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[XBLM discounts PopCap games this week, Borderlands and Red Dead next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/#comments ImageIf Mad Riders and the two Sega Vintage Collections coming to XBLA this week don't fill absolutely all of your time, you can occupy every spare second with discounted PopCap games. From today through June 4, PopCap games on XBLA are half off, including Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, Zumba, Bejeweled 3, and more.

Next week, Borderlands DLC will be half off, as will the Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare Collection and, why not, Sega Bass Fishing. We know there must be someone who has time to play games next week, but we don't want to hear about it.

JoystiqXBLM discounts PopCap games this week, Borderlands and Red Dead next originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpopcapred-dead-redemptionxblaxblmxboxTue, 29 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox Live color playback issue patched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/psa-xbox-live-color-playback-issue-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/psa-xbox-live-color-playback-issue-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/psa-xbox-live-color-playback-issue-patched/#comments Xbox users may have noticed a mandatory patch preempting their power-up procedures today, the effects of which were either immediately apparent or completely unnoticeable, depending on whether a certain color display issue had reared its head. The patch doesn't apply to apps, however, so developers will have to implement the fix independently; a process that will take place "over the coming months," according to Major Nelson.

Technically speaking, "over the coming months" could mean any time between now and the heat death of the universe, but the fact that Microsoft has corrected its own services is a promising start.

JoystiqPSA: Xbox Live color playback issue patched originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colordashboard-update-fall-2011displayissuemajor-nelsonmicrosoftplaybackRGBxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms Xbox dash video issues, is working on a fix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/microsoft-confirms-xbox-dash-video-issues-is-working-on-a-fix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/microsoft-confirms-xbox-dash-video-issues-is-working-on-a-fix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/microsoft-confirms-xbox-dash-video-issues-is-working-on-a-fix/#comments The Xbox 360 dashboard update left some users seeing gray -- not metaphorically in the "their lives had lost all color and meaning" way, but in a literal sense. Videos on the new dash have appeared washed out and dull for some users, with black reading as gray, and Microsoft had previously ignored the complaint, even when it was brought up in beta testing, Eurogamer reports.

Xbox's Major Nelson tweeted yesterday that he's heard the public outcry -- or maybe he saw Eurogamer's in-depth demonstration of the new dash's short-range RGB levels -- and he says the team is working on a solution. "We're aware of the colorspace issue w/ some Xbox video apps & are working on a fix," Major Nelson wrote. "No ETA yet but we hope to have an update soon."

For now, maybe pretend all the new videos you watch on the Xbox dash are in "sepia" mode.

JoystiqMicrosoft confirms Xbox dash video issues, is working on a fix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-update-fall-2011Major-Nelsonmicrosoftrgbvideoxboxxbox-360-dashboardxbox-dashboardFri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops dominate last week's Xbox Live activity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/modern-warfare-3-black-ops-dominate-last-weeks-xbox-live-activ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/modern-warfare-3-black-ops-dominate-last-weeks-xbox-live-activ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/modern-warfare-3-black-ops-dominate-last-weeks-xbox-live-activ/#comments We had a hunch -- okay, it was less a hunch and more an obvious thing to think, but here we are: Modern Warfare 3 has dominated Xbox Live activity on the week of November 21. When not chowing down on turkey and karate-chopping fools at Walmart over waffle makers, it seems most Xbox 360 players answered the call.

The second most-played game for the week was another Call of Duty game: Black Ops. It bested Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12, which took the remainder of the top five games played respectively. On the XBLA side, Pinball FX2, Super Meat Boy and Marvel vs Capcom 2 took top honors, thanks to Microsoft's "Fan Appreciation" sale.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3, Black Ops dominate last week's Xbox Live activity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-opscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3major-nelsonmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3xblaxblmxboxXbox-Livexbox-live-arcadeFri, 02 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Black Friday goes all day, doesn't have stock limitations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/xbox-live-black-friday-goes-all-day-doesnt-have-stock-limitati/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/xbox-live-black-friday-goes-all-day-doesnt-have-stock-limitati/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/xbox-live-black-friday-goes-all-day-doesnt-have-stock-limitati/#comments We'll admit it -- the Xbox Live Black Friday deals aren't exactly as thrilling as the competition's are, but there are still some big savings to be had. Take, for instance, the massively discounted Marvel vs Capcom 2 for just 320 MS Points ($4!), or Fallout 3's Games on Demand release -- sans DLC -- at 25 percent off (pricing varies by region -- $22.49 in the US). Those are both pretty solid deals!

Microsoft's Major Nelson also promises more deals this coming "Cyber" Monday, so if today's offers aren't as exciting as you'd hoped, there'll be even more in the coming days. Oh, and there's always the week-long XBL sale that Microsoft is running -- Super Meat Boy is still only $5 and still really great!

Continue reading Xbox Live Black Friday goes all day, doesn't have stock limitations

JoystiqXbox Live Black Friday goes all day, doesn't have stock limitations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2011Fallout-3major-nelsonmicrosoftxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 Nov 2011 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA: Limbo, Vampire Smile on sale; Deadliest Warrior, Scott Pilgrim next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/xbla-limbo-vampire-smile-on-sale-deadliest-warrior-scott-pil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/xbla-limbo-vampire-smile-on-sale-deadliest-warrior-scott-pil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/xbla-limbo-vampire-smile-on-sale-deadliest-warrior-scott-pil/#comments Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for the next couple weeks is up, with discounts on solid XBLA titles. This week finds Limbo and Dishwasher Vampire Smile for 50 percent off, at 600 MSP ($7.50) and 400 MSP ($5), respectively. Next week will have Deadliest Warrior and Scott Pilgrim fighting for your space bucks at 400 MSP apiece.

New XBLA titles include Burger Time World Tour this week, with Fusion Genesis on November 9. Check out Major Nelson's post for all the details, which include DLC for Batman: Arkham City, Dead Rising 2 and Forza 4.

JoystiqXBLA: Limbo, Vampire Smile on sale; Deadliest Warrior, Scott Pilgrim next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limboMajor-NelsonmicrosoftxboxXbox-Live-Arcadexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[320GB hard drive coming to Xbox 360 S models for $130 this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/320gb-hard-drive-coming-to-xbox-360-s-models-for-130-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/320gb-hard-drive-coming-to-xbox-360-s-models-for-130-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/320gb-hard-drive-coming-to-xbox-360-s-models-for-130-this-month/#comments

Finally, you can stop being jealous of your friends who waited until 2011 to buy a 360. The 320GB hard drive included in the Gears of War 3, Modern Warfare 3 and assorted other bundles will go on sale by itself later this month for $130.

We know what you're thinking. "Joystiq, isn't that roughly 200 percent more than I'd typically pay for a hard drive that size?" That's true, dear reader, but Microsoft's got an ace up its sleeve: The hard drive comes with an Xbox Live download code for Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, a $20 value!*

So now who's getting the great deal, huh? ... What's that? Still not you? You say a better pack-in would be a bottle of heinie lube? Well now that's just vulgar.

*Note, that deal doesn't go for Japan, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and the UAE, because the Force is illegal there.

Joystiq320GB hard drive coming to Xbox 360 S models for $130 this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320gbhard-drivelego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warsmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxboxxbox-360-sTue, 11 Oct 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Download the 'Achievement Unlocked' sound for your phone, you freak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/download-the-achievement-unlocked-sound-for-your-phone-you-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/download-the-achievement-unlocked-sound-for-your-phone-you-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/download-the-achievement-unlocked-sound-for-your-phone-you-fr/#comments For the achievement fanatics who have paroxysms of manic violence when they don't hear the friendly Xbox achievement chime for more than an hour, Dr. Major Nelson has your cure. Download the 'Achievement Unlocked' sound for your phone, then have your psychiatrist text you every hour, on the hour.

JoystiqDownload the 'Achievement Unlocked' sound for your phone, you freak originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-unlockedMajor-NelsonmicrosoftmobilexboxSun, 09 Oct 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360's 'boot to disc' option is back, Gamercards get a makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/xbox-360s-boot-to-disc-option-is-back-gamercards-get-a-makeo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/xbox-360s-boot-to-disc-option-is-back-gamercards-get-a-makeo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/xbox-360s-boot-to-disc-option-is-back-gamercards-get-a-makeo/#commentsBack in early November, just after Microsoft dropped a new, new Xbox Dashboard on us, the console's ability to load into games at startup -- known as the "boot to disc" option" -- was disabled. Sure, crazy workarounds existed (like, say, moving the cursor to "Play Disc" and hitting the A button), but what if you only have one thumb and limited time?

As promised, the functionality is returning this week. Major Nelson announced as much this morning, noting that, like before, the boot to disc option will be accessible via System Settings on your Xbox's Dash -- users will be given a prompt for said update.

Additionally, this Thursday, an update will be applied to Gamercards on Xbox.com. As pictured to the left, the yellow and light grey of Gamercards past will be replaced by a new black and dark grey color scheme -- we're calling them "Gamercards at Night" -- and they'll lose their "zone information." With any luck, a smoking jacket and pipe will be added in the coming months. A Gamercard's gotta accessorize!

[Thanks, Freddie]

JoystiqXbox 360's 'boot to disc' option is back, Gamercards get a makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boot-to-discdashboard-updategamercardgamercardsmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxboxxbox.comWed, 19 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson: Xbox 360 sold out in Dec., supply tight now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/major-nelson-xbox-360-sold-out-in-dec-supply-tight-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/major-nelson-xbox-360-sold-out-in-dec-supply-tight-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/major-nelson-xbox-360-sold-out-in-dec-supply-tight-now/#comments According to Xbox 360 hype man Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, Microsoft isn't expecting to "win" December's hardware sales battle, as depicted in the NPD's monthly report (to be released later today). "I found out we ran out of consoles at the end of the month," Hryb tweeted, with a follow-up that added, "Jan/Feb supply is tight as well."

That said, he's anticipating "likely amazing YOY [year-over-year] growth numbers for Xbox." In non-business speak, that means he's expecting last month's Xbox 360 hardware sales to have surpassed the figure recorded in December 2009. While that would mean more than 1.31 million Xboxes were sold in the final month of 2010, if Hryb's prediction is correct, it would also mark the second year in a row that the Xbox was bested by Sony's PlayStation 3 in one of the year's most important sales months.

Either way, coupled with the many millions of Kinect units sold last year, Microsoft likely enjoyed its holiday -- though anyone who got a Kinect without an Xbox 360 was probably feeling scrooged.

JoystiqMajor Nelson: Xbox 360 sold out in Dec., supply tight now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>larry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftnpdsalesxboxxbox-360-sxbox-360-slimThu, 13 Jan 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Select Activision content on sale on XBLM until Jan 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/select-activision-dlc-on-sale-on-xblm-until-jan-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/select-activision-dlc-on-sale-on-xblm-until-jan-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/select-activision-dlc-on-sale-on-xblm-until-jan-17/#comments It's rare you can do something nice at the same time as you get a little something for yourself, but today presents just such an opportunity. Until January 17, you can get tons of discounted DLC, including some XBLA games, from an upstart indie called "Activision" through Xbox Live Marketplace. All the Call of Duty: World at War map packs are just 400 points, for example, and you can find the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock "Linkin Park Pack" for just 480 plus our terrible, eye-rolling judgment.

We know it can be daunting to spend your hard-earned dough on a no-name publisher, but trust us: We've been following these scrappy kids, and we feel pretty confident that they're going places. Peruse the full list of discounts after the break.

Continue reading Select Activision content on sale on XBLM until Jan 17

JoystiqSelect Activision content on sale on XBLM until Jan 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-world-at-warDLCmajor-nelsonmicrosoftWorld-at-WarXBLMxboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[North American Kinect launch window games rounded up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you get your shiny new Kinect, what games will you get with it? Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has provided a handy guide to the full Kinect launch lineup -- including launch day games and those arriving soon after. If you wagered there would be four sports minigame collections (Kinect Sports, Deca Sports Freedom, Game Party In Motion and MotionSports), you win!

The seventeen-game lineup also includes three dancing games (Dance Central, Zumba Fitness, and DanceMasters), four exercise games (Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, EA Sports Active 2.0, and the aforementioned Zumba Fitness), and two 'boarding games (Adrenalin Misfits and Sonic Free Riders). See the full list after the break.

Major Nelson notes that the Xbox 360 launched in North America with 18 games, just one more than Kinect is launching with -- bearing out Shane Kim's comment that Microsoft would treat the Kinect launch like a new system. Or, it would, if this list didn't count the Kinect games coming out weeks after the Kinect release date as "launch games" vs. the 360's 18-game launch day. In any case, the Kinect has a lot of choices, even if they're all within a few categories.

Continue reading North American Kinect launch window games rounded up

JoystiqNorth American Kinect launch window games rounded up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrenalin-misfitsdance-centraldancemastersdeca-sportsdeca-sports-freedomea-sports-active-2Game-Partygame-party-in-motionharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1kinectkinect-adventureskinect-joy-rideKinect-Sportskinectimalslaunch-daylaunch-lineupmajor-nelsonmicrosoftmotionsportssonic-free-ridersthe-biggest-loserxboxYour-Shape-Fitness-Evolvedzumba-fitnessMon, 18 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Update Preview Program now accepting sign-ups [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/xbox-live-update-preview-program-now-accepting-sign-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/xbox-live-update-preview-program-now-accepting-sign-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/xbox-live-update-preview-program-now-accepting-sign-ups/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: Microsoft has brought sign-ups for the dashboard update preview program to a close. A note on the Microsoft Connect site now reads "Thank you for your interest in the Xbox LIVE and Kinect Beta program. The program has reached capacity and we are no longer accepting applications."

Microsoft is set to roll out some significant changes to its Xbox Live service this year, and wanted to run them by you first. An Xbox Live Update Preview Program is now accepting registrants online, and will grant selected users early access to the Xbox's updated user interface, the Xbox Live on-demand ESPN service, and the enhanced Netflix interface. This is not part of the Kinect beta test, so don't expect a camera to land in your mailbox unless you're also signing up for a reality TV show.

As per Major Nelson's instructions, you can now sign up to Microsoft's Connect website and complete a survey, after which you'll be notified if you've been selected for the program. "Multiple thousands of participants" are sought at this stage, so you might just have a good shot at getting in. You should be aware of some caveats, however: Your ISP must support ESPN 3; you need a Netflix subscription to use the new Netflix search, and an Xbox Live Gold account will afford you "priority" during selection.

The Xbox Live update will introduce a new audio codec for online communication -- if you're selected, your voice chat will become incompatible with the older version. Survey says: "Because you are participating in an exclusive pre-release program, you will not be able to voice chat with non-participants during the preview program period." Game chat should not be impacted, but you've already muted everyone on Halo: Reach anyway.

JoystiqXbox Live Update Preview Program now accepting sign-ups [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-nelsonmicrosoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-update-2010xbox-live-update-preview-programWed, 22 Sep 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Redesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/redesigned-xbox-avatar-appears-ready-to-kinect-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/redesigned-xbox-avatar-appears-ready-to-kinect-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/redesigned-xbox-avatar-appears-ready-to-kinect-with-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You know how sometimes people go "away" for the summer, and then when they come back they look ... totally different? Well, Major Nelson's Xbox Live Avatar didn't go anywhere but has seemingly undergone one such full body makeover -- as evidenced by the above comparison between the bobble-headed likeness (via Xbox Avatar Life) we had come to associate with the Xbox Live director of programming and his current Avatar. It would appear that Major's Avatar and perhaps other "VIP" Avatars are the (beta) test subjects in a forthcoming effort to transform the currently cartoonish Avatars into -- to put it candidly -- virtual figures that would look a lot less goofy in a motion-controlled sports game.

Recently, Rare senior programmer Nick Burton told OXM UK that Xbox Live Avatars would be proportionally redesigned to better connect the physical movements of Kinect players to their on-screen Avatars. Presumably, this "Avatar 2.0" update would occur in time for Kinect's November 4 launch and possibly as part of the expected, annual fall update of the Xbox 360 UI. [Update: Check out further details of the Kinect Dashboard update here.]

The new trimmer Avatars are visible in Rare's Kinect Sports screenshots below.

Gallery: Kinect Sports


[Thanks, Vanessa and Anthony]

JoystiqRedesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-2.0avatarsdashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2010kinectMajor-Nelsonmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveThu, 26 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands DLC discounted for Xbox Live Deal of (Next) Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/borderlands-dlc-discounted-for-xbox-live-deal-of-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/borderlands-dlc-discounted-for-xbox-live-deal-of-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/borderlands-dlc-discounted-for-xbox-live-deal-of-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Major Nelson's latest broadcast has filled out the slate of Xbox Live Marketplace updates for the next few weeks, including a hefty discount on three DLC packs for Borderlands. During the week of July 26, "Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot," "The Secret Armory of General Knoxx" and "The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned" add-ons will be discounted to 400 Microsoft Points ($5) each.

Click past the jump to see the full list of impending Xbox Live Marketplace releases.

Continue reading Borderlands DLC discounted for Xbox Live Deal of (Next) Week

JoystiqBorderlands DLC discounted for Xbox Live Deal of (Next) Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdeal-of-the-weekmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxblmxboxWed, 21 Jul 2010 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 20: Modern Warfare 2, After Burner Climax reign supreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-live-top-20-modern-warfare-2-after-burner-climax-reign-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-live-top-20-modern-warfare-2-after-burner-climax-reign-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/xbox-live-top-20-modern-warfare-2-after-burner-climax-reign-su/#comments Microsoft's Major Nelson has released his weekly report of Xbox Live activity today, featuring Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 and Sega's After Burner Climax in the top spot. With one last activity update to be released before the Halo: Reach beta, we anticipate an upcoming fight in Xbox Live list's top three. Bungie's 2010 release Halo 3 secured second place for the sixteenth week in a row with EA's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 closing out this week's three-hole.

On the Xbox Live Arcade list, the collective biomass of classic arcade titles solidified Game Room in second place for a second week in a row while Capcom's Final Fight: Double Impact closing out the top three. Other notable highlights include Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Conviction jumping from ninth spot to sixth and EA Sports' FIFA 10 overtaking Call of Duty: World at War for fourth spot. The full breakdown can be found at Major Nelson's blog.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 20: Modern Warfare 2, After Burner Climax reign supreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2bungiediceeaea-sportsfifa-10halo-3infinity-wardMajor-Nelsonmodern-warfare-2segasplinter-cell-convictionubisoftXBLAxbox-livexbox-live-activityWed, 28 Apr 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 follows the breadcrumbs to Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/fable-2-follows-the-breadcrumbs-to-games-on-demand/#comments You've been able to download Fable 2 through Xbox Live episodically until now, but who has time for all that thumb stick manipulation, button pressing and dashboard navigation? Zeroes, that's who. Starting today, you can buy the game like a sane person: In one big chunk for $20 from Games on Demand. Additionally, Kung Fu Panda is now available for purchase through Games on Demand for $30.

Major Nelson also announced that Fallout 3 is now available on demand in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, leaving India and Japan as the sole holdout territories that can't experience the joy of nuclear devastation with a single button press. Soon, guys. Soon.


Xbox.com: Add Fable II to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)

Xbox.com: Add Kung Fu Panda to your Xbox 360 download queue ($29.99)

JoystiqFable 2 follows the breadcrumbs to Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksfable-2fallout-3games-on-demandLionheadLionhead-Studiosmajor-nelsonMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosrpgXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 06 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' early adopters rewarded with free week of XBL Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-early-adopters-rewarded-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-early-adopters-rewarded-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-early-adopters-rewarded-with/#commentsIf you happened to buy the Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Package" map pack immediately upon launch, you got problems first, and maps later. To get over the complications caused by your attempted Mapathy treatment, Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb announced that day-one buyers of the map pack will receive a free week of Gold Xbox Live membership. "Check your Live messages," according to Major Nelson, for notice of the reward.

Even if every single person who ever bought the Stimulus Package already has a Gold membership, now you have it for a week longer! And for nothing but a minor inconvenience.

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' early adopters rewarded with free week of XBL Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioninfinity-wardmajor-nelsonMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-goldMon, 05 Apr 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East: Podcasting (f)or PR]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pax-east-podcasting-f-or-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pax-east-podcasting-f-or-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pax-east-podcasting-f-or-pr/#comments If you're interested at all in starting up a podcast or want to know more about what goes into creating one, the PAX East panel hosted by Gamers With Jobs' Julian Murdoch and attended by podcasting professionals Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, Insomniac Games' James Stevenson, Irrational Games' Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott, and EA's Jeff Green is a pretty enlightening listen

We were anxious to hear what the group had to say on the subject of using podcasts for promotion -- and we recorded it because, well, you might be interested too! For the full, unedited (and very NSFW) audio, click on the play button below. Highlights include outlining the value in podcasting, being on the front lines of PR when something bad goes down and answering questions on how to get a podcast off the ground and cultivating an audience. Feel free to give a listen below.

JoystiqPAX East: Podcasting (f)or PR originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsfull-moonfull-moon-showgamers-with-jobsinsomniac-gamesirrational-behaviorirrational-gamesjames-stevensonjeff-greenjulian-murdochken-levinelarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2010podcasting-for-prshawn-elliottXbox-360Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Major Nelson Gamercard cracked by hacker [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/microsofts-major-nelson-gamercard-overtaken-by-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/microsofts-major-nelson-gamercard-overtaken-by-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/microsofts-major-nelson-gamercard-overtaken-by-hacker/#comments Microsoft podcaster and Xbox spokesperson Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb's Gamercard has fallen victim to a hacker (or hackers) sometime this evening. A quick check on Xbox.com reveals the account is still being affected right now (though we have to imagine someone over in Redmond is hard at work on a fix) has been fixed.

Hryb's account info was altered to reflect some ... rather offensive pejoratives, and images from Kotaku reveal an odd spam statement ("ANY ACCOUNT $100 PAYPAL!!!!!!!!"). A website by the name of "LiGHTzz" has a video that proclaims responsibility for the hacking and even offers up a YouTube video advertising his services to others -- the name Yasiel Rodriguez, a resident of Miami, Fl., is registered to the domain name in question.

We've contacted Microsoft regarding the matter and will keep you updated on a response (discussed a bit by Xbox's Stephen Toulouse on Twitter, in the meantime). Proceed with caution after the break to see the NSFW image if you wish -- we'd suggest against it.

Continue reading Microsoft's Major Nelson Gamercard cracked by hacker [update]

JoystiqMicrosoft's Major Nelson Gamercard cracked by hacker [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamercardgamertaghackerhackinglarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftnsfwXbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East: Tour Microsoft's N.E.R.D. Cambridge office with us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-east-tour-microsofts-n-e-r-d-cambridge-office-with-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-east-tour-microsofts-n-e-r-d-cambridge-office-with-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-east-tour-microsofts-n-e-r-d-cambridge-office-with-us/#comments
click to New England-size

Just because you don't live in the Northeast (or couldn't afford to hop on a bus/train/plane/cattle cart to PAX East 2010) doesn't mean that you can't tour Microsoft's New England Research & Development Center with us. Sure, you might not be here in the physical sense, but our hi-res gallery below should assist you in achieving a semblance of the zeitgeist in Cambridge yesterday morning.

Xbox's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, Stephen "Stepto" Toulouse, Laura "Lollipop" Massey, and Eric "E" Neustadter ate breakfast with us (and two or three hundred of their closest friends), handed out some prizes, and even gave everyone a chance to check out a Surface. If you're so inclined, flip through the gallery below and tour N.E.R.D. with us, won't you?

Gallery: Microsoft's New England Research & Development Center

JoystiqPAX East: Tour Microsoft's N.E.R.D. Cambridge office with us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric-neustadterlarry-hryblaura-masseymajor-nelsonMicrosoftnew-england-research-and-development-centerpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010stephen-toulousesurfaceXbox-360Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft phasing out memory units and 120GB hard drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/microsoft-phasing-out-memory-units-and-120gb-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/microsoft-phasing-out-memory-units-and-120gb-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/microsoft-phasing-out-memory-units-and-120gb-hard-drive/#comments Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has confirmed the inevitable to Joystiq: Xbox 360 Memory Units and the 120GB hard drive are being phased out. Acknowledging what's been in the stars since February, the Xbox spokesman stated that "the channel is being drained" of the storage options. The same goes for Memory Units, which, after today's official announcement of USB support, makes the MU even less useful.

This makes the $130 250GB HDD the primary option ... well, at least until this fall, if the Xbox Slim comes to pass.

JoystiqMicrosoft phasing out memory units and 120GB hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gb250gb-hddlarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmemory-unitmicrosoftmupax-east-2010Xbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360-branded 16GB drives from SanDisk coming in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/#comments This morning at the PAX East Microsoft breakfast, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb revealed the 16GB Xbox 360-branded Flash drive from SanDisk. Available in May, the not-yet-priced device comes pre-installed with the April 6 Dashboard update for those who shun the connectivity of Xbox Live.

In a conversation with Joystiq, Hryb informed us that all data will be transferable to the USB device, except for installed games -- users will need to re-install those directly to the USB device once more. He assured us, however, that, "If you've got a 16GB and you only want to use 8, you can use the UI and throttle it back." Further, he reiterated to Joystiq that while this branded device is certainly one option, other Flash drives (including those larger than 16GB) will work in the same capacity.

JoystiqXbox 360-branded 16GB drives from SanDisk coming in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-updatedashboard-update-spring-2010larry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010sandiskusbXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New on Demand: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Sega Superstars Tennis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-on-demand-avatar-the-last-airbender-sega-superstars-tenni/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-on-demand-avatar-the-last-airbender-sega-superstars-tenni/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/new-on-demand-avatar-the-last-airbender-sega-superstars-tenni/#comments "I need to play Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth and Sega Superstars Tennis right the hell now, and I'm not going to leave my house to do it!"

Listen, we've all been there. ... Well, we haven't. But we assume you have, or else why are you reading this post? Why else would you need to know that both games had been added to Xbox Live's Games on Demand service for $20 a piece? Hey, what kind of game are you playing here?

...What's that? ... You just wanted an excuse to see us? Aww, we wanted to see you too. Don't tell the others, but you're our favorite reader.

JoystiqNew on Demand: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Sega Superstars Tennis originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-the-last-airbendergames-on-demandmajor-nelsonsega-superstars-tennisxbox-liveTue, 23 Mar 2010 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's wicked PAX East schedule]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/microsofts-wicked-pax-east-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/microsofts-wicked-pax-east-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/microsofts-wicked-pax-east-schedule/#comments Microsoft has some plans for that little PAX East shindig taking place in Boston this week. Starting Thursday, the publisher will offer several events, followed by a few panels over the weekend that may be of interest to Xbox 360 users. Maybe you'll see some Joystiq folks on Friday morning at the Tweetup.

Events:
Thursday, March 25 from 5:30 to 6:30PM: Major Nelson will have a pre-PAX 2010 session for area college students at Microsoft NERD in Cambridge, which is easily accessible on the Red Line of the T. No fee, but you'll have to register, due to limited space.

Friday, March 26 from 9:30 to 11:30AM: Tweetup, again at Microsoft NERD in Cambridge. Coffee and snacks before PAX starts at 2PM across the river. First 300 people receive "exclusive PAX East item." They'll also have a Surface, and they'll likely have Joystiq folks in attendance, as well.

Sessions:
  • Friday, 6:30PM: Traversing the Twitterverse, and Beyond! (Manticore Theatre) Major Nelson, @XboxSupport's McKenzie Eaken and Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling (@fourzerotwo) discuss professional tweeting and gaming.
  • Saturday, 3:00PM: Xbox LIVE Group Therapy.(Wyvern Theatre) Major Nelson records his podcast live for the first time.
  • Saturday, 5:30PM: Podcasting (f)or PR (Naga Theater) Major Nelson discusses podcasting and PR with several big-wigs.
  • Sunday, 11:30AM: Enforcement on Xbox LIVE: Tales from the Din Part 2 (Manticore Theatre). Stephen (@Stepto) Toulouse, head of Xbox LIVE Policy and Enforcement, discusses policing Xbox Live. Yes, it's a terrifying as it sounds.

We're looking forward to the Tweetup and Toulouse's presentation. If it's anything like his PAX Seattle presentation, it'll melt your face off.

JoystiqMicrosoft's wicked PAX East schedule originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-nelsonpax-eastpax-east-2010stephen-toulouseMon, 22 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' costs $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-costs-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-costs-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-costs-15/#comments We've read all the available info about the new Modern Warfare 2 map collection "Stimulus Package," but we still didn't have an answer to the big question on everyone's mind: "Is that the game with a bunch of guys or the one with the beards?" That, we still don't know. However, we've gotten an answer to the second biggest question from Xbox Live's Major Nelson: The five maps (three new, two remakes) will run you 1200 MS points or $15.

As a basis for comparison, the "Variety" map pack for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ran 800 points ($10) for four new maps. Whether or not the new offering is a stimulating enough value is a decision you'll have to make for yourself when it arrives on March 30.

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' costs $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcinfinity-wardmajor-nelsonMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 15 Mar 2010 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/xbox-live-marketplace-release-schedule-for-march-revealed/#comments Though we already know the bulk of the March release schedule for new content on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Major Nelson's blog recently laid out how the rest of the month will play out. Tomorrow, we'll get our hands on Scrap Metal for 1200 ($15), next Wednesday will see the release of Perfect Dark for 800 ($10), and on March 24, we'll get our hands on the (somewhat) free Game Room hub. Oh, and the Games on Demand service got a bit crazier today with the release of Condemned: Criminal Origins for $19.99.

If you're an insatiable value-hound, you should turn your attention to the upcoming Deals of the Weeks: The original Fable will have its price reduced to 800 ($10) from 1200 ($15) during the week of March 15. All of Fallout 3's add-on packs, including Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta, will be offered at half price (400, or $5) during the week of March 22. For the rest of the schedule, including Avatar outfits and add-on packs, check out the list after the jump.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace release schedule for March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksdeal-of-the-weekfablefallout-3game-roommajor-nelsonmarchmicrosoftperfect-darkRPGschedulescrap-metalxblaxblmXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq @ the Microsoft X10 media event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/joystiq-at-the-microsoft-x10-media-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/joystiq-at-the-microsoft-x10-media-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/joystiq-at-the-microsoft-x10-media-event/#comments Okay, so, we're here and we're blogging the youknowwhat outta X10 and you probably already figured that out just by reading the posts streaming down the front page -- but! We just had to share this candid shot of Major Nelson with you. Isn't he precious?

Follow all X10 updates here or explore the gallery below for an inside look at the event. Pics courtesy of our superfriend Ross Miller at Engadget.

Gallery: Joystiq live at Microsoft's X10 event in San Francisco

JoystiqJoystiq @ the Microsoft X10 media event originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallerymajor-nelsonMicrosoftsan-franciscox10Xbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII 360 faceplate witnessed in the wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/final-fantasy-xiii-360-faceplate-witnessed-in-the-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/final-fantasy-xiii-360-faceplate-witnessed-in-the-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/final-fantasy-xiii-360-faceplate-witnessed-in-the-wild/#comments It looks like 360-owning JRPG fans shouldn't get too jealous about the Lightning-clad PS3 Slim which was release in Japan late last year. A recent promotional spot for GamertagRadio's Community Vibes event featured a lengthy look at what appears to be a Final Fantasy XIII-branded 360 faceplate, seen above. We almost didn't notice the accessory the first time we watched the video -- after someone mentioned Major Nelson in a Speedo, our brains went briefly catatonic, which is our reflexive defense mechanism when faced with unsettling mental images.

We've contacted the Major to find out if the faceplate is legit, and to see if we'll be getting our hands on it any time soon.

[Via Gaming Angels]

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII 360 faceplate witnessed in the wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>faceplatefinal-fantasy-xiiigamertagradiomajor-nelsonmicrosoftsquare-enixThu, 04 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live deals, XBLA releases and Games on Demand for January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/xbox-live-deals-xbla-releases-and-games-on-demand-for-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/xbox-live-deals-xbla-releases-and-games-on-demand-for-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/xbox-live-deals-xbla-releases-and-games-on-demand-for-january/#comments Major Nelson recently peeled away the veil separating us from the knowledge of when stuff would be coming out on Xbox Live Marketplace over what remains of the month of January. This new knowledge includes the upcoming Deals of the Week -- on January 18, both of the DLC packs for the original Mass Effect will be marked down to 240 ($3) each and Hasbro Family Game Night: Battleship will get rolled back to 400 ($5); and on January 25, Portal: Still Alive will have its price temporarily reduced to 800 ($10).

The Major also announced two new Games on Demand: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, available now for $20, and Dead Rising, coming January 26 for an undisclosed price. For the rest of January's bounty, including discounted Games on Demand titles, XBLA releases and Avatar items, head past the jump.

Continue reading Xbox Live deals, XBLA releases and Games on Demand for January

JoystiqXbox Live deals, XBLA releases and Games on Demand for January originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsbattleshipbring-down-the-skydead-risingdealsgames-on-demandghost-recon-advanced-warfighter-2hasbro-family-game-nightmajor-nelsonmass-effectMicrosoftpinnacle-stationportal-still-aliverelease-datesalexblaxblmXbox-360xbox-live-marketplaceTue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War now available via Xbox Live Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/gears-of-war-now-available-via-xbox-live-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/gears-of-war-now-available-via-xbox-live-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/gears-of-war-now-available-via-xbox-live-games-on-demand/#comments Put down that can of Imulsion energy drink, friend, 'cause we've got some good news for you (and we wouldn't want you to choke, you know). The original Gears of War has arrived on Xbox Live's Games on Demand service, making it that much easier to get ready for next year's big announcement from series creator Cliff Bleszinski (spoilers: it's probably Gears of War 3!).

For the usual $19.99, all 6GB of Marcus Fenix's Locust murder opus can be yours -- without all that pesky 'physical media' nonsense -- through the Xbox Live Marketplace (except in Japan, sorry!). We've linked it below of course, for your convenience.

Shortcut: Add Gears of War to your Xbox 360 download queue (via Xbox.com)

JoystiqGears of War now available via Xbox Live Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskidigital-distributionepicepic-gamesgames-on-demandgears-of-warmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxblxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 29 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach premiere at VGAs will be actual gameplay, says Keighley]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/halo-reach-premiere-at-vgas-will-be-actual-gameplay-says-keigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/halo-reach-premiere-at-vgas-will-be-actual-gameplay-says-keigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/halo-reach-premiere-at-vgas-will-be-actual-gameplay-says-keigh/#comments To clear up any misconceptions with "the kids on Twitter," Spike Video Game Awards host Geoff Keighley took to Major Nelson's podcast this weekend and explained that the Halo: Reach trailer on next week's show will be "actual gameplay." That's right, folks: none of that live-action or CG mumbo jumbo. "You'll get a first glimpse at the world of Reach," Keighley told the Major during this week's show. "I think it's going to be the biggest game next year by far."

When addressing the contents of the trailer -- something Keighley claimed to have not seen just yet -- he noted that he thinks people will be shocked by the direction than Bungie is taking, calling it a "huge leap forward." So, Mr. Keighley, it could be said that the studio is reaching new ground then?

... Hello? Where are you going?!

JoystiqHalo: Reach premiere at VGAs will be actual gameplay, says Keighley originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiegeoff-keighleyhalohalo-reachmajor-nelsonpodcastSpike-VGA-2009Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM Deal of the Week: Saints Row 2 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/xblm-deal-of-the-week-saints-row-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/xblm-deal-of-the-week-saints-row-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/xblm-deal-of-the-week-saints-row-2-dlc/#comments Though that other open-world crime drama just got a huge booster shot in the form of the release of Ballad of Gay Tony, Volition's Saints Row 2 is getting a helping hand from its ol' pal Microsoft. Major Nelson recently announced that the game's DLC pack, "Ultor Exposed," is the Xbox Live Marketplace Deal of the Week. The pack, which offers three new missions, a new co-op mode and a playable character modeled after real-life porn star Tera Patrick, has had its price cut to 560 ($7). That's a 30 percent discount from the add-on's usual 800 ($10) price point.

With that, we'd like to welcome the naughty folks who ended up here after searching Google for "porn star Tera Patrick." Welcome! Sorry, there's no images of your erotic quarry to be found here, but take a look around, anyways! You might just like what you see.

JoystiqXBLM Deal of the Week: Saints Row 2 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmajor-nelsonmicrosoftsaints-rowsaints-row-2salethqultor-exposedvolitionxblmMon, 09 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD continue to dominate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-continue-to-dominate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-continue-to-dominate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/xbox-live-top-10-halo-3-trials-hd-continue-to-dominate/#comments
Surprising no one, Major Nelson's weekly list of most-played games on Xbox Live showcases Halo 3 and a double dose of Call of Duty on the top of the charts, with Modern Warfare and World at War grabbing second and third, respectively. XBLA top-seller Trials HD continues to lead the downloadable space, beating out newcomers Tower Bloxx Deluxe and Panzer General: Allied Assault.

The most notable item on the list is Gearbox Software's Borderlands, debuting at (a disappointing) ninth on the list. Perhaps evidence that inventory shortages may in fact muck up the wheels of a critically acclaimed game's launch. Color us surprised ... then trace us with sarcasm.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10: Halo 3, Trials HD continue to dominate originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsbungiegearbox-softwarehalohalo-3major-nelsonpanzer-general-allied-assaulttop-tentower-bloxx-deluxetrials-hdxbox-livexbox-live-top-tenSat, 31 Oct 2009 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox mandatory update isn't 'The Big One,' adds WPA2 support for wireless adapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/psa-xbox-mandatory-update-isnt-the-big-one-adds-wpa2-suppor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/psa-xbox-mandatory-update-isnt-the-big-one-adds-wpa2-suppor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/psa-xbox-mandatory-update-isnt-the-big-one-adds-wpa2-suppor/#comments
Those of you who woke up extra early this morning to get in precious alone time with your Xbox 360 (we understand - we do it all the time) may have been tricked when a mandatory system update greeted you in place of the dashboard. Alas, the much ballyhoo'd Facebook/Twitter/Last.fm update has not yet arrived, as Microsoft's Major Nelson points out on his site.

Instead, the update brings with it support for the now five-year-old WPA2 security protocol. With that new and improved 802.11n wireless adapter hitting retailers next month, and with WPA2 certification being mandatory for all new Wi-Fi devices as of March 2006, Microsoft seems to be rolling out that addition in software. That's good news for those of you with a four-year-old Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter!

JoystiqPSA: Xbox mandatory update isn't 'The Big One,' adds WPA2 support for wireless adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11ndashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009facebooklast.fmmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpsatwitterwireless-adapterwpa2Xbox-360xbox-360-wireless-adapterWed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/upcoming-xbox-360-update-locking-out-unauthorized-memory-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/upcoming-xbox-360-update-locking-out-unauthorized-memory-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/17/upcoming-xbox-360-update-locking-out-unauthorized-memory-units/#comments Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience[TM], Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work."

In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.

JoystiqUpcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009datelDatel-Max-Memorymajor-nelsonmemory-cardmemory-unitmicrosoftthird-partyXbox-360Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Bubble Bobble Neo, Red Alert 3: Commander's Challenge arrive on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/this-wednesday-bubble-bobble-neo-red-alert-3-commanders-chal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/this-wednesday-bubble-bobble-neo-red-alert-3-commanders-chal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/this-wednesday-bubble-bobble-neo-red-alert-3-commanders-chal/#comments Well, folks, it's not quite the Summer of Arcade anymore. Microsoft's Major Nelson has announced C&C Red Alert 3: Commander's Challenge and Bubble Bobble Neo as this week's Xbox Live Arcade releases. Despite the inclusion of "C&C Red Alert 3" right there in the title, the former game is a standalone experience and can be played without the original Red Alert 3 game disc.

Each title will draw 800 ($10) from your account, assuming it doesn't go toward this week's Xbox Live deal, Lode Runner.

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Bubble Bobble Neo, Red Alert 3: Commander's Challenge arrive on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bubble-bobblebubble-bobble-neocommand-and-conquerCommand-and-Conquer-Red-Alertcommand-and-conquer-red-alert-3Command-and-Conquer-Red-Alert-3-Commanders-Challengecommanders-challengedlcEA-Los-AngelesElectronic-Artslode-runnermajor-nelsonmicrosoftPSNRed-Alertred-alert-3Red-Alert-3-Commanders-ChallengeRTSStrategyxblaxblawednesdayXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 14 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 10 demo up on XBLM (except for you, America)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/fifa-10-demo-up-on-xblm-except-for-you-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/fifa-10-demo-up-on-xblm-except-for-you-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/fifa-10-demo-up-on-xblm-except-for-you-america/#comments Imagine our excitement upon seeing Major Nelson announce that the demo for footy fiesta FIFA 10 was available on XBLM. Now, imagine our excitement being boiled like a Fatal Attraction bunny as we discovered the demo wasn't available in Japan ... or North America. That's outrageous! We live and breathe for the sport!

Apparently, the excluded regions will have to wait before taking their linebacker down the field and scoring a run in the other guy's hoop. The whole thing makes us want to scream like an athlete on an EA Sports cover.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

JoystiqFIFA 10 demo up on XBLM (except for you, America) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfifa-10major-nelsonsoccerThu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Xbox Live tenure on your gamercard works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/how-xbox-live-tenure-on-your-gamercard-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/how-xbox-live-tenure-on-your-gamercard-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/how-xbox-live-tenure-on-your-gamercard-works/#comments
Wait, but we've been using Xbox Live since its inception! Shouldn't our gamercard have a little seven in the upper right corner? According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, not exactly. In fact, the first ever gamertag created ("e," for Xbox Live operations manager Eric Neustadter), won't officially turn seven until tomorrow. "Your Gold Veteran Status counts full years so if you've been a Gold member for 2 years, 11 months and 27 days; your status will display 2 years," says the Major.

In fact, there's a whole handful of little caveats regarding the tiny gamercard number that have been all layed out in plain English over at his blog. Unfortunately for us, regardless of those caveats, we'll likely never be as cool in Nerdland as Eric Neustadter.

[Via Xbox Gaming]

JoystiqHow Xbox Live tenure on your gamercard works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboarddashboard-updategamercardgamertagmajor-nelsonmicrosofttenurexbox-gamingxbox-liveWed, 12 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[R-Type finally comes down to a reasonable price for deal of the week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/r-type-finally-comes-down-to-a-reasonable-price-for-deal-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/r-type-finally-comes-down-to-a-reasonable-price-for-deal-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/r-type-finally-comes-down-to-a-reasonable-price-for-deal-of-the/#comments
Xbox Live gold members can pick up R-Type Dimensions for the reduced price of 800 ($10) this week. How is that reduced, you ask? Well, for some strange reason, the side-scrolling shmup is normally a tad on the expensive side at 1200 ($15).

At present, though, its probably best to spend those Microsoft space bucks on the excellent 'Splosion Man or wait a couple weeks until Shadow Complex releases. However, if you gotta have the R-Type, at least you'll get a deal on the game this week.

Add R-Type Dimensions to your queue


JoystiqR-Type finally comes down to a reasonable price for deal of the week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmajor-nelsonr-typer-type-dimensionsxblaMon, 03 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST