Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Earthworms, FPS deals and LEGO Harry Potter on XBLM next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/earthworms-fps-deals-and-lego-harry-potter-on-xbla-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Major Nelson has spilled all of the proverbial beans on next week's XBL content and deals, and it looks like the perfect time to catch up on some games you might have missed.

Leading the pack is Earthworm Jim HD, the long-awaited re-release of the only game in memory that lets you launch cows for fun and profit. It'll be out on Wednesday, June 9, for 800 ($10). Red Faction Guerrilla and Need for Speed Undercover will be released for Games on Demand, and a demo for LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will be out on Monday, June 7.

The deals are excellent as well -- Worms 2: Armageddon, Duke Nukem 3D and Peggle (yes!) will all be on sale next week for 400 ($5), and you'll be able to get FPSes Serious Sam HD, Call of Duty Classic and Battlefield 1943 for just 800 ($10).

JoystiqEarthworms, FPS deals and LEGO Harry Potter on XBLM next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoearthworm-jim-hdgames-on-demandlego-harry-potter-years-1-4majornelsonmicrosoftneed-for-speed-undercoverred-faction-guerillaxblaxboxXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceSat, 05 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: How fake is Don Mattrick's Twitter? So fake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/psa-how-fake-is-don-mattricks-twitter-so-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/psa-how-fake-is-don-mattricks-twitter-so-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/psa-how-fake-is-don-mattricks-twitter-so-fake/#comments
A quick public service announcement to any and all tipsters sending us links to Don Mattrick's official Twitter account: It's fake. Sure, it would have been nice to reveal new Halo: Reach related details, but the only news out of the Twitter account is that there is no news at all. Really, we're not surprised with such masterfully crafted tweets as: "We're currently working with a third party studio on a new xbox 360 exclusive game engine to showcase unmatched graphical fidilty." Yes, "fidilty."

Microsoft's (real) Twitter expert Major Nelson -- aka Larry Hryb -- tells us he is currently working with the Twitter team to have the account removed. With so many fake accounts, it's no wonder Twitter is testing a new "Verified Account" label. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Don Mattrick for inspiring a phony Twitter account, following good company such as artist Kanye West, ass-kicker Chuck Norris and all of the Pokemans.

JoystiqPSA: How fake is Don Mattrick's Twitter? So fake originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-mattrickfakelarry-hrybmajornelsonmicrosoftpsatwitterXbox-360Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 guide to offer blades, no solid explanation of how]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/xbox-360-guide-to-offer-blades-no-solid-explanation-of-how/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/xbox-360-guide-to-offer-blades-no-solid-explanation-of-how/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/xbox-360-guide-to-offer-blades-no-solid-explanation-of-how/#commentsFiled under: ,

The upcoming refresh of Xbox 360's user interface is mighty bold ... but what if you have a real soft spot for the oh-so-passé assortment of blades? Ambiguous news! Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten passes along word - via Major Nelson's blog - that the new Xbox "guide" will retain the blades-based interface, although it's still a little confusing as to exactly how.

In his update, Whitten says: "For everyone who loves the blades interface, it's not going away," and that "every feature and option [the blades offer] is available right from the guide." Confused? You're not alone. It sounds to us like a sort of "classic view" will be offered ... but, at the same time, like the guide will simply offer the same features. We took a vote and came up 50/50 on it. We'll be sure to press Microsoft for more details as E3 plays out.

[Update: Microsoft has demo'd the revised blade functionality to the media. Pressing the Xbox Guide button now brings up a more compact version of the blade-based "dashboard," rather than the traditional single pop-out Guide blade.]

JoystiqXbox 360 guide to offer blades, no solid explanation of how originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdashboardE3e308hdtvmajornelsonXbox-360xbox-guideMon, 14 Jul 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft brings Chobot, 'IGN Strategize' to XBL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/microsoft-brings-chobot-ign-strategize-to-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/microsoft-brings-chobot-ign-strategize-to-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/microsoft-brings-chobot-ign-strategize-to-xbl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not to be trumped in the online flesh-and-blood female host arms race by Sony and Qore's Veronica Belmont, Microsoft has announced a partnership with IGN to bring its popular "IGN Strategize" segments to Xbox Live, hosted by IGN host/celebrity Jessica Chobot (who may or may not lick a 360 controller).

Larry Hryb, Xbox Live's "Major Nelson," made the announcement this morning via his Twitter feed. A brief preview clip of himself and Chobot chatting has subsequently hit the "Inside Xbox" section of Live. IGN Strategize will soon join the other regular Inside Xbox segments and focus on tips, tricks, and strategies, hence the name.

JoystiqMicrosoft brings Chobot, 'IGN Strategize' to XBL originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewschobotigninside-xboxmajornelsonpsnqoreveronica-belmontXBLXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 25 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 25 pop-u-lar Xbox gamertags]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/top-25-popular-xbox-gamertags/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/top-25-popular-xbox-gamertags/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/top-25-popular-xbox-gamertags/#commentsFiled under: ,


Microsoft's Trixie (Christa Phillips) released a list of the top 25 Xbox Live gamertags in 2007 over the weekend. The list is compiled "anytime the gamercard or profile is called up," with more "hits" resulting in a higher placement. Topping the list is obviously none other than Major Nelson, known in real life as the vowel-deficient Larry Hryb, Xbox Live's director of programming, the guru and go-to man for Xbox related issues and announcements -- especially when things go horribly wrong with the service.

We're not exactly sure who a lot of the people on the list are (which can also be found after the break with an appropriate video clip), but Ms. Trixie comes in at number three behind other Microsoft personality Eric "e" Neustadter. Xbox Live "cheater" Gilbert Arenas bounced in at number six, while Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 developers made eight and nine respectively. Also, former X3F writer David "Knuckles Dawson" Dreger made number 19. Now, let's see if you all can fill in the rest of the names behind the gamertags.

Continue reading Top 25 pop-u-lar Xbox gamertags

JoystiqTop 25 pop-u-lar Xbox gamertags originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamertagsmajor-nelsonMajorNelsonpopularxblXbox-360xbox-livexboxliveMon, 07 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson speaks about recent Xbox Live issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/major-nelson-speaks-about-recent-xbox-live-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/major-nelson-speaks-about-recent-xbox-live-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/major-nelson-speaks-about-recent-xbox-live-issues/#commentsFiled under:

Many of you might have noticed a bevy of problems facing Xbox live over this past week: An unresponsive marketplace, the inability to recover a gamertag (or even sign in), and aggravating matchmaking wait times, to name a few. Major Nelson issued a statement last night explaining that while there have been no complete outages of the service over the past week, "problems like this are not acceptable," and that they are working to get the service back to normal. Sadly, no time frame was provided on when repairs to the service would be complete.

There's been no official statement on why the service has been so shoddy lately, but if we were the guessing type, we blame it on the holiday season. We're sure that tons of people found a 360 under their trees (or candles), and immediately tried to hop online; only to collide with the millions of vacationing gamers who were already playing. Technology has come a long way, but the internet can still only hold so many racial epithet-slinging Master Chiefs before things start breaking down.

JoystiqMajor Nelson speaks about recent Xbox Live issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Major-NelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoftXbox-360XboxLiveSun, 30 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson is community's Person of the Year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/major-nelson-is-communitys-person-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/major-nelson-is-communitys-person-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/major-nelson-is-communitys-person-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under:

With an award to prove it, our good friend Larry Hryb (a.k.a. Major Nelson) is officially enjoyed by the major-ity (haha!) of the gaming community.

GameDaily's 2007 Persons of the Year awards just wrapped and for the first year ever they handed out a Reader's Choice award. GameDaily asked readers to tell them who in the gaming industry was worthy of the Reader's Choice honor and after tallying the votes Mr. Face of Xbox himself and Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb came out on top beating notables like Ken Levine and Jade Raymond. You can read Major's thank you post over on his blog, so be sure to stop on by and tell him how uber awesome he is. Now our chances of getting him to accept our friend request will be zilch to none ...

[Thanks, EdogLost]

JoystiqMajor Nelson is community's Person of the Year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>larry-hrybmajor-nelsonmajornelsonWed, 19 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameDaily 'Persons of the Year': #1 - 3 and readers' choice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gamedaily-persons-of-the-year-1-3-and-readers-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gamedaily-persons-of-the-year-1-3-and-readers-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/gamedaily-persons-of-the-year-1-3-and-readers-choice/#commentsFiled under: ,


GameDaily concluded its "Persons of the Year" feature today by announcing Nintendo America's COO Reggie Fils-Aime took the top spot; Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb took the readers' choice award. Fils-Aime bested Activision CEO Bobby Kotick (#2) and Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos (#3) because of the Wii's phenomenal success in the States. GameDaily had previously announced #4 and #5, which went to Aaron Greenberg and Jeff Gerstmann respectively.

Major Nelson -- guru of Xbox -- received the readers' choice award after politely directing his loyal readership to GameDaily's website. Before Major Nelson stepped up his campaign, Assassin's Creed producer Jade Raymond was in the lead. Too bad Raymond didn't win though, GameDaily ended up having "Men of the Year" awards rather than "Persons of the Year."

Read -- 2007 Persons of the Year #1
Read -- Persons of the Year: Readers' Choice Unveiled

JoystiqGameDaily 'Persons of the Year': #1 - 3 and readers' choice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fils-aimefilsaimegamedailyjaderaymondkoticklarryhrybmajornelsonpersons-of-the-yearraymondrigopulosTue, 18 Dec 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock music list posted by Major Nelson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bioshock-music-list-posted-by-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bioshock-music-list-posted-by-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bioshock-music-list-posted-by-major-nelson/#commentsFiled under: ,


Still can't get the background tunes form BioShock out of your head? Well Major Nelson, courtesy of BioShock's Ken Levine, has posted the track list for the game (found after the break). As those who have played BioShock know, the music is as much a part of the game as anything else. And considering we'll never be able to listen to The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker again without imagining the Sander Cohen masterpiece fight, the team at 2K Boston obviously did a great job in their musical selection for scenes within the game. Not since the use of Bach in Gyruss can we distinctly recall a classical piece being so memorably tied with a video game.

We're curious to see what musical selections 2K Boston will make for our return to Rapture. All we really want is some scene in BioShock 2 of Big Daddies dancing to David Bowie's Magic Dance from Labyrinth. Can't remember it? You'll find that after the break too.

Continue reading BioShock music list posted by Major Nelson

JoystiqBioShock music list posted by Major Nelson originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockmajornelsonmusicPCraptureXbox-360Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson asks gamers, 'Sup?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/major-nelson-asks-gamers-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/major-nelson-asks-gamers-sup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/major-nelson-asks-gamers-sup/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over at the house that Major built, Larry Hryb has alerted gamers to a Microsoft pow-pow taking place early next week. Those in attendance include Ray Ozzie, Chief Software Architect, and David Vaskevitch, Chief Technical Officer, just to name a few. Hryb wanted to know, "What would you say to the leaders of services at Microsoft?" So far, the post has received over 400 user comments, with a variety of topics being broached by readers.

The discussion has focused on such lively topics as the "shafting [of] Canadians," general "price of Xbox Live," and ever-so-broad buzzword "innovation." However, some folks appear so damned excited that they're unable to issue coherent suggestions -- tried spell checker? Case in point: Tobe (USA) writes, "u should say that, in the next dashborad update, trails and full games should be seperated in the catagory section of XBLA games." Maybe someone should suggest that Microsoft get up on some educational games, eh?

JoystiqMajor Nelson asks gamers, 'Sup? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Major-NelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoftXbox-360Xbox-LiveXboxLiveFri, 05 Oct 2007 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Weekend: September 15 - 17, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/the-joystiq-weekend-september-15-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/the-joystiq-weekend-september-15-17-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/the-joystiq-weekend-september-15-17-2007/#commentsFiled under:

Having also been in situations where we've missed flights due to lost essentials (e.g. plane tickets, photo ID), we can only express deep sympathy for Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, who is not going to Tokyo Game Show this year due to a missing passport. Unfortunately, the Major didn't find out until he was in the terminal. Ouch. If you find his passport, be sure to let him know. Otherwise, check out the highlights for the weekend:

Joystiquery
Joyswag: 10 invites to the Call of Duty 4 Beta
Podcast Rodeo for Sept. 16: Yes, ear
Reminder: win the ultimate Halo 3 setup from X3F
Today's cuddliest video: LocoRoco Cocoreccho trailer
Today's seriously 32-player Wii FPS: Medal of Honor Heroes 2
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: DIY Omegathon edition

News
Breaking news: Racer Colin McRae dies in helicopter crash
Itagaki shows off Ninja Gaiden II aqua city level
New games this week: Eternal Sonata edition
Yoshi Story, Super Thunder Blade, World Class Baseball on Virtual Console
Future Weapons to feature Halo 3 tonight
Intel picks up Havok for $21M
TurboGrafx-CD games coming to Virtual Consoles worldwide
Sony unveils Karraker replacement Scott Steinberg
Grade-grubbing GameStop manager gets suspended
Chinese online gamer dies after three day stint
Dave Perry: PSP Lite a 'head in the sand' move for Sony
WoW character sells for nearly $10,000
Xfire shows off their latest Xstatics
Nintendo shuts down official forums "indefinitely"
Oklahoma violent game law overturned

Rumors & Speculation
Reuters: Sony in talks to sell chip manufacturing to Toshiba
Rumor: Rumbling Sixaxis to debut at TGS
Rumor: Halo 3 ending leaked onto net

Culture & Community
Don't move, just listen: Automatic Mario goes anime music
Sealed game collectors hoarding all the cool toys
Book critic plays BioShock, says it's not quite "art"
Cliffy B: BioShock is my game of the year
Pimp your Wii with Talismoon's new cases
MTV drops new Multiplayer blog (plus BioShock Vs. Mode)

JoystiqThe Joystiq Weekend: September 15 - 17, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecapjapanmajornelsontgstokyoXbox-360Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[COD4 dev becomes most popular gamertag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/cod4-dev-becomes-most-popular-gamertag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/cod4-dev-becomes-most-popular-gamertag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/cod4-dev-becomes-most-popular-gamertag/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Move over Major Nelson, thy reign has come to an end. According to Xbox.com, the most popular gamertag honor has been transferred to fourzerotwo, a lowly developer working on a little-known-game entitled Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

How did this underdog best the Voice of Microsoft's console? We expect a full-on popularity assault by The Major (real name Larry Hyrb). This fight isn't over, you can bet your gamerscore on it.

JoystiqCOD4 dev becomes most popular gamertag originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>callofdutycod4fourzerotwogamertaginfinitywardmajornelsonmodernwarfarexblXbox-360xboxliveTue, 11 Sep 2007 03:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlock Xbox winners to get a special visit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unlock-xbox-winners-to-get-a-special-visit1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unlock-xbox-winners-to-get-a-special-visit1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/unlock-xbox-winners-to-get-a-special-visit1/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you entered your XBLA game idea into the Doritos sponsored Unlock Xbox contest be prepared, because winners will be getting a special visit soon. The Xbox community's very own Major Nelson is off on a mysterious trip around the country on a mission to surprise five lucky Unlock Xbox winners by stopping by their homes and telling them the good news. Major can't tell us exactly where he's headed, because that would of course ruin the whole "surprise" element, but be rest assured he's getting the first class travel treatment wherever he goes. And if you end up not getting a visit from Major, head over to the Unlock Xbox website August 20th when the top five better winning game ideas will be announced.

JoystiqUnlock Xbox winners to get a special visit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doritosmajornelsonunlockxboxxblaWed, 15 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bitter dregs: A brief round-up of new Xbox 360 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/bitter-dregs-a-brief-round-up-of-new-xbox-360-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/bitter-dregs-a-brief-round-up-of-new-xbox-360-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/bitter-dregs-a-brief-round-up-of-new-xbox-360-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This post is not necessarily for you. You may have already read the headline and moved on actually, in which case, thanks for visiting, please enjoy our other posts. But there are a handful of readers out there who will see the below information and triumphantly pump their spindly fists in the air and bolt for the couch, praying that they have enough points to make the purchase. It is for them that we present the following bitter dregs news.

In the first batch, there's new DLC for Band of Bugs. It's 250 points ($3.12) and will get you new levels and units and some other stuff. There are new games for Soltrio Solitare for just 150 points ($1.87). Also, 300 points ($3.75) will get you (and we're not making this up) "12 new river tiles" in Carcassonne! Finally, there are about a bajillion new costumes for Rumble Roses XX, and each one's going to cost you 80 points (too much) so you better start stocking up, pervo.

OK, that should cover it. Thanks for bearing with us.

JoystiqBitter dregs: A brief round-up of new Xbox 360 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmajornelsonxblaXbox-360xboxliveThu, 09 Aug 2007 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 gets backwards compatibility update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/xbox-360-gets-backwards-compatibility-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/xbox-360-gets-backwards-compatibility-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/xbox-360-gets-backwards-compatibility-update/#commentsFiled under:

Taking a moment away from E3, Major Nelson updated his blog to give the latest information on Xbox 360 backwards compatibility. The whole list of new titles can be found after the break, and you can always go to Xbox's site to get the full list.

This would typically be the part where we'd say something about how silly it is that the Xbox 360 has backwards compatibility issues in the first place, but now he's not the only guy in town with a problem. There aren't that many original Xbox games that are still worth worrying about. Our concern is more with the new version of the PS3 which will have "limited backwards compatibility," especially when there was nothing limited about its compatibility before. Oh well, if you're planning on getting the PS3 and you have a favorite old game on the system, make sure to check it will still work -- or got get yourself a current PS3 model while you still can.

Continue reading Xbox 360 gets backwards compatibility update

JoystiqXbox 360 gets backwards compatibility update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibilityEAElectronic-Artsmajor nelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoftThe-Urbz-Sims-in-the-CityxboxXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Stuntman: Ignition demo crashes into Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/stuntman-ignition-demo-crashes-into-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/stuntman-ignition-demo-crashes-into-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/stuntman-ignition-demo-crashes-into-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


C'mon, everybody! Sing along!

Well, I've never really sold that well, but I've frustrated plenty. It's true that you can try me for no pay, a-hey-hey. I've gotten burned over long load times after blowin' up for the 20th time, but at least I'm not as bad as on GBA, a-hey-hey. You might say you're gonna buy me, you may think I'm really lame, but I'm the Stuntman demo that just came out today.

OK, so we're no Lee Majors, and the demo is actually for Stuntman: Ignition (try working that into a lyric!). But it's E3, cut us some slack. We're actually curious to see what you guys think of this one. So ... what are you waiting for? Go play and discuss!

JoystiqStuntman: Ignition demo crashes into Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosmajornelsonstuntmanXbox-360xboxliveThu, 12 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero II gets new song pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/guitar-hero-ii-gets-new-song-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/guitar-hero-ii-gets-new-song-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/guitar-hero-ii-gets-new-song-pack/#commentsFiled under: ,

Boy, that Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Rock Band sure look exciting, don't they? The inclusion of Slash, new downloadable content every week? It's a very good time to love pretending to play guitar. But doesn't the axiom go "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold"? You've got an opportunity to show a little love to an old friend with a new downloadable song pack for Guitar Hero II on Xbox Live.

For 500 points ($6.25) you can pick up "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Smoke on the Water" and "You've Got Another Thing Coming." So, go ahead, spend some time with an old friend. Yes, he's an old friend who charges you six bucks to listen to old songs at his house, but he's a friend just the same.

[Thanks, everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqGuitar Hero II gets new song pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcguitarheroiimajornelsonXbox-360xboxliveThu, 12 Jul 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic and Golden Axe now on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-now-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You have to feel for the guy or gal who has to write the blade descriptions for Xbox Live Arcade games. Take this week's release of Sonic the Hedgehog and Golden Axe (both 400 points/$5) for example. What does one say about Sonic at this point? Our description would be something like "It's Sonic the Hedgehog. Buy it ... or don't." Then we'd just fill out the empty space with a picture of those cats playing Pokemon or something.

Now, with Golden Axe, we'd probably write "It's not as good as you remember," which is why we don't work for Microsoft.

JoystiqSonic and Golden Axe now on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goldenaxemajornelsonsonicxblaXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft 'Bringing it Home' again for Min-E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/microsoft-bringing-it-home-again-for-min-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/microsoft-bringing-it-home-again-for-min-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/microsoft-bringing-it-home-again-for-min-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft is reemploying their Bringing it Home campaign for this year's Min-E3. The campaign has previously been seen during last year's E3 and their X06 event in Barcelona, Spain.

As part of Bringing it Home, a barrage of content will be made available via Xbox Live, including their July 10 press conference, game trailers, themes, gamer pictures, demos and other video updates. Some of the games mentioned include Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, Blue Dragon and Project Gotham Racing 4. A partial list (expect surprises from the show) is available after the break.

[Via X3F]

Continue reading Microsoft 'Bringing it Home' again for Min-E3

JoystiqMicrosoft 'Bringing it Home' again for Min-E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bringing it homeBringingItHomee3e3 2007E32007major nelsonMajorNelsonmarketplacexblmxbox livexbox live marketplaceXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveMarketplaceMon, 02 Jul 2007 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow Six Vegas Black Edition goes AWOL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/rainbow-six-vegas-black-edition-goes-awol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/rainbow-six-vegas-black-edition-goes-awol/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/rainbow-six-vegas-black-edition-goes-awol/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So, the Rainbow Six Vegas Black Edition DLC really did appear on Xbox Live. It was brief, but it was there. But now, as you have already found if you've attempted a download over the past day or so, it is most certainly not there. The good Major offers little help on his blog, saying only: "This has been pulled. I'll let you know when it makes a return." Wow, cryptic.

There are, of course, plenty of delightful theories as to why the pack pulled a Judy on Family Matters. Some think that it got on to Marketplace too early, some think a critical bug was discovered. We like to think that Ubisoft was so racked with guilt over charging $10 for five maps (when that amount previously got you five maps and two new modes) that they pulled it. We admit that's not really likely. We'll be sure to update this post when it triumphantly returns.

JoystiqRainbow Six Vegas Black Edition goes AWOL originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmajornelsonrainbowsixrainbowsixvegasubisoftvegasXbox-360xbox360xboxliveThu, 28 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow Six Vegas expands yet again with Black Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/rainbow-six-vegas-expands-yet-again-with-black-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/rainbow-six-vegas-expands-yet-again-with-black-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/rainbow-six-vegas-expands-yet-again-with-black-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rainbow Six Vegas continues to roll along, picking up new levels like some sort of very specific Katamari. This new infusion of terrorist-thwomping action (just two months after your last hit) is called the Player's Pack Black Edition and will run you 800 points ($10).

For your sawbuck, you'll nab three brand new maps like Red Lotus and Wartown plus a revamped version of Streets. You'll also get an appearance from a very special guest star: PRESIDIO, which the elderly among you may remember from Rainbow Six 3. The content weighs in at 705 MB and is available now.

JoystiqRainbow Six Vegas expands yet again with Black Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmajornelsonrainbowsixubisoftvegasXbox-360Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun demo is up ... what do you think?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/shadowrun-demo-is-up-what-do-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/shadowrun-demo-is-up-what-do-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/shadowrun-demo-is-up-what-do-you-think/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Now the floodgates have opened and -- after a brief delay -- everyone's able to get their hands on (some) of FASA Studios' sci-fi/fantasy FPS, Shadowrun, via the demo on Xbox Live. The 1.1 GB freebie gives you access to three of the training chapters, bot and online matches (on one of the maps) two races and a smattering of the tech and magic abilities available in the full game.

Our time with Shadowrun has proven it to be a compelling experience, but short-lived if you're not the sort who likes to really dig deep and explore how different weapon/ability/magic combos work together. It's a stance plenty of reviewers seem to share, but we're curious what you're thinking. Everything may be peaches and lemonade in the free demo, but is the sort of experience you'd spend $60 on?

JoystiqShadowrun demo is up ... what do you think? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fasamajornelsonmicrosoftPCshadowrunXbox-360xbox360xboxliveThu, 07 Jun 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft booting modders off Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-booting-modders-off-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-booting-modders-off-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-booting-modders-off-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've been using a modified Xbox 360 to beta test first-person shooters on Xbox Live, you're about to be shunned by the online world like a leper operating a Simple Plan Myspace page. "How could this happen to me?" you ask. Well, Major Nelson bluntly blurts it out on his temporary post-meltdown page: "As you can imagine, we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to modded consoles connecting to LIVE. We're very serious about this, and if we detect you have a modded Xbox then you will not be able to connect to Xbox Live."

Aside from the sudden disconnection, modders will be informed of their newly-banished status by the above screen and the status code, "Z: 8015 - 190D." Those recipients without eye patches will no doubt be livid and ready to assault message boards with all manner of exclamations and emoticons, but when used for evil, the power of Mod can open the door to online cheating and other unfair unpleasantness. Sometimes innocent bystanders have to pay the price in Microsoft's war on enemy solders.

[Thanks, keeel]

JoystiqMicrosoft booting modders off Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halo 3Halo3Major NelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoftmodsXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeThu, 17 May 2007 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo sailing into some ports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-at-worlds-end-demo-sailing-into-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-at-worlds-end-demo-sailing-into-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/pirates-of-the-caribbean-at-worlds-end-demo-sailing-into-some/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Remember your "Japanese friend" who helped you play that Eternal Sonata demo yesterday? Well, you may need a new friend. You've got plenty of choices, just as long as they're not in Asia, Canada, Mexico or the U.S., because those are the only nations that can't play the new Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo on Xbox Live. Of course, if you're already living outside those countries you can proceed to downloading the sample, which weighs in at 972 MB to make room for the trademark Depp swagger.

If you can't find a friend in another country who'll let you use their Xbox Live account, you can always use our incredible PotC:AWE virtual reality system, which consists of watching the video after the jump and hammering buttons on your 360 controller. We know it's not quite the same, but, if the last game in the series is any indication, the controls would actually be more responsive with our system. Ooh, pirate burn. A bARRRn, if you will.

Continue reading Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo sailing into some ports

JoystiqPirates of the Caribbean: At World's End demo sailing into some ports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>johnnydeppmajornelsonpiratesofthecaribbeanpotcXbox-360xbox360Tue, 15 May 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New content goes Live for Bullet Witch, Test Drive Unlimited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/new-content-goes-live-for-bullet-witch-test-drive-unlimited/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/new-content-goes-live-for-bullet-witch-test-drive-unlimited/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/new-content-goes-live-for-bullet-witch-test-drive-unlimited/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Has your copy of Bullet Witch just been sitting around gathering dust? Well, there's nothing you can do about that; you traded it to EB Games fair and square. No, we don't blame you, we just wanted to let you know that the new content for the game on Marketplace isn't going to do you much good. For those of you who are still hanging with the B-Witch, you'll be able to spend a quarter on a remixed level or the new secretary's costume. ("Eyes like gun barrels hidden behind glasses." They should officially be charging for descriptions.)

Also today, Test Drive Unlimited fans are even more unlimited in their choice of car with the new free Saturn Curve download and a 350-point pack that includes the Ferrari Challenge Stradale, Cadillac Cien, RUF RK Spyder, Dino 246 GT, Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster, TVR T440R. If a majority of that sentence wasn't moon man talk to you, it should be $4.37 well spent.

Read -- Test Drive Unlimited DLC (Free and Premium)
Read -- Bullet Witch In Game Content

JoystiqNew content goes Live for Bullet Witch, Test Drive Unlimited originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtaribulletwitchdlcEden-GamesmajornelsonmarketplaceMicrosoftTest-DriveTest-Drive-UnlimitedXbox-360xboxliveMon, 14 May 2007 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Podcast Rodeo for May 13: Mutinear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/podcast-rodeo-for-may-13-mutinear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/podcast-rodeo-for-may-13-mutinear/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/podcast-rodeo-for-may-13-mutinear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hey, it's time for the Podcast Rodeo once more. This is the very special episode where we learn a little something about ourselves. Hopefully, you'll come with us on this very emotional journey.

1UP Show: The show returns for the summer with a hot new theme song, Odin Sphere video, a preview of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings and tons of stuff on Team Fortress 2, which still looks incredible.

Gamers With Jobs Conference Call: The old, old men of GWJ celebrate their 30th episode with special guest star Big Huge Games' Brian Reynolds talking about the making of Catan. Also, there's some interesting discussion of the debacle, if you've not yet grown tired of the topic.

Continue reading Podcast Rodeo for May 13: Mutinear

JoystiqPodcast Rodeo for May 13: Mutinear originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upshowcatanfinalfantasygfwinsidetrackmajornelsonodinspherepodcastpodcastrodeoteamfortress2WiiSun, 13 May 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Area 51: BlackSite demo Live, government still denying existence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You don't know, man! I've been living in a trailer in southern Nevada for nigh on 27 years, and I've seen some things. Things that Uncle Sam ain't exactly thrilled to be talking about sort of things. Just last night, I was laying in the back of my El Camino peering through my Advanced Ritchey-Chretien Telescope with UHTC Coatings when I saw it: A brilliant blue light, hovering right above Groom Lake. It was what Area 51 junkies like myself had been waiting for for since Art Bell was in short pants: Real proof.

So, I tell my harpy of a wife this morning, what does she do? She says I never even made it outside last night. She says I blacked out on the Davenport after my 13th (possibly 17th) PBR. She says the kids were up all night playing the "new demo for BlackSite: Area 51," whatever the hell that means. Now, I'm not as concerned about another sighting going tits up as I am about the kids playing their AxeBox 360 without their foil hats. How can I protect them if they're not willing to save themselves?

Gallery: BlackSite: Area 51

JoystiqArea 51: BlackSite demo Live, government still denying existence originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitedemomajornelsonmidwayxblXbox-360xbox360Fri, 11 May 2007 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson co-host burns Epic in 'free' debate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/major-nelson-co-host-burns-epic-in-free-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/major-nelson-co-host-burns-epic-in-free-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/major-nelson-co-host-burns-epic-in-free-debate/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Those of you who regularly listen to the podcast for Xbox Live's Major Nelson may have noticed your clicking finger heating up as you moused over the "Download" link this week, probably because the Major's co-host "e" used the show to totally burn (In l33t parlance: own) Epic. It's either that, or you were having a stroke. Let's hope it was the totally sick burn.

The burn-a-thon started last month with Epic's Tim Sweeney's complaint on 1UP Yours that they wanted to give their new Gears of War maps away, but Microsoft was forcing them to charge. On this week's cast, the Major's fellow Xbox Live staffer e retorted: "I do find this amusing though; a lot of people may not remember this but a year ago Epic was bragging about how they cost us one billion dollars." OMG! Burn!

Continue reading Major Nelson co-host burns Epic in 'free' debate

JoystiqMajor Nelson co-host burns Epic in 'free' debate originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upyoursepicgearsofwarmajornelsontimsweeneyxblXbox-360xboxliveTue, 08 May 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[How to make a million ... in Pac-Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/how-to-make-a-million-in-pac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/how-to-make-a-million-in-pac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/how-to-make-a-million-in-pac-man/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tie that scarf around your head, put on your sweatbands, stock up on energy drinks. Major Nelson wants to help your Pac-Man game for the Xbox Live World Championship, and he's offering a downloadable PDF guide.

Most of it involves memorizing patterns -- lots of patterns -- but if you're into a challenge, this 33-page book from 1982 may be up your alley. And before you laugh at someone making a book that long on Pac-Man, just take a gander at the sizes of some of the obscure guides on GameFAQs.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqHow to make a million ... in Pac-Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major nelsonMajorNelsonpac manPacManXbox-360Mon, 07 May 2007 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Podcast Rodeo for May 6: Ear's Mud in Your Eye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/podcast-rodeo-for-may-6-ears-mud-in-your-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/podcast-rodeo-for-may-6-ears-mud-in-your-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/podcast-rodeo-for-may-6-ears-mud-in-your-eye/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a fun week in the Rodeo, the sort of week driven by slow news and few releases, the sort of week that forces hosts to dig deep, let go of the magic feather and try to find the entertainment power that was inside them all along.

The Hotspot: A story of tragedy, triumph and boredom on the Hotspot as a caller tells about working in an arcade while Billy Mitchell was trying to break the Pac-Man record. Long story short: A kid unplugs the machine, tragedy and hilarity ensue.

Continue reading Podcast Rodeo for May 6: Ear's Mud in Your Eye

JoystiqPodcast Rodeo for May 6: Ear's Mud in Your Eye originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2007 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbillymitchellcagcastgfwhotspotjoystiqjustinmcelroymajornelsonnoobtoobspiderman3whiskeynerdSun, 06 May 2007 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Catan now available on XBLA ... with no demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/catan-now-available-on-xbla-with-no-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/catan-now-available-on-xbla-with-no-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/catan-now-available-on-xbla-with-no-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


[Update: The good Major says that everything's hunky-dory, so demo to your heart's content.]

Xbox 360 owners are finally able to get a taste of the phenomenon that's been sweeping basements across the globe: Catan, based on the much more inconveniently titled board game Settlers of Catan, has rolled onto Xbox Live. Unfortunately, if you're interested in the XBLA download, you're going to have to take the guys in the basements' word on it, as Catan has arrived without a free trial.

Major Nelson is already on the case, saying that an "issue" was discovered and the trial had to be removed from the service. To answer your questions: Yes, they have their top scientists working on the problem and no, they don't know how long it will take to fix. But hey, it's $10 (800 MS points), live a little! Thousands of guys in basements can't be wrong, and they had to drop $30 for the thing.

JoystiqCatan now available on XBLA ... with no demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catandemolivemajornelsonxblaxbox liveXbox-360xbox360XboxLiveWed, 02 May 2007 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Ultimate Alliance content on Live ... no, seriously]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/marvel-ultimate-alliance-content-on-live-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/marvel-ultimate-alliance-content-on-live-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/marvel-ultimate-alliance-content-on-live-no-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After being announced two weeks ago with prices and everything, then promptly disappearing, three content packs for Marvel Ultimate Alliance have finally, actually made their way to the Xbox Live Marketplace. The packs are still the same stuff as before Nightcrawler BAMF-ed the whole team to Aruba for two weeks of fun in the sun: 500 MS Points will get you the Hero Pack of Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Hawkeye and The Incredible Hulk or the Villain Pack of Venom, Doctor Doom, Magneto and Sabertooth. The description also says not to buy the packs if you've bought Marvel Ultimate Alliance: Gold Edition (due out next month) because these characters are already in there. So keep that in mind.

For those of you who are buying though, there's a third option, and one we'd love to see other DLC feature: A bargain pack, which gives you all the heroes and villains for the value price of 800 points. No, it's not a huge difference, but it is nice. Now, just give us our Spider-Ham, NFL Superpro and Matthew Lesko pack, and we can die happy. You can watch a trailer featuring all the new content after the break.

Continue reading Marvel Ultimate Alliance content on Live ... no, seriously

JoystiqMarvel Ultimate Alliance content on Live ... no, seriously originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmajornelsonmarvelmuaultimateallianceXbox-360Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson on GHII DLC, Halo 3, Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/major-nelson-on-ghii-dlc-halo-3-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/major-nelson-on-ghii-dlc-halo-3-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/major-nelson-on-ghii-dlc-halo-3-sony/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Before the NYC Guitar Hero II event with Gene Simmons got into full swing, Joystiq got the chance to sit down with Larry Hryb (AKA Major Nelson) and talk about all things Xbox. Speaking about the highly priced Guitar Hero II downloadable songs, Major Nelson states that it's not analogous to iTunes. In other words, the interactivity, the licensing, and the testing all go into creating a price for the new tracks. Furthermore, since the tracks are on a new platform, all the contracts have to be renegotiated. Of course, Red Octane wants to make some money as well. When asked about the bundling issue -- i.e. "I have to buy two crappy songs to get the one I like" -- Major Nelson says that bundling was probably done to bring the cost down. By working on three songs at once, rather than individual songs, Red Octane could conceivably cut down on development costs, thus reducing the price to consumers. In other words, individual songs would likely be even more expensive.

Major Nelson also discusses the upcoming Halo 3 beta, the competition from Sony, the Spring Update, and the Wii. Hit the "read" link for the full interview.

See Also:
Xbox 360 Fancast 010 (featuring Major Nelson)

JoystiqMajor Nelson on GHII DLC, Halo 3, Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghiiguitar hero iiGuitarHeroIilarry hrybLarryHrybmajor nelsonMajorNelsonThu, 12 Apr 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson teases new Dashboard details on Xbox 360 Fancast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/major-teases-new-dashboard-details-on-xbox-360-fancast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/major-teases-new-dashboard-details-on-xbox-360-fancast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/major-teases-new-dashboard-details-on-xbox-360-fancast/#commentsFiled under:


If you haven't been listening to our very own Xbox 360 Fancast, you really ought to be! The team at Xbox 360 Fanboy just celebrated their tenth installment with a very special guest: Spring Dashboard rumors! Oh, and Major Nelson was there too. First, the bad news. According to Major (at around 0:39:45), the oft-requested clan support functionality ain't gonna be coming in the impending Spring update. That doesn't mean individual titles can't use the available API to support clans, but don't expect to see Dashboard level functionality.

Now the good news: Major says (at around 0:40:30) that the update will include "simple things that I've been asking for since launch." 360 Fanboy put their thinking caps on and came up with a pretty convincing guess. Adding some "Play Game" verbiage to determine what game is in the drive is a feature that Major's been vocal about and, they remind us, early Dashboard screenshots (like the one pictures above) included this functionality. It's been a long time coming, so let's hope it is coming.

Listen -- Xbox 360 Fancast 010 featuring XBL's Major Nelson
Speculate -- Spring update may upgrade "Play Game" verbiage
Denied -- What's not in the spring update: clan support

JoystiqMajor Nelson teases new Dashboard details on Xbox 360 Fancast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clansdashboardMajorNelsonspringdashboardspringupdateXbox-360xbox360fanboyxbox360fancastThu, 05 Apr 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Armored Core 4 demo now Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/armored-core-4-demo-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/armored-core-4-demo-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/armored-core-4-demo-now-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fans of giant battling robots, rejoice! A demo for Armored Core 4 has been released onto Xbox Live. Also rejoicing: Fans of not paying $60 for games with uniformly mediocre reviews. Xbox Live's Major Nelson spilled the giant, robotic beans yesterday on his official blog that the strictly single-player affair was available for download and contained three -- count 'em -- three single player missions.

Oh, and those of you who don't like to get involved with a new franchise until it reaches at least its 10th iteration, giving it time to age like a fine wine, can download with confidence. It may say it's the fourth in the series, but it's a little more like the bajillionth.

JoystiqArmored Core 4 demo now Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armoredcoredemomajornelsonXbox-360xbox360Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Fancast: Got a question for Major Nelson?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/fancast-got-a-question-for-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/fancast-got-a-question-for-major-nelson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/fancast-got-a-question-for-major-nelson/#commentsFiled under:


We hinted at having a special guest on this upcoming Xbox 360 Fancast, and as it turns out, it will be Larry Hryb a.k.a. Major Nelson. We're thrilled at the chance to have him on our show, especially considering some of the current events this week. So, since we're going to be there, he's going to be there, and you're going to be listening, we figured you should be involved. So, do you have any questions for the Xbox Live Director of Programming? Obviously, inquiries about upcoming demos or patches may be a little tedious, so we're looking for unique and/or well thought out questions. You can either leave them in a comment, or shoot us an email at fancast [at] xbox360fanboy [dot] com.

JoystiqFancast: Got a question for Major Nelson? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fan CastFanCastLarryLarry HrybLarryHrybMajorMajor NelsonMajorNelsonpod castPodCastX 3 FX3FXbox 360 FancastXbox360FancastWed, 28 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live security foiled by smooth talkers, not hackers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/xbox-live-security-foiled-by-smooth-talkers-not-hackers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/xbox-live-security-foiled-by-smooth-talkers-not-hackers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/xbox-live-security-foiled-by-smooth-talkers-not-hackers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Do not be alarmed, maniacally typing hackers have not invaded, penetrated or otherwise violated the Bungie.net or Xbox Live networks. This was the message delivered by Microsoft's Major Nelson earlier this week after reports indicated that Xbox Live user information had fallen into the wrong and noticeably greasy hands. However, it seems the firewalls and encryption routines provided by computers are doing a much better job than those organic meatbags that operate the Xbox support call center.

Major Nelson writes in his latest post that some Xbox Live accounts may have already been compromised thanks to phonies phoning in and extracting sensitive information via the use of pretexting -- the invention of a scenario that fools the operator into divulging your precious data. "There's no other way to say it; this situation shouldn't have happened. Our customers deserve better." The Major promises that support staff will be better trained and be made aware of such "social engineering" attempts.

While the transparency is appreciated, it's alarming to think that Xbox Live security is succumbing to one of the oldest tricks in what's, by now, a rather pig-eared book.

JoystiqXbox Live security foiled by smooth talkers, not hackers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Major NelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoftXbox LiveXbox Live SecurityXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveSecurityFri, 23 Mar 2007 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Major Nelson and his Sony swag bag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-major-nelson-and-his-sony-swag-bag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-major-nelson-and-his-sony-swag-bag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/gdc-07-major-nelson-and-his-sony-swag-bag/#commentsFiled under: ,


Make no mistake, covering a conference is mind bending work. Getting a chance to stop and chat is a welcome respite. While waiting for the Microsoft RPG Panel to begin, we ran into Larry Hryb, better known as Xbox Live's Major Nelson. We had time to shoot the breeze about what's happening at GDC, including the super secret feature in Fable 2 (patience, it's coming). Before we ran off to do our blogging duty, we made sure to snag a picture of him holding his newly acquired and highly fashionable Sony swag bag. What was in it we can't say (a golden PSP perhaps) but we sure like those snazzy logos. Much to our shock and delight, Larry asked us why he hadn't been given the honor of appearing on the Xbox 360 Fancast.

Soon, Major, very soon.

JoystiqGDC 07: Major Nelson and his Sony swag bag originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc 07GDC-2007Gdc07larry hrybLarryHrybmajor nelsonMajorNelsonWed, 07 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Live top ten: Sin City descends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/live-top-ten-sin-city-descends/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/live-top-ten-sin-city-descends/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/live-top-ten-sin-city-descends/#commentsFiled under: ,


Last week, Crackdown came on strong with bronze position on the Live top ten. Now it's swapped spots with Rainbow Six: Vegas as Call of Duty 3 continues to be just shy of the podium. GRAW 2's mulitplayer demo makes a return to take the Crackdown demo's position, which moved to 7th. Madden refuses to budge at sixth while Lost Planet and Oblivion get nudged to eighth and ninth, respectively. GRAW rounds out the bottom of the list while last, and obviously not least, Gears of War retains its top spot over all of Xbox Live-dom. Do you feel slightly confused? If so, our simple, yet eloquent list awaits your review after the break, complete with last weeks standings in parentheses.

Continue reading Live top ten: Sin City descends

JoystiqLive top ten: Sin City descends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionActivityC o D 3Call of Duty 3CallOfDuty3COD3CrackDownGearsOfWarGOWGRAWGRAW2HrybLarryLarry HrybLarryHryblive top tenLiveTopTenMajorMajor NelsonMajorNelsonMicrosoft-Game-StudiosNelsonRaibow Six VegasRaibowSixVegasRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxtop 10Top tenTop10TopTenXbox LiveXbox Live ActivityXbox Live top 10Xbox Live top TenXboxLiveXboxLiveActivityXboxLiveTop10XboxLiveTopTenMon, 05 Mar 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live maintenance scheduled for tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/xbox-live-maintenance-scheduled-for-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/xbox-live-maintenance-scheduled-for-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/xbox-live-maintenance-scheduled-for-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those hoping to maim or possibly kill complete strangers in the early hours of the morning will need to leave the comfort of their homes this February 20th, as the Xbox Live network will be out of commission then from 2AM to 5AM PT (check your time zone). The "My Xbox" section of Xbox.com will be unavailable during this time, and those hoping to express their grievances about it will find the official forums set to read-only mode.

Major Nelson insists that server maintenance is solely to blame for the downtime -- no new features will accompany Live's return.

JoystiqXbox Live maintenance scheduled for tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Major NelsonMajorNelsonXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeMon, 19 Feb 2007 19:35:00 EST