chip is rendering a different angle of a scene to generate the 3D effect. This would then minimise the stress that 3D gaming puts on graphics chips.Still, if that secondary GPU is lying dormant during non-3D gaming it would be rather wasteful, so the GPUs must surely still be used concurrently to render the games.
But GCN is made up of more independent microprocessors capable of carrying out more instructions concurrently.
Either way, the inclusion of AMD 7000 series graphics would put the new Xbox on a par with the current rumoured specs of the Sony PS4 which is in turn expected to also contain AMD Southern Islands graphics as well as an AMD x86 CPU.
Are we really to believe that the 'next generation' of games consoles would essentially be out of date mini AMD PCs, with just the operating systems and scale of fun-sucking DRM the only levels of differentiation? We can't see that being the case, and a report in April 2012 suggests that Microsoft does indeed have something more exciting up its sleeve.It would put the two consoles on level footing in terms of performance as they will essentially contain the same hardware, though by the time they actually go on sale they would to be hopelessly out of date compared to modern PCs.
Xbox World reported that the Xbox 720 will pack a 16-core CPU, which would certainly add some much needed muscle to the maybe-possibly underpowered graphics.
What will the Xbox 720 actually be called?
It's entirely possible that Microsoft could call it the Xbox 720, but we reckon it'll have something a bit more exciting up its sleeve.
Noted Microsoft blogger MS Nerd outed the name Xbox Loop, claiming that the long-awaited console will be "far smaller", cheaper and quiteKinect-focused when it finally lands on our shelves.
Rrecent reports indicate that Microsoft's internal codename for the new Xbox is 'Durango'. Sean Tracy, a technical designer at games developer Crytek,said on Twitter: "Enjoying the Durango developers summit in London. So far, great swag and interesting talks". The tweet was very quickly taken down but the codename was out of the bag by then.
Xbox 720 storage and disc format
It now seems highly likely that the new Xbox will arrive packing a Blu-ray drive.
Microsoft was, if you remember, a staunch member of the HD DVDPromotion Group and went so far as to launch an external HD DVD drive for the 360. So it represents a bit turn-around for Microsoft to embrace Blu-ray, but it also makes perfect sense.
Read speeds from DVDs are still faster than from Blu-ray discs, but BDs can hold vastly more data. A standard dual-layer BD can contain 50GB of data compared to the Xbox 360's dual-layer DVDs which contain between 8 and 9GB.
Many current Xbox 360 titles come on two or three discs, and with the size of Xbox 720 games destined to dwarf current titles, that extra capacity is a fundamental requirement.
Xbox 720 games are in development
It looks as though games developers are already playing with Xbox 720 hardware - a recent job advert from Peter Molyneux's Lionhead studio asks for developers with a background in DirectX 11 - a platform not used by any of the current consoles but is rumoured to be used in the AMD-powered Xbox 720.
It's a bit of a no-brainer that titles are in development from all the big studios if you ask us.
What about the Xbox 720 controller?
Many rumours suggest that the second version of Kinect will sit at the heart of the Xbox 720 experience. A console built around motion detection has lots of promise and it seems highly likely that this is the direction Microsoft is taking, given the way it's currently pushing Kinect hardware and software.
However, you can be sure that the trusty control pad will remain a core component for hardcore gaming. The 360 control pad is wildly popular amongst both console and PC gamers so we can't see the design changing too radically, either.
Will Microsoft kill the second-hand games market?
There have been rumours cicrulating that the new Xbox console will feature a system aimed at preventing owners playing used games. That would mean no trading-in of old titles in order to fund the purchase of new ones - a move that would not be warmly received by gamers or highstreet store.
The rumours centre around the concept of the new Xbox demanding an always-on internet connection. That sounds like a horrifying idea to us – say it ain't so!
The Xbox 720 release date
All indications are that the next Xbox will arrive in time for Christmas 2013.
How much will Xbox 720 cost?
That leaked document we mentioned earlier mentions a $299 (£190) price point which soundsd gloriously ambitious to us. Expect it to cost a bit more than that but assuming the PS4 launches around the same time, expect some competitive pricing.
http://www.squidoo.com/xbox-720-news
http://www.squidoo.com/xbox-720-news
New Xbox 360 Music Player
With the Zune music brand being de-emphasized, theXbox Music service seems poised to take center stage in Microsoft's music ambitions with its 30 million tracks, compared to 11 million in the Zune Music Marketplace. Microsoft promised Xbox Music for the Xbox 360, Windows Phone, and Windows 8, but Gartner analystMichael Gartenberg reports that the service will also run on iOS and Android. Support for anything other than Microsoft platforms was not announced publicly by Microsoft, however.
Xbox Music will be the "music service we have always dreamed of building," with great ways to share and discover new music, Microsoft marketing and strategy executive Yusuf Mehdi said at the E3.
Xbox Music will provide "access to your music collection from any screen, combined with unique social features," Microsoft said in marketing materials accompanying the announcement. "Xbox Music includes a music store for song downloads, music subscription offering, artist-based radio, and a great cross-screen client for your personal music collections."
While details on the music service (including an availability date) were scarce, Microsoft also announced several dozen new entertainment deals that will bring more video content to Xbox 360 owners. Content coming later this year includes NHL GameCenter Live, NBA Game Time, NBA League Pass, and 24/7 programming from several ESPN channels.
Over the next 12 months, an additional 30 or so content partners will arrive on Xbox, with many of them launching in just one or two countries. The US will get Comedy Central Stand Up, GameSpot TV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Movies, Rhapsody, Slacker Radio, The Weather Channel, and more (full list is here.)
The music and video deals will help cement the Xbox 360's position as a home media center that goes far beyond the capabilities of traditional video game consoles. With the "SmartGlass" technology also announced today, you can likely expect lots of cross-device scenarios, such as using your phone or tablet to control the music and video playing on an Xbox 360-powered television.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Virgin gaming tournaments
http://www.squidoo.com/virgin-gaming-tournaments
PLAY & GO
- Choose Play & Go to challenge and play your friends 1v1
- Scout potential opponents by checking out their skill and reputation
- Use the VG matchmaking system to find players similar to you
- Buy in for small OR big amounts at any round
- Play by your own schedule and game at whatever time works best for you
- Cash out at any round. Play one game, win and cash out OR play on to win more money
BRACKET TOURNAMENTS
- Play in a traditional bracket at set times versus set opponents
- Win your Round 1 game and win back your entry fee plus money
- Make it to the finals and prove you’re the best of the best
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
CASH OUT
Take your winnings at any time or keep playing to the final round for the top prize. Our Play & Go tournaments let you pick your payout!24/7 DEDICATED CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Friendly, smart, and able to play Capture the Flag for 16 hours straight, our sharpshooting Support Team helps keep Virgin Gaming safe, secure and easy to use.WE ARE IN THE GAME
Find the exclusive Virgin Gaming multiplayer lobby inside your favorite game titles. Our partnerships mean we get win/loss results directly from the game servers for fast and accurate reporting.
How Virgin Gaming Tournaments Work
http://www.squidoo.com/virgin-gaming-tournaments
EA SPORTS™ ARENA
Our Other Great Features!
THIS IS HOW VG WORKS
WHAT GAME DO YOU PLAY?
Choose the game(s) that’s going to make you money.
PICK YOUR STYLE OF PLAY
Choose Play & Go OR a Bracket Tournament for whatever tourney type fits your bank account and schedule.
CHALLENGE PLAYERS
Scout friends/opponents and issue challenges OR use the VG match making system to find players similar to you.
GO PLAY ON YOUR CONSOLE
VG is integrated directly into the game(s) you play when you pop it into your console
The EA SPORTS ARENA is powered by Virgin Gaming. Find your scheduled opponents here. You can get to the ARENA by following the “Next Steps” on the match card once you have a game set up
You will see the Virgin Gaming Tournaments menu option inside the game. Once you have a challenge set up on VirginGaming.com just enter the Virgin Gaming Tournaments room where you will be directly linked to your opponent
AUTOMATIC RESULTS
Upon completion of your game Virgin Gaming will automatically update your game results and award the win/loss and pay out the winner. We get the results of your game directly from the game servers so there is no debate!
We've got our gamers' backs. Check out these features that make VG an awesome place to game.
SKILL RATINGS
Our Skill Rating system helps you find and challenge other members with similar abilities. We also offer tournaments that are gated by Skill Rating to provide gamers of all skill levels fair access to cash prizes.FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE™
No one likes a cheater. We use various measures, including advanced technology, partnerships and community features to ensure that fairness is baked right in to the Virgin Gaming experience. When you play with us, you play with confidence.24/7 DEDICATED CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Friendly, smart, and able to play Capture the Flag for 16 hours straight, our sharpshooting Support Team helps keep Virgin Gaming safe, secure and easy to use.
Start your Tournament NOW!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Xbox 360 update
A handful of Xbox 360 users will notice their console prompting them to download a new firmware update today and later this week. The rest of the crop will receive the update next week. But regardless of when you download it, don’t expect any monumental change to your Xbox Live experience. Yet. This is mainly an update to prepare your system for future major updates.
Micosoft’s Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, confirmed via Twitter that the update had begun rolling out, but as for what kinds of changes it made he would only go so far as to say it contained “behind the scenes improvements & prep for future enhancements.” There’s no word on exactly what future enhancements this paves the way for, but we certainly saw a lot of contenders at last week’s E3.
Among the new features announced during Microsoft’s big media briefing are brand new video streaming options for live sporting events, new ways to interact with your Xbox 360 through the Kinect’s voice recognition feature, and of course the SmartGlass platform that allows users to use their smartphone or tablet as a second screen for the Xbox 360. Microsoft hasn’t provided any information as to when exactly those updates will be rolled out.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Delayed Plans for NEW Xbox
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) will release the next version of its Xbox console in 2013 at the earliest, as the company squeezes at least one more year of sales out of its current model, said two people with knowledge of the matter.
Xbox 360 game console during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 11, 2012. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
A Microsoft Corp. representative demonstrates an Xbox Kinect video game at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Monday, June 6, 2011. Microsoft Corp. said it struck an agreement with Google Inc.'s YouTube to deliver video on the Xbox Live service, as the software maker lines up a live television service for later this year. Photographer: Jonathan Alcorn/Bloomberg
The company may show the successor to its Xbox 360 in June 2013 at the E3 conference and put it on sale that same year, said the people, who declined to be named because the plans are confidential. David Dennis, a company spokesman, said earlier today that Microsoft won’t discuss new Xbox hardware at this year’s E3, quelling speculation that the device would be unveiled at the 2012 show.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360, bolstered by the Kinect motion-sensor accessory, had its best year of sales in 2011 -- the console’s seventh on the market. Announcing the next model too soon risks hurting orders for the current lineup, and new consoles typically lose money for their first few years. The Xbox 360 is profitable, giving the company incentive to keep it on store shelves for a longer period.
“They’re still selling a lot of Xbox 360, and they’re making money,” said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities Inc. in Los Angeles. “I don’t think the world needs them to put a new console out just because we’re bored.”
Sales Growth
Microsoft’s entertainment division, which includes the Xbox, posted a 45 percent sales gain to $8.91 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June. The Xbox 360 outsold Nintendo Co. (7974)’s Wii and Sony Corp. (6758)’s PlayStation 3 in 2011, and also sold better than any other TV-connected devices, including DVD players and home-theater systems, Dennis said.
“There will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon,” Dennis wrote today in an e-mailed statement. He declined to say when Microsoft would release the next model. “For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360.”
Microsoft has no reason to put out a new console soon, Pachter said. He estimates that the company makes about $115 of profit on the $300 Xbox 360, a model with a hard drive.
Pachter expects Microsoft to release the next version at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. The company will probably look at competitive pressure and sales in the current year to determine timing, he said.
Nintendo, meanwhile, is due to release a new machine called the Wii U later this year. Sony will probably update the PlayStation around the same time Microsoft puts out a new Xbox, Pachter said.
To contact the reporters on this story: Dina Bass in Seattle at dbass2@bloomberg.net; Ian King in San Francisco at ianking@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Madden NFL 13
Check out this cool promotional video for EA Sports upcoming game Madden NFL 13 featuring future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. In the video, Ray explains what all goes into producing a career legacy in the NFL while getting you both excited for the upcoming NFL season and ready to play some Madden NFL 13. Read on for more details on the exciting new features heading to Madden NFL 13.
With physics you can feel, Madden NFL 13 delivers Next Generation gameplay today.
Powered by the all-new Infinity Engine, true player impact and authentic momentum transfer ensure that no two plays ever look or feel the same. Madden NFL 13 revolutionizes the way sports video game career modes are played with Connected Careers—a completely new and fully connected universe defined by deep gameplay, unique storylines and social integration. With cutting-edge Infinity Engine technology, revolutionary Connected Careers and a complete audio and visual overhaul that delivers best in class presentation, Madden NFL 13 is undoubtedly the greatest entry in the franchise’s celebrated history.
Features
- Presentation – NFL broadcasts are some of the most impressive in the world of sports, and that attention to detail is apparent in Madden NFL 13. From the moment players start the game and see the completely redesigned opening, to the 3-D booth showcasing new commentators Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, Madden NFL 13 provides the most dynamic, authentic presentation yet. On the field, HDR and multi-vector lighting tracks the position of the sun after every play, and motion blur gives a true sense of speed. Also, don’t forget those brand new Nike uniforms and gear, which debut in their full digital glory in Madden NFL 13.
- Gameplay – An enhanced passing system opens up the game like never before with changes to the way quarterbacks, receivers and defenders react to the ball. On top of all that the new Infinity Engine completely redefines how players interact in Madden NFL 13.
- Offense: The new Total Control Passing mechanic lets players lead receivers into open space and put the ball exactly where they want it to go. Also, revamped passing trajectories, quarterback dropbacks, and play action improvements make airing out the ball more appealing than ever.
- Defense: Defensive coverage AI has been completely rewritten thanks to the new read and react defensive AI. Conversely, defenders now disguise their coverage so users won’t know if the defense is in man or zone until the snap, creating a chess match between the offense and defense.
- Audio – The sounds of the NFL are just as iconic as the sights, and both work together to enhance the presentation of Madden NFL 13. To that end, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms provide constant banter, and have provided over 9,000 lines of new dialog to further enrich the experience. Furthermore, new sound effects, authentic quarterback cadences from players like Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, and a sweeping new Madden NFL theme all create a game that sounds just as good as it looks.
- Infinity Engine – The brand- new Infinity Engine brings physics-driven animation to the Madden NFL franchise, ensuring that no two plays every look or feel the same. Play outcomes are now unpredictable with factors such as mass, velocity and momentum considered into every play. Just because the tackle has started doesn’t mean the action is over, and players can fight for every yard and scrap for every tackle.
- Connected Careers – Create your own legacy or relive that of a legend in the all-new Connected Careers. Lead a created player, a current NFL superstar or an all-time great to on-field glory, or prove your personnel and team management skills as a coach. Then again, why not do both? Connected Careers lets you play your way, all while keeping users engaged in a connected, online experience. Whether it’s on a console, mobile device, or the web, prepare to live and breathe the NFL 24/7 as the seasons unfold and real NFL insiders analyze, praise and critique every move you make through the virtual Twitter feed.
Wriiten by: Amanda Dyer
Friday, March 30, 2012
Cyber Bullying on Xbox
Cyber bullying seems to be a growing concern with parents that have children playing on Xbox live. I can understand why they would see it as a concern when a parent walks into the room and all they hear is F this F that you stupid M F'er. A young child may not understand that those words are inappropriate to use in public and may call his teacher a M F'er the next day at school. Of even worse hurt themselves becuase they actually feel hurt an abused.
We all know that if you hear a 12 year old on Call of Duty swearing, the older generation gets extremely aggrivated.
I know I've said my fair share of unethical things to a younger people in the Xbox Live world, but I've also said bad things to everyone else to! Now who really is at fault here....? If I was to make fun of a 25 yr. old on COD he would either mute me or talk shit back. That is the natural order of online gaming (Making fun of people+Winning= A good time) Which brings me to my point...aren't these games where most all of the bullying is occurring rated M? FOR MATURE AUDIENCE'S ONLY! For people who can make their own decisions!? So how are they getting these games? Because I had a beard at 15 and I still needed my mom to buy these games for me.
This has all happened before....It'll probably happen again. If your worried about your child playing an unsavory game, play a few hours with them and see how it is! Who knows you might actaully like playing! Don't let them go off into some dark room and let them rot their brains out with something you don't approve of. Be a parent....Be responsible.
We all know that if you hear a 12 year old on Call of Duty swearing, the older generation gets extremely aggrivated.
I know I've said my fair share of unethical things to a younger people in the Xbox Live world, but I've also said bad things to everyone else to! Now who really is at fault here....? If I was to make fun of a 25 yr. old on COD he would either mute me or talk shit back. That is the natural order of online gaming (Making fun of people+Winning= A good time) Which brings me to my point...aren't these games where most all of the bullying is occurring rated M? FOR MATURE AUDIENCE'S ONLY! For people who can make their own decisions!? So how are they getting these games? Because I had a beard at 15 and I still needed my mom to buy these games for me.
So, yet again parents take the win on this one. If you don't like what your child is listening to or playing...DON'T LET THEM BUY IT! Save me the trouble of putting your child in their place. It's up to parents to be responsible for their children's purchases! I shouldn't have to turn on the news and see some outraged parent angry at video game manufactures because their child killed themselves because they weren't socially apt enough to play to begin with.
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