Joystiq

Elite: Dangerous developer diary details evolving galaxy

Mike Suszek — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

Elite: Dangerous, the Kickstarter project by Frontier Developments, has a new developer diary video from Founder David Braben discussing the ways in which the game's galaxy evolves over time. In the video, Braben describes the development of planets and the various contracts that players complete in the game, including the transportation dignitaries that may have bounties on their heads.

The Kickstarter project is at the half-way point of its nearly $2 million funding goal with 33 days left before its January 4, 2013 deadline. Providing the goal is met, Elite: Dangerous is set to launch on PC in March 2014.

Elite: Dangerous developer diary details evolving galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Elite: Dangerous Kickstarter gets video and concept art

Mike Suszek — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST

Frontier Developments updated its Kickstarter page for Elite: Dangerous with a few pieces of concept art and a video. The video shows Elite co-creator and Founder of Frontier Developments David Braben discussing the history of the series and his vision for Dangerous.

The Kickstarter project is about a third of the way to its nearly $2 million goal with over 50 days to go in its funding cycle.

Gallery: Elite: Dangerous (Concept Art)

Elite: Dangerous Kickstarter gets video and concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

COD Elite being extended until March 1, 2013 for MW3 early adopters

Mike Schramm — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST

Here's good news for early Call of Duty Elite subscribers who may have been prepping their checking accounts for another premium subscription charge: You've got a few extra months to play. Activision has sent out emails to members who joined the Elite Premium service on launch day last year, extending their Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Elite memberships until March 1, 2013.

The same services (which include things like clan support, Elite TV, and a few other options) are going to be free for everyone in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Given the issues Elite had at launch, it seems sensible to let premium subscribers keep playing without paying any more.

This leaves one question, however: What will happen to MW3 Elite Premium subscribers when subscriptions do end on March 1, 2013? A FAQ on the official website says Activision isn't taking any new subscribers at all, since new DLC is no longer being offered. We've contacted Activision for comment and will update if we hear back.

Update: Activision says that "when your Call of Duty Elite Premium membership subscription term for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 ends - whether on March 1, 2013 or after, your formerly "Premium" Elite membership for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 turns into a "Free" Elite membership for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3." So users will still have access to all of the features of MW3 Premium, but they won't have to pay. Feel free to keep shooting!

COD Elite being extended until March 1, 2013 for MW3 early adopters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Elite co-creator plans to resurrect series with Dangerous Kickstarter

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST

Elite co-creator David Braben is the latest grandfather of space sims to turn to Kickstarter, with plans to resurrect the classic series through new game Dangerous. Braben set up a minimum of £1.25 million (roughly $2 million) in funding to launch Elite: Dangerous, but is hoping for more so his team at UK-based Frontier Developments can be "more ambitious with content and platforms." As it stands, Frontier plans to release Elite: Dangerous on PC in March 2014.

If Dangerous does arrive then, it will have been almost three decades since Elite left its indelible mark on gaming back in 1984. Two true sequels were released: Frontier: Elite in 1993 and Frontier: First Encounters in 1995. Braben has headed Frontier Developments since then, a studio more recently known for Kinectimals and LostWinds.

As Braben notes on the Kickstarter page, Frontier diced with trying to make the fourth Elite game, including developing it as a MMO back in 2000. It's been on the backburner at the British studio for a few years now, but going by the six figures raised in a matter of hours it's likely Elite: Dangerous marks the return of one of gaming's most venerable names.

Elite co-creator plans to resurrect series with Dangerous Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Ops 2 Wii U won't launch with Call of Duty Elite

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST

Black Ops 2's Elite service won't be available in any form on the Wii U at launch, Activision says.

"We are currently evaluating options for Call of Duty Elite to support Nintendo's Wii U game system, however Call of Duty Elite for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 will not support this platform when the game launches on November 13," Activision tells Kotaku.

This is true in more than just the Elite sense, since the Wii U doesn't launch until November 18 in North America. Activision recently announced Elite will be free across all platforms for Black Ops 2 and will have a season pass for DLC, at least on Xbox 360. There's no word yet on a season pass for other platforms, but Activision is "working with Nintendo" to bring it to Wii U.

Black Ops 2 Wii U won't launch with Call of Duty Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 3's final two DLC packs fully reconnoitered

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:40:00 EST

The year of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 post-launch content is coming to a close, but it's going out with a bang (gun pun fully intended). The Chaos Pack - previously half-detailed - brings three Face Off maps and four Spec-Ops missions, as well as a new mode, dubbed "Special Ops Chaos Mode." It's a wave-based survival mode, albeit with a Spec-Ops twist. The whole shebang launches for Xbox 360 on August 9, with PS3 and PC versions launching later on.

In September, MW3 players on 360 get the "Final Assault" pack, which adds five multiplayer maps ("Gulch," "Offshore," "Boardwalk," "Decommission," and "Parish"), two of which are already available on 360. Again, this content arrives on PS3 and PC at a later (unknown) date. As Activision community blog One of Swords points out, Call of Duty's Elite season ends with more content than it originally promised, which seems pretty boss if you ask us. But don't go getting your precedents miscalibrated, as this may not be the case in future years.

Modern Warfare 3's final two DLC packs fully reconnoitered originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 3 hits 'Terminal' condition July 17, for free

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST

The popular Modern Warfare 2 airport map, Terminal, will come to Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox 360 on July 17 for Elite members and July 18 for non-Elites, but free for everyone, regardless of digitized classist regulations.

Earlier this week Infinity Ward's Mark Rubin outed Terminal for Modern Warfare 3, but couldn't provide a solid release date. Terminal exists outside of the Elite content drop schedule, and its PS3 and PC release dates are still to-be-decided, Rubin tweets.

Modern Warfare 3 hits 'Terminal' condition July 17, for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 3 Elite Premium getting Spec Ops mission, three Faceoff maps tomorrow on 360 [update]

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST

Modern Warfare 3 "Elite" premium subscribers on 360 are getting a brand new Spec Ops mission and three new Faceoff missions tomorrow. That's according to the Twitter account of Infinity Ward Executive Producer Mark Rubin, who named the three maps "Vortex," U-Turn," and "Intersection," and the mission "Arctic Recon."

Activision's official content calendar isn't updated to reflect Rubin's tweet just yet, but we expect it'll show up not too far from now. Despite the calendar showing three pieces of content - dubbed "map," "mission," and "classified" - don't panic. Rubin said "those guys need to update the categories to be more accurate," which translates to "I swear this is really the truth, regardless of what that silly old calendar says."

As always, the content will show up a bit later for MW3 players on PlayStation 3 and PC, per Microsoft's long-standing exclusivity agreement with Acti. We reached out to the publisher for more information, screens and video, and will update this post when we know more.

Update: The Infinity Ward Twitter account just dropped the image above of Spec Ops mission "Arctic Recon," and said that only two of the three Faceoff maps Rubin spoke of - "U-Turn" and "Vortext" - will go live tomorrow. The same account posted earlier that three Faceoff maps are included. We're trying to clarify the situation with Activision.

Update 2: The tweet was deleted and updated to reflect all three maps. Okay then, to be clear: three Faceoff maps ("Vortex," "U-Turn," and "Intersection") and one Spec Ops map ("Arctic Recon").

Modern Warfare 3 Elite Premium getting Spec Ops mission, three Faceoff maps tomorrow on 360 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: MW3 Content Collection #1 now available on PC

Mike Schramm — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST

The first collection of content for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has finally closed the circle and arrived on the PC, according to Raven Software's official Twitter account. This is the same content (the Liberation, Piazza, Overwatch and Black Box maps, along with new Spec Ops missions Black Ice and Negotiator) that originally arrived on the Xbox 360 back in March.

Raven says there is one small consolation for PC gamers who've been made to wait so long. The company has added Infected and FFA Gunplay modes to the Community playlists, so you can throw down on those if you like. The collection itself is $14.99, available on Steam right now.

PSA: MW3 Content Collection #1 now available on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Notch making Elite-inspired space-based trading sim/sandbox title

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

It looks like Notch has decided which of his three ongoing projects to focus on over the summer: The designer is currently working on a "sandbox space trading sim" similar to the 1984 classic Elite, with one key difference. Rather than exclusively piloting a spaceship around space, the player will also be able to explore different areas of their ship.

"I want the space game that's more like Firefly," Notch told PCGamer. "I want to run around on my ship and have to put out a fire. Like, oh crap, the cooling system failed, I have to put out the fire here." The game is being developed with a Minecraft mentality, in that it'll most likely be playable before its finished, which is good considering that we want to get our greasy little hands on it as soon as humanly possible.

Notch making Elite-inspired space-based trading sim/sandbox title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Modern Warfare 3 Content Collection 1 on Xbox Live today

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

Content Collection 1 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is available for widespread consumption now on Xbox Live, after launching on March 13 for Elite members. Content Collection 1 includes four new multiplayer maps: Liberation, Piazza, Overwatch and Black Box, plus two Spec Ops missions, Black Ice and Negotiator.

Not "Black-ice negotiator," because it would be hilariously difficult to discuss anything of real import atop a slick of black ice, and MW3 is nothing but serious business.

PSA: Modern Warfare 3 Content Collection 1 on Xbox Live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Call of Duty Elite subs getting four more pieces of unnamed MW3 content this year

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:40:00 EST

If those 20 pieces of planned DLC for Modern Warfare 3 weren't enough for you, perhaps four additional bits will do the trick. Activision is sharing the four-piece bonus with Elite subscribers throughout the coming months, but isn't saying exactly what the content will be. All we know is that it'll be interspersed throughout the planned Elite content "season."

Elite's platform ubiquity is increasing as well, with the service's planned launch on tablets coming in the near future. Nearly 2 million folks have already snagged the app across both iOS and Android -- that's quite a few, considering approximately 7 million folks are Elite users. Activision promises a variety of (specified) updates to Elite's functionality over the next few months.

Gallery: Call of Duty Elite (GDC 2012)

Call of Duty Elite subs getting four more pieces of unnamed MW3 content this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update]

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST

Activision is dropping the next Call of Duty Elite content pack for Modern Warfare 3 in Overwatch, a rooftop map for the game's multiplayer component. If you'd like to take a peek at that map, we've dropped the latest trailer just above.

The Overwatch DLC map for MW3 is exclusive to 360 for a limited time.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Call of Duty Elite: Overwatch)

PSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modern Warfare 3's 'Overwatch' map DLC kills you before you fall 70 stories

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

We're just gonna tell you up front: you're gonna wanna skip to about 50 seconds into this trailer before you see any gameplay featuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's "Overwatch" map in action. And you're gonna want to do that, as the first part is just Rob Riggle talking total nonsense. But the map part? Aces.

Modern Warfare 3's 'Overwatch' map DLC kills you before you fall 70 stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

MW3's next DLC drops from a skyscraper onto Xbox Elite members on Feb. 21

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Call of Duty Elite premium members playing Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Live will receive the next batch of DLC, Overwatch, on February 21. Overwatch puts players in a construction site at the top of a New York City skyscraper, with a very real chance of dropping 70 feet to the sidewalk as an added risk. If you have trouble visualizing that, check out the gallery below.

The previous batch of downloadable content, Liberation and Piazza, is set to launch on PSN on February 28, having come out on Xbox Live in January, all in accordance with MW3's exclusivity deal with Microsoft. The next three batches of MW3 DLC will drop in March for Xbox premium members and will include the multiplayer map Black Box and two new Special Ops missions, Black Ice and Negotiator.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Call of Duty Elite: Overwatch)

MW3's next DLC drops from a skyscraper onto Xbox Elite members on Feb. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PS3 CoD Elite premium members to get new old maps in February

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:20:00 EST

Players with a paid Call of Duty Elite membership on Playstation 3 will be able to snag two new Modern Warfare 3 maps, Liberation and Piazza, on February 28. Both maps launched for Xbox 360 Elite premium members on January 24, and we presume they will come to non-Elite and PC players eventually -- possibly another month after the PS3 version goes live.

Or possibly another two months, just to really rub it in, like the below screens for Liberation and Piazza will do.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 - Call of Duty Elite Season Content (Liberation and Piazza)

PS3 CoD Elite premium members to get new old maps in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Call of Duty Elite app now available on Android Market

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST

Call of Duty Elite is now available on the Android Market, for free. The Android version comes one week after the iOS launch but offers the same unprecedented ability to check your stats, review recent matches and update your in-game loadout from your phone. Elite on your Android device could make lunch lines, bus rides, work breaks, and long, fast car rides on busy freeways much more entertaining (OK, not that last one).

Beachhead Studios head Chacko Sonny sees the initial mobile launch of Elite as a wonderful opportunity to get feedback from the community, so don't hold back -- not that you would, but now you have permission.

[Thanks, Lance V.]

PSA: Call of Duty Elite app now available on Android Market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Call of Duty Elite's mobile app launches tomorrow on iOS, next week on Android

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

You're standing in line for lunch, replaying last night's match on Arkaden in Modern Warfare 3 in your mind, when you remember the final shot -- you really wanted that gun. You could wait until you get home, check your recent matches on Elite and shank the winning shooter's weapon of choice -- like a peasant -- or you could do it right there, in line, on your phone -- like a boss. This is the vision Beachhead Studios head Chacko Sonny has for Call of Duty Elite's free mobile app, hitting iOS smart phones tomorrow, Jan. 10, and Android one week later.

The Elite app will offer four main areas of mobile control:

Career summary: Just like Elite main, check stats and general player information on yourself and others you've played
Recent matches: After-action report on the past 10 matches, including scores, kill/death ratios, map information for yourself and others in the match
Challenge Tracker: Tracks your progress through specific challenges
Customize classes: Modify your loadout -- weapons, perks, attachments -- and push custom classes directly to game

Anything altered in the Elite mobile app that affects loadouts or in-game options will be exported to console, and players will accept the changes after logging on. Most of the app's functions have been modified to fit a smaller screen, especially Sonny's favorite, class customization. Beachhead Studios developers have been testing the mobile app on their own phones, and Sonny said it expands the realm of bragging rights considerably because players will have proof -- or not -- of their achievements right in their pockets.

Continue reading Call of Duty Elite's mobile app launches tomorrow on iOS, next week on Android

Call of Duty Elite's mobile app launches tomorrow on iOS, next week on Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Call of Duty Elite now available on Xbox Live

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:43:00 EST

You may not be able to buy copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 just yet (well, not all of you), but you can always get yourself queued up for battle with the game's Elite application, which is already available for download via Xbox Live Marketplace. Coming in at just under 100MB, it ... uh ... doesn't do very much until you have a copy of MW3 and some multiplayer under your belt, as we were met with a prompt on load asking us to do as much before jumping into Elite.

The client has yet to arrive on the PlayStation 3's PSN, but we're betting it'll be available tomorrow at some point alongside the company's weekly content update. Unfortunately for PC users, Elite won't be available at launch tomorrow, but instead will arrive "when it's ready." And in case you haven't been paying attention, the game launches tomorrow on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

PSA: Call of Duty Elite now available on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tour Call of Duty Elite's virtual world through the eyes of Modern Warfare 3

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST

Worried about Mom on Facebook infiltrating your super elite squad of Modern Warfare 3 multiplayers? It looks like that won't be an issue with Call of Duty Elite's Facebok integration into MW3, though that guy from high school you don't wanna talk to might end up bugging you constantly. The good with the bad, folks.

Tour Call of Duty Elite's virtual world through the eyes of Modern Warfare 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Call of Duty Elite beta invites rolling out

David Hinkle — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST

Listen up, recruits! If you signed up for Operation Call of Duty Elite Beta, keep an eye out for a dispatch from Activision HQ. The top brass has informed us that beta invites are beginning to be sent now. "The beta will be activated in phases for feature testing, with limited invitations rolling out in the coming weeks," the classified document reads.

These Call of Duty Elite beta invites only extend to Xbox 360 users playing Call of Duty: Black Ops right now, but will support all future franchise titles, starting with the launch of Modern Warfare 3 on November 8. The PS3 release of this beta was held back by the PSN outage, according to the FAQ. According to Activision, over 2.8 million have signed up for the beta, so if you have yet to receive your beta invite, exercise patience.

For more information on Call of Duty Elite, be sure to check out our preview of the service and interview with Activision's VP of Digital, Jamie Berger.

PSA: Call of Duty Elite beta invites rolling out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Call of Duty Elite invitation-only beta begins July 14

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST

Activision's stat-tracking and community service, Call of Duty Elite, has yet to receive a firm launch date, but this morning we learned that Elite will enter "invitation-only" beta starting on July 14. Though Elite won't be fully functioning until Modern Warfare 3 drops in November, the beta will launch first on last year's Call of Duty: Black Ops.

After opening the registration site last week, Activision says "over 1 million" Call of Duty fanatics have signed up for entry into the beta thus far. The company has yet to fully detail the differences between the paid version of Elite and the free one, but the beta announcement ambiguously notes it'll "give users a taste of the experience." Sounds ... elite?

Continue reading Call of Duty Elite invitation-only beta begins July 14

Call of Duty Elite invitation-only beta begins July 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Halo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY

David Hinkle — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:05:00 EST

Oh, you've made your own assault rifle from Halo? That's cute. Wait, you've made your own Spartan suit? Meh, it's okay, we guess. See, the dudes at Peter Mander FX have ruined us forever, because they've produced about the best homage to Halo one could ever hope for: the ultra-realistic Elite suit you see above.

Largely comprised of plastic, TLC and dark magicks, the suit not only looks impressive, but it's animatronic. We can't imagine the blood, sweat and/or tears it took to produce such a lifelike recreation of this Covenant class, but we can get some idea from the video documenting the creation of this behemoth, which you can find past the break.

[Image source: Device Magazine]

Continue reading Halo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY

Halo Elite costume sets the bar for DIY originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Two Xbox 360 FF13 bundles for Europe, faceplate pre-order bonus for all

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST

Clearly not content with just one measly Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 mega bundle, it looks like Europe will be receiving a second bundle as well. Europe will be receiving the same Final Fantasy XIII Special Edition bundle that was revealed at X10, which includes the game, a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers and downloadable Avatar goodies. Speaking of Avatar items, the release actually reveals what they are: a Rosch outfit, a Nabaat outfit and a Chocobo pet (the same one you might already have, we're assuming). The release didn't specify a price, though Amazon UK lists it for £249.99 ($391).

In addition to that bundle, however, the region will also be receiving the Final Fantasy XIII Elite bundle, which includes the game, a single wireless controller and the standard 120GB hard drive. Again, no price was revealed, though Amazon France has it listed for €249.99 ($340).

Finally, the press release reveals just how you can get your hands on one of the limited edition, promotional FFXIII faceplates. The faceplates will be offered as a bonus for anyone who pre-orders the 250GB Special Edition console. Major Nelson also revealed on Xbox Live that the faceplate will be a pre-order bonus for the North American Special Edition console as well. So, if you really want that faceplate, you'd better be ready to plop down 400 bones for it.

Two Xbox 360 FF13 bundles for Europe, faceplate pre-order bonus for all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vodafone Portugal releases IPTV service for Xbox 360

David Hinkle — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST

Portuguese digital television service, Vodafone Casa TV, is now available to Gold members of Xbox Live. In fact, the company is even promoting a special IPTV Xbox 360 bundle there, which includes an Elite console, 12 months of subscription for Xbox Live Gold and four games -- Lego Batman, Pure, Fable 2 and Halo 3 -- all for €259 (about $375).

The Vodafone Casa TV service not only lets you watch on-demand TV through your Xbox 360, but also grants Portuguese patrons the ability to access content from their set-top boxes and set times for their set-top box to record live television. While users won't be able to directly record content to their Xbox 360, they can still access certain functions of the console while streaming content, including private chat and accepting game invites.

Existing Vodafone Casa TV subscribers with an Xbox 360 can snag the software for a mere €9.90.

[Thanks, Assassin Monk]

Vodafone Portugal releases IPTV service for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

250GB Elite bundle with Halo 3 and ODST drops into Canada

David Hinkle — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST

Microsoft just pulled back the curtain on a brand-new bundle exclusively for our brothers and sisters to the north. Aside from a 250GB Xbox 360 Elite console, the bundle also includes a double dose of Bungie goodness: Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

Starting today, you can get your maple syrup-soaked hands on this for a suggested retail price of $399.99 CAD. If you're a US gamer wondering why we didn't get this piece of gear down here, relax -- let Canada win this one! You have any idea how many driveways a Canadian has to shovel to earn this thing?

250GB Elite bundle with Halo 3 and ODST drops into Canada originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New movie-themed Elite bundles for the UK

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

VideoGamer.com is reporting that a supplement in this week's issue of MCV is advertising two new Xbox 360 Elite bundles. Both bundles are themed around recent movie releases, specifically Star Trek and Transformers 2. The Star Trek bundle comes with an extra controller, a copy of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek stored on a USB drive -- shaped like the Star Fleet logo -- as well as 800 with which to buy "Star Trek PDLC." Let's just hope you don't have to waste those points on Star Trek D-A-C. A Transformers 2 bundle is in the works as well, featuring an extra controller, a copy of the movie on a Bumblebee-shaped USB drive and the Transformers 2 game.

Release date, pricing, and the size of the included hard drive (120GB or "Super Elite" 250GB) are not specified in the ad. However, as MCV is a UK magazine, it's possible these are only destined for that region. We'd be hard-pressed to tell potential buyers which one bundle is the better but, but we will say that only one of them goes where no one has gone before. And the other one is Transformers.

New movie-themed Elite bundles for the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Japan getting Lost Planet / Ace Combat 6 Xbox bundle

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST

Seems like everyone has to get in on the Elite bundle action these days. Game Watch reports that a new Xbox 360 Elite bundle is headed to Japan, with both Lost Planet: Colonies and Ace Combat 6 baked right in. it also comes packed with the normal Elite goodies -- headset, wireless controller and (incredibly flexible) composite cables. Unfortunately, the bundle fails to meet super Elite status, as it contains only a paltry 120GB hard drive.

Still, at ¥29,980 (~$330), it's not a bad deal. The bundle goes on sale in Japan starting October 29.

Japan getting Lost Planet / Ace Combat 6 Xbox bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Animatronic Covenant Elite costume blows yours out of the water

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

The night of All Hallows' Eve is swiftly approaching. We're sure that, by now, you've got a rough outline of what pop culture icon you'll attempt to disguise yourself as. We're also sure that it's not one-tenth as awesome nor as intricate as the Covenant Elite (of Halo fame) costume recently created by YouTube user petemander1. That is, unless your Optimus Prime costume has animatronic, remote-controlled eyes and mandibles. No? It doesn't? That's what we thought.

Check out the two videos posted after the jump to get an early look at Pete's humbling (and slightly terrifying) creation. We'd say we can't wait to see how the full costume turns out, but we've already got plenty of subjects on which to base our nightmares.

Continue reading Animatronic Covenant Elite costume blows yours out of the water

Animatronic Covenant Elite costume blows yours out of the water originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox 360 Elite Holiday 2009 Bundle shipping today

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST

Rumored, pictured, and now shipping to retail, the 2009 edition of the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle ($300) includes a pair of family-friendly titles from last year in Lego Batman and Pure. But, well, you knew that. (Protip: Grab and stash this before October 5 to be eligible for the $50 rebate.)

Also announced today, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack will go on sale in November for $60. The black gamepad and bundle of XBLA titles is so close to perfect with Geometry Wars 2, Lumines Live, Bomberman Live and ... a code for Ms. Pac-Man? Make that a Pac-Man: Championship Edition token and we'd be looking at one of the best gifts you could have given this holiday -- 'cause let's face it, you (should) already own those games.

Oh, and still no official word on that popcorn box o' peripherals.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Holiday 2009 Bundles

Xbox 360 Elite Holiday 2009 Bundle shipping today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach beta bundled with Halo machine

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST

While entirely devoid of ill-fitting iconic helmets, one of Microsoft's new Xbox 360 Elite bundles -- designated for European markets, judging by the rating information on the box -- offers everything you need to stride 'n' strafe into the Halo universe. It's no "Super Elite," but the 120GB package offers a fair amount of elites to shoot at in the included Halo 3, its upcoming expansion, Halo 3: ODST, and (consequently) the beta for next year's Halo game, Reach. As usual, Microsoft has thrown in a one-month Xbox Live Gold membership, which is just long enough for you to realize that you can never ever beat the internet at Halo.

Prices are sure to vary from region to region (fun fact: it goes for roughly $580 in South Africa), so have a look on your shelves at the start of October, which is when retailers expect the bundle to drop in.

Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach beta bundled with Halo machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Not as big in Japan anymore: Xbox 360 prices

JC Fletcher — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST

The Xbox 360 price drop has propagated to Japan, with Microsoft announcing new price points roughly commensurate with those of American Xboxes, effective September 10. The Pro is being phased out, with the retail cost of remaining stock now up to retailers, with no "suggested" price from MS. The Elite is dropping from ¥39,800 to ¥29,800 ($322) -- in a new HDMI-free package, of course -- and the Arcade will remain at ¥19,800 ($214). We expect to see deep cuts on the Pro, as retailers seize an opportunity to get Xboxes out of their stores.

In addition, the 60GB hard drive is dropping from ¥11,550 to ¥9,975 ($108), and the 512MB Memory Unit is dropping from ¥5,250 to ¥3,150 ($34).

[Via Edge, image via GAME Watch]

Not as big in Japan anymore: Xbox 360 prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Interview: Xbox's Aaron Greenberg on the $300 Elite and all things Xbox

Christopher Grant — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST

Last night, just hours before the price cut announcement went out, we had a chance to talk with Aaron Greenberg - the often outspoken Director of Product Management at Xbox - about the new $300 Elite console, the company's Fall lineup in the absence of Splinter Cell Conviction, Netflix "exclusivity" (whatever that means), the (still!) outrageous price of the WiFi adapter, and whether we're ever going to see Hulu or Groups/Clan support in Xbox Live (those are two of our favorite questions for Aaron). Read on for the complete interview:

Joystiq: Hey Aaron - so what do you have for us today?

Aaron Greenberg: So this may shock you, but effective on Friday we are dropping the price of our Xbox 360 Elite console by $100, dropping that down to $299. At the same time, we are also reducing the price of the Xbox 360 Pro or Premium 60 gig SKU down to $249 -- that will be effective while supplies last. And this will essentially set us up as we head into holiday with a two SKU setup: the $199 white Arcade SKU and then the $299 120 gig Elite black console.

The Elite price is effective Friday?

Yes. The price drop goes into effect at retail on Friday.

So of course we're totally surprised and had no idea this was coming, so any questions that might indicate I was prepared you should just take as good guessing on our part I think.

Right, exactly. So you don't read your own site or anything I guess?

Continue reading Interview: Xbox's Aaron Greenberg on the $300 Elite and all things Xbox

Interview: Xbox's Aaron Greenberg on the $300 Elite and all things Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox 360 Pro missing from new Elite packaging

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:50:00 EST

The lifespan of the Xbox 360 Pro looks to be dwindling every day. First, the SKU disappeared from the comparison chart on the Xbox 360 Arcade packaging, and now it looks like the same change has occurred on the Xbox 360 Elite box. Perhaps even more significant is that the Elite has abandoned its traditional (and super 1337) gray packaging for white. White, as it happens, is also the color of Xbox 360 Pro packaging. Coincidence, or proof that the Pro is on its last legs?

One final bit of (somewhat depressing) evidence, the Elite box states that it only includes standard A/V cables. No component, no HDMI, just plain vanilla A/V. In fact, the only features separating the Elite from the Arcade are a headset, an Ethernet cable and the 120GB hard drive. Even assuming the Elite drops to $299, that's not a lot of extras beyond the $199 Arcade model. At least Canada gets Halo 3 and a wireless adapter to make the deal a little sweeter.

Xbox 360 Pro missing from new Elite packaging originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Walmart catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

Oh, man. This ish just got real, son. Last week, a supposedly leaked Meijer's catalog revealed a $100 price cut for the Xbox 360 Elite SKU -- we weren't sure what to make of it, but a recent Walmart catalog (due to hit stores on August 30) revealing the same exact discount adds a hefty amount of credence to rumors that Microsoft is dropping the price on the console's 120GB SKU. You can see the full ad posted after the jump, courtesy of one of our readers (thanks, Patrick). A few sites have gotten the ad, presumably from different sources, leading us to believe it's not just a high-quality fake.

If it is legitimate -- and the rumors of an Elite price cut end up being true -- then the flames of console war are likely ready to flare up once again. For the first time this console generation, Sony and Microsoft would have two SKUs available at the same price. The resulting struggle for market dominance would be brutal.

Continue reading Rumor: Walmart catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite

Rumor: Walmart catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Meijer's catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST

Kotaku recently got their hands on a catalog from retail superstore Meijer's which is supposedly due to hit ... catalog stands(?) on August 30. The clipping of interest from this ad book is for a "new lower price" for the Xbox 360 Elite model -- it seems they're slicing $100 off the price of the system, bringing it down to the $299 price point shared by the Pro version.

This fits in nicely with the grand design foreseen by the Ars Technica mole back in June, which claimed Microsoft would completely replace the Pro model with the Elite sometime in September. However, we called nearly a dozen Meijer's locations to try and confirm the cut -- only one Media Center employee had heard about it, and explained that it would be a "week-long sale," and not a permanent price drop.

We're certain to find out more in the near future -- either on August 30, when the catalog (and Elite price) is supposed to drop, or perhaps next week during GamesCom, which some believe will provide a veritable cornucopia of startling announcements.

[Image]

Rumor: Meijer's catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Ars Technica Mole foretells PS3 and 360 price drops in fall

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST

Yes, we know -- another console price drop story. Our contempt rivals your own, we assure you. However, this time around, the report comes from a source that's proven to be eerily accurate on hardware announcements in the past -- Ars Technica's unnamed "mole," a prophetic figure who managed to predict the capabilities of the PSP Go, the release of the red Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle and, most notably, last fall's universal 360 price cut.

On the Sony front, the mole is claiming that the 80GB PS3 will become scarce over the next two months, being mostly replaced by the 160GB model. As the larger model continues to sell into the fall, Sony will supposedly simultaneously announce the oft-rumored PS3 Slim and the even more oft-rumored price cut. The mole was unable to discern the exact amount that would be shaved off the price of the console, but was confident it would provide Sony with a much-needed sales boost.

For Microsoft, the mole expects the Pro system to be ushered off store shelves with the help of a few attractive Pro bundles which will crop up over the next few months. The Pro will be replaced by the 120GB Elite, which will supposedly undergo a price cut in September, followed by the release of its own bundles in October. With downloadable titles becoming a focus for both companies, turning the spotlight on consoles with larger hard drives makes sense -- but only time will tell if the Ars mole's sterling predictive reputation will persevere.

Rumor: Ars Technica Mole foretells PS3 and 360 price drops in fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Elite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA

Jason Dobson — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST

The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, or ELSPA for short, has a new face on board. Seasoned game designer David Braben and his crack team of devs at Frontier Developments have joined the trade body, no doubt wooed by the organization's rumored regular meetings to play Twister.

Braben wowed early gamers with his influential space sim, Elite, as well as its 1993 sequel, Frontier. Braben's latest release strayed far from his roots, however, in last year's WiiWare platformer, LostWinds. In joining the ELSPA, Braben says he hopes to help the organization deal with such issues as piracy, ratings and used game sales "swiftly and efficiently." Still, given that the studio's current project, The Outsider, was first announced in 2006, and we're still waiting on Elite IV, we're not convinced speed is how Braben and company roll.

Elite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shock! New Xbox Elite bundle with Halo 3, Fable II [Update]

Xav de Matos — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:25:00 EST

Today, Microsoft revealed a new Xbox 360 Elite bundle headed to store shelves this May. The Xbox 360 Game of the Year bundle includes the little-known online shooter called Halo 3 and Joystiq's 2008 game of the year pick, Fable II. The M-rated bundle is priced at $399, making the two million-plus unit selling pack-in titles free of charge.

Those of you keeping score at home will remember rumors of an elite bundle, which was set to include the two Microsoft Game Studios powerhouse titles, had been floating around the web earlier this month. Microsoft, continuing a long history of totally being able to keep a secret, confirmed the bundle today via Major Nelson's blog.

Update: Major Nelson has clarified this bundle will be available in all regions where Xbox 360 is sold, except those in Europe.

Shock! New Xbox Elite bundle with Halo 3, Fable II [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Xbox Elite being phased out, assuming 'limited edition' retail role

Dustin Burg — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:54:00 EST

According to Fudzilla, Microsoft will be ending the mass availability of the Xbox 360 Elite in many parts of the world and plans on positioning it as a more "limited edition" console, as was originally intended.

Supposedly, retailers are less supportive of the higher-priced Elite consoles during these craptacular economic times, because their consumer demand is lower than the Arcade and Pro. As a result, Microsoft may be limiting the console's sales to select retailers in North America and Europe and stop taking Elite orders in other territories sometime during Q2.

The rumored Elite phase-out would allow it to be marketed as a "limited edition" offering, giving MS the option to sell specially themed (and possibly higher priced) Elite bundles when triple-A titles need promotion. (Think the Resident Evil 5 Elite bundle.) Fudzilla also mentions that Microsoft wants to expand the 360's storage capabilities by releasing a standalone drive that's larger than the Elite's current 120GB model.

Rumor: Xbox Elite being phased out, assuming 'limited edition' retail role originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments