Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/JoystiqThe Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week's video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.comRumor: PS3 Slim coming this fallhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/rumor-ps3-slim-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/rumor-ps3-slim-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/rumor-ps3-slim-coming-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're throwing this one in the "probably not" pile, right next to our jar of skeptical sauce. A month after the conclusion of CES, gadget site T3 is reporting that while in attendance they heard that Sony will be debuting a slimline version of the PlayStation 3 (a "PSThree" if you will). According to T3's "well-informed insider," the unit will be smaller and lighter than the current console (well, duh).

While we don't doubt that Sony will eventually give the PS3 a little nip and tuck, it's still far too early in the console's life-cycle to warrant such a drastic revision of the hardware - but we're not ruling out the possibility of a new SKU in the near future. The PSOne redesign appeared over four years after the first PlayStation was launched, and the slimline PS2 didn't appear until over three years after the original.

A redesigned PS3 probably wouldn't appear until late 2009 at the earliest, making the possibility of one showing up this fall slim to none. Now pass that skeptical sauce, please.
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]]>ces08ces2008psthreerumorrumorssonyFri, 01 Feb 2008 11:30:00 ESTCES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agencyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Earlier this month, Sony Online Entertainment finally gave the gaming world a full-on look at The Agency. The unique title, a brand-new blend of the shooter and MMO genres, was featured in a hands-on talk over pre-recorded video; a compromise in the face of demoing an online title in the unfamiliar surroundings of Las Vegas. That talk, given by the mile-a-minute lead designer Hal Milton, has been covered endlessly at other sites. You can view the complete discussion in video format, or read a great writeup of the event over at GamersInfo.

Some of the most interesting tidbits the developers were willing to discuss that day weren't on the guided tour. Lead Designer Hal Milton and Design Director Matt Wilson were willing and able to discuss several aspects of the project still in the development stages with us and our friends at Massively; we were able to pick their brains on the game's business model, the fantastic world they're creating, character advancement, future content additions, and the numerous challenges of creating a game that straddles two platforms.

Easily one of the most refreshing things about The Agency is the humor that the developers are aiming to introduce to the world, as Hal Milton explains: One of the things I love about the spy genre is that everyone automatically gets it. I love fantasy, I love sci-fi, I love writing those stories, but whenever I try to describe the game concept I have to go in and back-fill for like ten minutes. "And then Sir Clamdar of Thobordoxy grabbed the Handbag of Doom." Or, "the year was 2753, and the Federation ..." Most people don't care. They just want to jump into the world and know where they stand, as opposed to being dropped into a world completely clueless. That's what's great about the Agency, there's a lot of similarities but our world is so different from the real world that they start to experience the humor and flavor.

Read on for more 'covert intel' you may not have seen discussed elsewhere on this blockbuster in-development title.

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Continue reading CES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency

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]]>CES-2008hal-miltonmatt-wilsonmmofpsSOEsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 21 Jan 2008 15:45:00 ESTCES 2008: SOE wants to pay you for 'Sharing the Wealth'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

freerealms
CES provided us with an interesting look at the future of Sony Online Entertainment. We finally found out what The Agency was all about and got a good look at the wacky, kid-oriented MMO FreeRealms. And, in an exclusive interview with Massively, CEO John Smedley unveiled a new program that will launch alongside FreeRealms. Dubbed "Share the Wealth," SOE's unique buy-in program will offer site owners monetary incentives for driving customers to the game:

"Let's say you have your own website. You come out our site, fill out a form pretty much the same as the one for our Station Exchange service with a Social Security number, and give us your PayPal account information. You cut and paste some JavaScript to your site, and now you have a banner ad for FreeRealms on your site. We are tracking every customer you give us, and once a month we'll give you somewhere between 5-10% of all the revenue from every customer you send us. That's as long as they are playing the game."

The full interview gets into specifics behind the program, while the follow-up touches on big plans for the future of the company's Station Access pass.
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]]>ces-2008freerealmsjohn-smedleyshare-the-wealthsoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 14 Jan 2008 14:30:00 ESTCES 2008: Conflict Denied Ops aims at non-existent 'casual FPS' markethttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

conflict
Just a few months ago we brought you impressions of an early build of Conflict: Denied Ops. As the newest chapter in the perpetually-lackluster Conflict series, our opinion then was that the game was following in the footsteps of its 4.0 kindred. We were frustrated with the flat look, boring linear gameplay and the use of a needless buzzword - "Puncture-Tech" - to describe destructible environmental elements.

In checking in on the game's progress in a near-release state today at CES, we found that many of these same concerns are still applicable. Eidos and Pivotal Games have stopped using that meaningless marketing buzzword and thrown in a few twists on the A-to-B gameplay, but Denied Ops is basically the same flawed game we saw in October.

So what's the solution for a game company that has an overly-linear title on their hands? Apparently, you start calling it a casual game. That's right: Conflict: Denied Ops is now a "casual first-person shooter." You know: for all those grandmas who have been itching to break into the 'killing things' genre.

Continue reading CES 2008: Conflict Denied Ops aims at non-existent 'casual FPS' market

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]]>casual-fpsces-2008conflict-denied-opseidosgames-for-windowshandsonimpressionspivotal-gamesThu, 10 Jan 2008 15:28:00 ESTCES 2008: Hands-on with first public showing of Space Siegehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sapce siege
The last Dungeon Siege update came out almost 18 months ago. Chris Taylor and his Gas Powered Games have had plenty of time to mull the next move, reflecting on half a dozen titles in the fantasy world, and even a major motion picture. The move they've made - a quick hyperspace jump away from the fantasy setting - shouldn't surprise anyone. With the Games for Windows initiative ramping up to full power it's the perfect time for the unveiling of Space Siege.

Even in pre-alpha state, Space Siege is already exactly what you'd expect. Instead of a hard-jawed warrior wading through waste-deep goblin blood with sword clenched, the protagonist is a hard-jawed space marine wading through waste-deep alien blood with a big gun clenched in his hands. There isn't a lot of game to actually play on the CES show floor, but what there is reminds us of how much fun it is to mindlessly click creatures to death. Despite the similar-sounding nature of the game, there were actually a number of changes to the formula on display; enough that we think some folks are going to be surprised.

Continue reading CES 2008: Hands-on with first public showing of Space Siege

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]]>ces-2008chris-taylordungeon-siegegames-for-windowsgas-powered-gameshandsonimpressionsspace-siegeThu, 10 Jan 2008 13:58:00 ESTCES 2008: Age of Conan converts at least one playerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sitting down with Age of Conan: Hyborean Adventures today was something of a wakeup call for me. I've enjoyed my previous exposure to the game, but I've never had that 'I get it' moment. You know that moment, every MMO has it. In World of Warcraft it's the first time you start a quest; in Tabula Rasa it's the first time you fire your gun; and in Lord of the Rings Online that moment comes when you look up and behold the majesty that is the Shire. For me, Conan's moment was when I finally 'got' the combat. The CES build of the game, hopefully just a few months away from release, really hit home with the experience of slicing and dicing in real time.

A raid on Conall's Valley (the birthplace of Conan) was the zone on display in the main exhibit hall. The big news for CES is what developer Funcom is calling 'Cheetah 2,' a brand new graphics engine. That project's goals include new rendering and weather systems, an improved framerate and other technical advances. There should be more to report on that advance before the end of the show. In the meantime, I have a few impressions for you as a newly converted Conan fan.

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Continue reading CES 2008: Age of Conan converts at least one player

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]]>age-of-conances-2008handsonimpressionsWed, 09 Jan 2008 20:00:00 ESTCES 2008: PS3 in-game XMB promised this yearhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

ps3
What good's a trade show without vague promises? Paul Purdy, repping Sony at CES, has done his part, "confirming" that an in-game XMB update for PlayStation 3 is due in the new year, reports TGR. When pressed for details, Purdy backpedaled and reaffirmed that Sony's CES presence was focused on hardware - hardware that, for the moment, lacks consistent multitasking features. (Let's not forget, some games already support the bells and whistles we'd hoped Sony would've included the last time a major update was pushed out.)

[Via PS3 Fanboy]
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]]>ces-2008xmbWed, 09 Jan 2008 18:30:00 ESTEngadget takes PSP Skype for a listenhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-takes-psp-skype-for-a-listen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-takes-psp-skype-for-a-listen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-takes-psp-skype-for-a-listen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Skype is a pretty important service for us here at Joystiq HQ. Not only does it allow us to record the Joystiq Podcast (when we can't all make it to the mysterious oil tanker somewhere in the mid-Atlantic) but it also allows us to prank call nerds. So we're thrilled to hear that, according to Engadget, the PSP version of the service seems to be coming along pretty well.

Though a reported slight delay in calls is kind of a bummer, we're hopeful that some of the kinks can be worked out before the service is officially released. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got to go ask Cristian Cardona if his refrigerator is running.
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]]>ces2008skypeWed, 09 Jan 2008 13:00:00 ESTRock Band drum prototype adds sturdiness, cymbalshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We love channeling our inner Keith Moon with the Rock Band drum set, but we do have some quibbles. Namely: When we break out with some tasty, tasty hi-hat work it just feels a little inauthentic. Sure, we could try applying some Rock Jam, but it's just not the same. You can understand then why our hunger for Ion Audio's sexy, sure-to-be-pricey new kit is nothing short of ravenous.

Not only does this kit have cymbals, but the sturdiness of the drums has also been improved. Sadly this is still just a prototype, but we're hopeful that the Wyld Stallyns can travel into the future and snag us a set.
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]]>CES-2008rock-bandrockbandWed, 09 Jan 2008 10:35:00 ESTXbox 360 still open to Blu-ray add-on should HD-DVD failhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following Warner's departure from the HD-DVD ship last week, Microsoft is once again fielding questions regarding the future of its Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on. As is consistent with comments made previously by Scott Henson and Peter Moore, the HD-DVD supporter is still open to a Blu-ray drive should Toshiba's high-definition film format meet its demise. Speaking to Reuters, Xbox's group marketing manager Albert Penello has called it "something we'll have to consider" if "consumer choice" demands it.

Microsoft's initial decision to keep HD-DVD separate from the Xbox 360 hardware has always been trotted out under the "consumer choice" banner, with cost reduction cited as an immediate benefit. Of course, it also makes bailing out a lot easier should white flags start to go up. It may seem strange to envision Microsoft supporting a format so entwined with a competing console, but the company's not likely to shed a tear for discs when there's money to be made in the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.

Update: A further comment from Microsoft emphasizes that despite Penello's comments, HD-DVD hasn't gone away just yet: "Microsoft currently has no plans at this time to consider Blu-ray as an option. We continue to believe that HD DVD is the best optical solution for consumers, since it's the only format today that delivers quality experiences at affordable prices."
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]]>Blu-rayCES-2008HD-DVDMoviesToshibaWarnerXBLMXbox-LiveWed, 09 Jan 2008 10:00:00 ESTGet another glimpse of LittleBigPlanet's level creatorhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/get-another-glimpse-of-littlebigplanets-level-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/get-another-glimpse-of-littlebigplanets-level-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/get-another-glimpse-of-littlebigplanets-level-creator/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Or in this case, its foliage creator. Embedded after the break you'll find a brief CES video demonstration of the PS3's perpetually praised LittleBigPlanet, depicting the elegant interface used to give form to your platforming designs. Though we're already envisioning a deadly sequence of precarious, single-pixel steps suspended above a pit of eternal hellfire in our level, you're perfectly welcome to make a happy little tree and call it a day.

In the interest of being informative, we'll remind you that LittleBigPlanet is only expected to arrive in September. We are not happy about it.

Continue reading Get another glimpse of LittleBigPlanet's level creator

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]]>Game-3.0Game3.0LBPLittleBigPlanetMedia-MoleculeMediaMoleculePlatformerTue, 08 Jan 2008 18:00:00 ESTCES 2008: Texas Instruments DualView TV used for 3D, multiplayerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ces-texas-instruments-dualview-tv-used-for-3d-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ces-texas-instruments-dualview-tv-used-for-3d-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/ces-texas-instruments-dualview-tv-used-for-3d-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

3D glasses haven't been a big part of gaming since the days of the Sega Master System, but Texas Instruments looks set to change that with the DualView DLP TVs being shown at this year's CES. Much like recent 3D movies like Beowulf, these TVs display two slightly different images at once, using special glasses to isolate the correct perspective for each eye.

The effect is reportedly pretty incredible, according to Gamespy: "The images were bright and crisp, without so much as a flicker" and "Madden NFL Football was a whole new experience: you were right down on the field, with every receiver receding into the distance as he ran." Games currently have to be specially designed for the effect, but 1UP reports that TI "intends to eventually institute plug-and-play support" so all games have that added depth.

But the best gaming application for this DualView technology might be full screen multiplayer. As shown in this Gizmodo video, the DualView technology can be used to give two different players simultaneous, full-screen views of different characters or locations in a game. The end of split screen as we know it? Maybe ... if you have a special TV and two pairs of 3D glasses, that is ...

Read - 1UP report
Read - GameSpy report
Watch - Gizmodo video
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]]>3DdigitalDLPMaddentechnologytexas-instrumentsTITVTue, 08 Jan 2008 15:30:00 ESTPSP to get keyboard in mid-2009http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/psp-to-get-keyboard-in-mid-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/psp-to-get-keyboard-in-mid-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/psp-to-get-keyboard-in-mid-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've seen keyboards for the PSP before, but now it appears that Sony is crafting their own first-party peripheral for those tired of the excruciating phone pad text entry. Gamespot reports that a design hasn't been settled on (the image to the right is a dirty fake), but that the add-on would arrive in the middle of 2009 ... just four short years after the system's release.

In that same timely spirit, we'd like to humbly request a rubber cover to make the Nintendo 64's analog stick less hard on Mario Party-playing palms and an HDMI port for our Intellivision. Ah well, at least your grandchildren won't have to suffer the same text-entry indignities as yourself.
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]]>psp-keyboardTue, 08 Jan 2008 14:00:00 ESTBlu-ray discs to offer portable movies for PSPhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As tempting as it may be to drag your PlayStation 3 and 50" HDTV along on your next road trip, Sony would like you to consider a slightly more convenient and decidedly less dangerous option for watching movies on the go. In a CES demonstration of the BD Live standard (encapsulated in the upcoming Blu-Ray Profile 2.0), supported Blu-ray discs were shown to offer portable versions of the included movies for download to a Memory Stick or PlayStation Portable. Pop the disc into your PlayStation 3, connect a PSP and watch the smaller movie on your smaller screen (sans UMD).

If you're looking to take advantage of this feature in the foreseeable future, it might be wise to start saving up for one of those fancy 16GB Memory Sticks.

[Via PSP Fanboy]
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]]>Blu-rayCES-2008Memory-StickMoviesUMDTue, 08 Jan 2008 11:00:00 ESTToday's Guitar Hero-as-a-prop video: Bill Gates Keynotehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

If you saw our coverage -- don't click yet if you didn't -- you know the Guitar Hero-related jokes from the final* Bill Gates CES keynote. But even if you know the premise, these videos are worth watching as a study in tradeshow comedy. Is humor in the timing or the delivery?

See the keynote comedy after the break.


*As Microsoft chairman, that is.

Continue reading Today's Guitar Hero-as-a-prop video: Bill Gates Keynote

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]]>bill-gatesces-2008ces-keynote-videoguitar-herohottest-videohottestvideokeynotevideoTue, 08 Jan 2008 01:31:00 ESTRez HD: extra controllers double as trance vibrators (seriously)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/rez-hd-extra-controllers-double-as-trance-vibrators-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/rez-hd-extra-controllers-double-as-trance-vibrators-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/rez-hd-extra-controllers-double-as-trance-vibrators-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


That the very first comment on our very first Rez HD post asked if the updated shooter contained support for the infamous trance vibrator peripheral should come as no surprise. Though Mizuguchi says the device wasn't meant to be sexual, ever since that 2002 game girl advance post buzzed its way onto the internets, the vibrating peripheral has become a thing of gaming lore.

While they're not releasing a new peripheral for the XBLA release and they're not enabling support for the USB original, we did learn of another option at a Microsoft meeting at CES this morning: you can enable trance vibrator support through an additional Xbox 360 controller (or three - you can use all four slots). How long before someone switches the guts from a 360 controller and a trance vibrator? Our guess: not long.

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]]>Q-Entertainmenttrance-vibratorXBLAMon, 07 Jan 2008 22:30:00 ESTMS memo: Xbox 360 to have 'biggest year in video game history,' XBL surpasses 10m usershttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ms-memo-xbox-360-to-have-biggest-year-in-video-game-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ms-memo-xbox-360-to-have-biggest-year-in-video-game-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ms-memo-xbox-360-to-have-biggest-year-in-video-game-history/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercury News writer and Microsoft guru Dean Takahashi has published a memo penned by Microsoft games chief Don Mattrick, who expects that "Xbox 360 is on track to register the biggest year in video game history."

According to Mattrick North American hardware, software and accessory sales for Xbox 360 exceeded $3.5 billion, reportedly $1 billion more than Wii and $2 billion more than PlayStation 3. "When December data is added," he said, "we expect Xbox 360 in 2007 to have generated more calendar year revenue than any other gaming platform ever, including PS2 at its peak."

Mattrick's biggest claim comes in implicitly hailing the Xbox 360 as this generation's console winner. "History has shown that the eventual winner of each console generation was the console that generated the most 3rd party revenue, and according to the most recent NPD data, Xbox 360 generated more 3rd party revenue in 2007 than Nintendo and Sony combined."

Unsurprisingly not mentioned in the memo is the Xbox 360's performance in Japan. The memo also revealed some new Xbox Live statistics, including mention that the service has surpassed 10 million Xbox Live users, "over six months before our stated goal of July 2008 announced at E3 last year." We've compiled those after the break.

Continue reading MS memo: Xbox 360 to have 'biggest year in video game history,' XBL surpasses 10m users

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]]>don-mattrickhardwaresalesmicrosoftnpdxblxbox-livexboxliveMon, 07 Jan 2008 18:15:00 ESTCES 2008: New titles join Games for Windows portfoliohttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/#commentsFiled under: ,


In another CES 2008 announcement, Microsoft has highlighted nine new additions to its Games for Windows endeavor, promising to "continue the momentum for Windows-based gaming in 2008" and "revive" the PC gaming space. The titles due to be dressed in Microsoft's colors include:
  • Alone in the Dark (Atari)
  • Bionic Commando (Capcom)
  • Conflict: Denied Ops (Eidos Interactive)
  • Empire: Total War (SEGA)
  • LEGO Indiana Jones (LucasArts)
  • Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (Microsoft Game Studios)
  • Sins of a Solar Empire (Stardock)
  • Space Siege (SEGA)
  • Tomb Raider: Underworld (Eidos Interactive)
The list not only cements the "Underworld" subtitle to Eidos' next Tomb Raider, but provides reassurance as to the longevity of Microsoft's initiative. Games for Windows is sure to be around for quite some time if Alone in the Dark manages to arrive under its banner. Microsoft's polite press release is also keen to remind us that other expected 2008 titles -- Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Borderlands, The Club, Fallout 3 and Frontlines: Fuel of War -- will stand beneath the flapping emblem.
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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>Alone-in-The-DarkAloneintheDarkBionic-CommandoCES-2008Conflict-Denied-OpsEmpireEmpire-Total-WarGames-For-WindowsGamesForWindowsGFWLego-Indiana-JonesMicrosoftMSFTSins-of-a-Solar-EmpireSpace-SiegeTomb-Raider-UnderworldTombRaiderTrain-Simulator-2Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:45:00 ESTCES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLAhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an early morning meeting with Microsoft, we got a sneak peek of a title that's been a long-time coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Some of you may remember our nearly year-and-a-half old interview with former Xbox Live Arcade Portfolio Manager Ross Erickson, who professed Lode Runner to be his "favorite game of all time" and, it seemed like a natural conclusion that he would be working on bringing that title to the service. Though Erickson's moved on, the proto-platformer is finally making its way to XBLA.

Totally updated for XBLA by developer Tozai (purportedly the original developer and license holder), the version showed off was apparently "incredibly early." Nevertheless, the 3D graphics were sharp and the original Lode Runner gameplay is so immediately infectious it bleeds through every layer of paint thrown on it. But it's not all original gameplay, as the developer is adding in several multiplayer modes like "Hang-On," which supports four players, and "Journey," which supports two.

One of our favorite touches was the history timeline of the game, which aims to educate gamers on Lode Runner's long history and role in the history of video games. A very classy touch, and one we'd love to see more of in our games, along with the original game variant while they're at it. Understandably, there's no word on price or release, but we were told "2008" was a good estimate.

But that's still not the biggest question we've got. No, what we really want to know is whether or not the XBLA version will share the series' iconic level editor functionality. The answer was that while nothing has been announced, the developer is obviously aware of the game's history. Is it too much to hope that we'd be allowed to share user-created levels, perhaps enjoying a LittleBigPlanet-esque community angle? We hope not.

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]]>BreakingNewsCES-2008Lode-RunnerTozaiXBLAMon, 07 Jan 2008 13:45:00 ESTGuitar Hero champ plays Guns n' Roses song with Slash on real guitarhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Closing out this year's CES keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach invited Guitar Hero champion Kelly "TipperQueen" Law-Yone on stage to play Guns n' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" on Guitar Hero 3. Not willing to be outdone, keynote speaker Bill Gates brings out Slash - of Guns n' Roses fame - to play "Welcome to the Jungle" on a real guitar. We'll leave the real vs. virtual guitar debate to you and South Park. Instead, we'll just spend our time wishing for this performance - and The Office parody from earlier in the keynote - show up as online video soon.
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SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>bill-gatescesces-08ces-2008consumer-electronics-showgatesguitar-heroguitar-hero-3microsoftxboxxbox-360Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:54:00 EST