Microsoft Details Xbox 360 ‘Chatpad’ Keyboard at OGDC
May 11, 2007
Microsoft’s GM of Xbox Live, JJ Richards, further discussed the recently announced Xbox 360 mini-keyboard controller, revealing that the keys can be used for gameplay purposes.
During a panel on new opportunities in console technology, Richards showed a slide picturing the recently announced QWERTY thumb-keyboard, which will debut later this summer and is to be used with existing Xbox 360 controllers.
Richards stated “I can have chat in my games; now that it’s a proper keyboard.” OGDC moderator, Jeff Pobst of Hidden Path Entertainment, interjected, “Are those buttons available for gameplay?” Richards confirmed that they would be. “All of the sudden, I can have a controller with mini-buttons, if I want,” said Pobst. “It’ll be very interesting to see how developers take advantage of that innovation,” commented Microsoft’s Richards.
Later in the panel, Richards spoke about Live as the same service across platforms - the 360, and the PC - adding, “I want to kill the word ‘ports.’ Halo will be the first one to do that. Next month, Shadowrun will be the first one that does cross-platform play.”
With Live, Richards hopes that developers will “focus on the story, focus on a great game, everything else will be taken care of.” He concluded with “you build the content, we’ll allow you to ship it on the biggest platform you can.”
PS3 Predicted as Next-Gen Victor
May 7, 2007
In his latest Entertainment Software Publishing and Retail industry report, video game analyst Michael Pachter says that the “quality and quantity of the underlying available content” will be the key decider over the next-gen, giving the slight edge to the PS3.
“We believe that the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are far more similar than their predecessors were and believe that the economics of game development will serve as a disincentive to third party publishers to offer exclusive content for either console,” Pachter explains. “In a perverse way, the similarity between the two platforms will likely serve to lower the costs of porting software from one platform to the other, and we anticipate that virtually every third-party title produced for one will be produced for the other.”
That lack of differentiation, Pachter concludes, will give the Wii an initial competitive advantage, as by nature of its control mechanisms, publishers are far more inclined to create separate SKUs. Scoring that content exclusivity is the “wildcard” in next generation console sales, and Nintendo’s particular advantage, he says, is its “deep library of internally developed games/brands,” concluding, “we think that Nintendo’s Wii will gain the greatest share of the hardware market in 2007.”
However, while the analyst says Sony may struggle to secure third party exclusivity, he does expect that a combination of blockbuster internally-produced games, the growing installed base for the PSP and continued robust PS2 software sales will make up for the third party shortfall.
On top of that, Pachter also says that aside from game content, “we expect the ultimate outcome of the console wars to be decided by the motion picture studios. Should the studios embrace Sony’s Blu-ray standard for high definition DVDs, we think Sony will gain an insurmountable advantage over Microsoft; should the studios embrace Sony rival Toshiba’s HD-DVD format, we think that Microsoft can maintain its first mover advantage and will dominate software sales for years to come.”
By the end of the cycle, though, Pachter predicts, “we see Sony ‘winning’ the console war with 36% of the market, with Nintendo ‘capturing’ second place at 34% and Microsoft finishing third at 30%” — a virtual “dead heat,” with all three generating “significant profits.”
Exactly Who Is Microsft Chasing with Elite?
May 1, 2007
Will Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Elite end up simply confusing and alienating gamers looking for a solid game system? Has Microsoft has learned Nintendo’s prior lesson about focusing on the “hard-core” crowd? The latest report from analyst group DFC Intelligence lays it all out.
“The launch of the Xbox 360 Elite means Microsoft is now chasing Sony after the high-end market. The strategy of both Sony and Microsoft seems very similar to the one Atari and Nintendo unsuccessfully tried,” the repost states, explaining that the Xbox 360 Elite is a $479 system, the goal of which “is to target consumers that want to download and play high-definition video.”
However, there should be concern that what the Elite may end up accomplishing is confusing and alienating those consumers just looking for a solid game system.
The report notes that one problem with the new Microsoft console it its name: “With the word ‘elite’ Microsoft is implying that their existing users and all potential future Xbox 360 buyers that if they only spend $400 they are not elite. At the same time Microsoft announced the Elite, Sony was announcing that they were eliminating the low-end $500 PlayStation 3 SKU. Sony claimed that demand for the $600 PS3 SKU was over 10-to-1 that for the $500 SKU. This illustrates a basic rule about the video game consumer: when you are talking big bucks consumers do comparison shopping.”
“The Xbox 360 Elite seems like Microsoft’s attempt to chase Sony for the high-end video-centric consumer.” The report goes on to explain thst chasing Sony in that way is an unwinnable mission because the Elite targets a marginal - possibly non-existent - consumer that wants an HD system, but also wants “to cut corners when it comes to video playback by using a comparatively low-tech video game hardware system.”
And what about the Elite’s built-in HDTV DVD player or Internet Wi-Fi? Nope, included. That said, the PS3 offers more and costs less.
“But the issue of what the Elite lacks is not the primary concern. It is fine to try and satisfy the high-end consumer, but if doing so alienates your mass market base it can spell doom. Sony has more flexibility to go with a high-end strategy because they are still satisfying their core PlayStation 2 consumer base. With hot new products like God of War II, Sony Computer Entertainment is showing existing consumers they don’t need to rush to upgrade to the PS3 (or competing system). Compare this with Microsoft that basically slammed the door on the original Xbox and is now basically telling initial Xbox 360 purchasers they need to buy a whole new system if they truly want to do high-definition.”
It’s the issue of HDMI output that seems to be the biggest problem for the Elite. Specifically, most consumers don’t even know what an HDMI port is. Just last year Microsoft maintained that you don’t need HDMI for HD and that regular component cables will in fact work just fine.
A recent look at the Elite by GamePro also prioved less than sterling: Ultimately, the Elite has nothing to do with enhancing the gameplay experience; it’s for multimedia whores. HDMI, a larger hard drive, new movies and TV content? Great. Remind me why the gamer in me cares? How will the Elite improve my games? From a game saving and demo download standpoint, a 20 GB hard drive is more than enough (hint: you were right the first time, Microsoft). After all, despite whom Elite is being pitched to, gamers are the ones really buying the product.”
Guitar Hero II, Wii: Rare Commodities for U.S. Reatilers
April 24, 2007
AG Edwards analyst Bill Kreher has revealed that Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 is now sold out in 99 out of 100 GameStop stores surveyed.
In Kreher’s April 10th survey, 89 out of 100 GameStop stores were sold out of Guitar Hero II for Microsoft’s Xbox 360, but the new survey shows a continued case of “demand outstripping supply with only 1 of 100 GameStops having GH II in stock (1 unit) and again no extra guitar (X-Plorer) controllers.”
“Roughly half of the stores without copies available expect a shipment to arrive at some point during this week. We believe Activision is currently seeking ways to increase production and fulfill consumer demand,” Kreher noted in his commentary to clients.
Of Guitar Hero II publisher, Kreher also re-iterated, “We continue to believe ATVI is poised for market share gains in first half fiscal ‘08 based on momentum from Guitar Hero and solid prospects for movie-supported franchises including Spiderman and Shrek.”
Kreher’s queries on whether next-gen hardware was available at each of the 100 GameStop stores revealed results tying in with recent anecdotal information: “Our questions on hardware availability continue to reflect high demand for the Wii. Of the stores we contacted, none had a Nintendo Wii available. Our survey also found PS3s and Xbox 360s in all 100 stores.”
Kreher has also said that, according to his retail checks, the retail Wii drought isn’t expected to end any time soon: “We were told by 5 GameStops that they expected to receive orders this week.” The stock problems couldn’t be narrowed specifically to either high demand or short supply, he explained. “Most of the outlets we talked to explained that they go extremely fast once they are received — people even follow the delivery trucks to the stores.”
“Most of the sales associates did not have a clue when the next shipment would be in, explaining that sometimes when the packages get off the trucks they are surprised to find Wiis inside. We have heard from numerous stores that sometimes they will receive 10 units, then the next shipment only 2 units. It is very volatile and unpredictable.”
Xbox Live Pac-Man Championship Announced
April 18, 2007
Microsoft and Namco Bandai reps have announced a new global Xbox Live Pac-Man World Championship contest, with players competing for a chance to travel to New York City and be crowned champion.
From April 25th to May 9th, players with a full version of Pac-Man for Xbox Live Arcade can (after registering, of course)rank themselves through Live Arcade to assert themselves at the top Pac-Man player. In the interest of fairness, previous leaderboard scores will be completely deleted. At midnight on May 9th, Microsoft will tally the top nine scores across the globe for Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Mexico, as well as two finalists from Europe and the U.S. Those winners will be flown to New York City for the June 5th finals, where the winner will be crowned by Pac-Man creator Toru Iwatani.
A 10th ‘wildcard’ finalist will also take part in the championships based on a concurrently run ‘Pac-Man FANatic’ contest, where any member of the public can submit a video that “best illustrates their love for Pac-Man.”
The finals champion will also receive a number of other prizes, including 26 years of free meals from Quiznos, 100,000 Microsoft Points, and a customized Xbox 360 console featuring a special Pac-Man inspired design.
“Namco Bandai Games and I are proud to partner with Microsoft on the Xbox 360 Pac-Man World Championship, which celebrates how popular Pac-Man remains to this day. The success of Pac-Man stems from its fun gameplay and host of characters that have been enjoyed by families for generations. It will be exciting to see Pac-Man fans from around the world compete on Xbox Live Arcade to become the first-ever Pac-Man World Champion,” said Toru Iwatani.
Halo 3 Beta Announced For May
April 10, 2007
Microsoft and developer Bungie have announced that the public beta test period for Halo 3’s multiplayer component will begin on May 16 (5am PDT) and continue until June 6 (11:59pm PDT).
Access to the multiplayer public beta was heavily advertised as a feature in the initial run of Realtime Worlds’ Crackdown, with access to the eventual download only being possible if customers retained the game disc. Admission to the beta was also offered through the “Rule of Three” promotion which required users to register on Halo3.com, play three hours of Halo 2 between February 1st and February 3rd, 2007 and be one of the first 13,333 players to do so.
Although access to public beta testing is common for many PC games, this is one of the first times it has been made available for a console game, and the first time that it has been used as a major marketing tool for any game. Access to earlier closed beta testing was less well advertised and largely limited to North America.
The public beta testing download will feature three maps (Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla), as well as the new all-terrain vehicle, the Mongoose. New weapons such as the redesigned assault rifle, Brute spiker, Spartan laser and spike grenades will also feature. A new behind the scenes video of the game has also been launched today at the Bungie website and on Xbox Live.
“Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 changed the face of console gaming forever,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox Live playing Halo 2, and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox Live network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of Halo 3 to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us.”
Microsoft Confirms Messenger Service, Xbox 360 Update
April 9, 2007
Microsoft has confirmed the imminent launch of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360 as part of the Xbox 360 Spring Update, allowing Windows, Xbox 360, and mobile users to communicate with each other, also confirming a mini-keyboard controller for X360 and many other Xbox 360 OS additions.
The Xbox 360 Spring Update, which will available on May 7, will include Windows Live Messenger. Text chat using Windows Live Messenger is possible using the virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360, or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console. In addition, this summer, Microsoft will launch a QWERTY text-input device, a new accessory that will connect directly into the Xbox 360 controller to support text and instant messaging.
Beyond Windows Live Messenger, the Spring Update for Xbox 360 includes many new features and enhancements including the following:
- A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.
- Enhanced family settings features for Xbox Live communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
- A new Xbox Live Marketplace blade lets Xbox Live members access their game, TV show, and movie content from one place on Xbox Live.
- Updates to Xbox Live Arcade allow owners to quickly see which Xbox Live Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox Live members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list.
- New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace.
- Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.
New Cars, Demo Announced for Forza Motorsport 2
April 4, 2007
With the release of Forza Motorsport 2 only a little more than a month away, Microsoft is readying a playable Xbox Live Marketplace demo that should be available pretty soon.
The full version of Forza Motorsport 2 will be available to Xbox 360 gamers mid-May. Turn 10 director Dan Greenawalt is excited about its impending release, based mostly on the amount of meticulous attention his team has given it throughout its development period: “Whether it’s the hundreds of thousands of physics parameters captured from countless man hours taking track measurements and capturing car data to harnessing the power of the industry’s most advanced neural-network search algorithms, non-linear, and linear math models, as well as AI simulation systems from our Microsoft Research Labs. We’ve turned mountains of real world raw data into a living, breathing racing simulator where the only difference between the game and reality is that you’re not risking life and limb when you hit a wall at 200 mph.” Should be aswsome.
Turn 10 has also updated the list of available cars by adding their collection of aftermarket tuner cars. They are as follows (by make):
1998 - Toyota - AB Flug S900 Supra Turbo
2003 - Toyota - APR Performance Celica GTS
1995 - Toyota - Border MR2 Turbo T-bar
1992 - Toyota - Do-Luck Supra
1995 - Toyota - Tom’s T020 MR2
2002 - Toyota - Tom’s W123 MR-S
2002 - Toyota - Tom’s Z382 Soarer
1998 - Toyota - Top Secret 0-300 Supra
1998 - Toyota - VeilSide Supra Fortune 03
1998 - Toyota - VeilSide Supra Fortune 99
1995 - Toyota - VIS Racing MR2 Turbo T-bar
2004 - Honda - Mugen Civic Type-R
2002 - Honda - Mugen Integra Type-R
2003 - Honda - Mugen S2000
2000 - Honda - Aerogear Integra Type-R
1994 - Honda - Do-Luck NSX
2004 - Honda - Wings West Civic Si
2002 - Nissan - Tommy Kaira Skyline GT-R R34
2000 - Nissan - Top Secret D1-Spec S15
2003 - Nissan - Fairlady Z Custom Edition
1993 - Nissan - MINE’S R32 Skyline GT-R
2002 - Nissan - MINE’S R34 Skyline GT-R
2006 - Mitsubishi - HKS Time Attack Evolution
1999 - Mitsubishi - MINE’S CP9A Lancer Evolution VI
2003 - Mitsubishi - Sparco Lancer Evolution VIII
1995 - Mazda - INGS RX-7
1995 - Mazda - RE-Amemiya RX-7
2002 - Chevrolet - Lingenfelter 427 Corvette
2003 - Chevrolet - Corvette Guldstrand Edition
2000 - Audi - AWE Tuning SilverBullet S4
2000 - Acura - VIS Racing Integra Type-R
2003 - Ford - FocusSport SVT Focus
2003 - Lexus - Foose Design IS430 Project Car
2000 - Dodge - Hennessey Viper 800TT
1998 - Subaru - Tommy Kaira Impreza M20b
Microsoft Confirms Xbox 360 Elite Details, Announces New Xbox 360 Video Marketplace Partners
March 28, 2007
Microsoft has confirmed the April 29th U.S. debut of the Xbox 360 Elite, the new model that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller, and Xbox Live headset for $479. A one-month Xbox Live Gold account will also come bundled with the Elite.
The new 120GB hard drive will also be sold as a stand-alone accessory for $179, “to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience,” according to an official company statement.
Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller ($49.99), Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit ($19.99), and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery ($11.99) will be available separately from the April 29th date onwards.
“Today’s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Xbox 360 Elite’s larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer.”
Microsoft officials have also announced the support of a raft of new video content providers for Xbox Live, including Paramount, Warner Bros., A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic, and TotalVid.com.
Paramount Pictures will also offer content on Xbox Live for the first time, with move titles such as Braveheart, Team America: World Police, World Trade Center, and South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release direct-to-video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox Live; Sublime and Babylon 5: The Lost Tales are confirmed.
A&E Network will offer “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” “King of Cars,” “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” “Driving Force,” and “Criss Angel Mindfreak.” National Geographic will offer television series such as “Is It Real?,” “Taboo,” “21 Days to Baghdad,” and “Air Force One.”
Specific titles from ADV Films and TotalVid.com have not yet been announced, although the former is one of the major producers and distributors of Japanese anime in the West. TotalVid.com specializes in extreme sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, motocross, surfing and mountain biking.
Microsoft claim that the new partners will add more than 1,500 hours of downloadable content to that already available on Xbox Live. The downloading of movies and TV shows is currently limited to North America, with no specifically announced timetable for a similar service, which would require different licensing deals in other parts of the world.
Xbox 360 Elite Details Leak
March 27, 2007
Even though an official announcement has not yet been made by Microsoft, plenty of print and internet sources are unofficially heralding the forthcoming Xbox 360 Elite system.
Dean Takahashi of the San Jose Mercury News recently chimed in with his sources, claiming that the Elite (or, more specifically, its comparably larger 120 GB hard drive) will be featured as an introductory platform for Microsoft’s new IPTV service. As a result, the Xbox 360 will double as an IPTV set-top box, allowing users the luxury of viewing television programming after it’s piped through their console systems.
Takahashi also writes that, given Microsoft’s track record of redesigning motherboards and reducing chip costs on a yearly basis, another major change is in store for the Xbox 360 starting this fall. According to his sources, the microprocessors that power the Xbox 360 will be reduced in size from 90 nanometers to 65 nanometers, which will benefit Microsoft in a number of ways, including reduced costs, increased production capacity, and more efficient hardware.
Meanwhile, news broke out in a rather unexpected place as a Microsoft employee, labeled as an “XNA Framework Developer,” may have inadvertently admitted to the Elite’s existence. In a forum thread on the Microsoft Developer Network, one inquiring poster asked whether the HDMI output on the “revised 360″ would require any code changes. The developer, known as “Shawn Hargreaves,” responded by saying, “No changes required,” thereby possibly confirming the system’s existence!
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