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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Greenberg teases Xbox reveal, says E3 is 'all about the games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/#comments Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Chief of Staff Aaron Greenberg recently stopped by the Major Nelson podcast to discuss next week's Xbox reveal event and how Microsoft will show its "vision for the future of games."

"We're really going to tell one story across two events. So we're going to start on the 21st and really that's about revealing the next Xbox platform, really our vision for the future of games, the future of entertainment. We definitely have a lot of surprises planned." Greenberg then specifically called out Call of Duty: Ghosts, which will have its next-generation engine demoed during the Microsoft event.

"People are going to get a great inside look at really the making of the new platform and the team that's brought it to life," Greenberg added. "I mean, to be honest it's really about the team, the people here. That's why we're inviting people to campus, we're going to bring them behind the scenes a little bit. We've never done this before and so it's really exciting to be able to do that. But I think it's a lot of laying the foundation - probably the best way to describe it - and then just a couple of weeks later we go to E3."

Greenberg concluded that more will be shown at E3 and after, leading into this holiday season. "E3 is all about the games. At E3, I mean, if you're a gamer, it's going to be tons of exclusives, world premieres and obviously even beyond that we have a lot to share between then and this holiday."

The Xbox event takes place on May 21 at Microsoft's Redmond campus, located in Washington state. Be sure to have your browser locked to Joystiq starting at 1pm ET (6pm UK, 10am PT) for all of the scoops, commentary and neatly organized words you've come to expect.

JoystiqGreenberg teases Xbox reveal, says E3 is 'all about the games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-greenberge3e3-2013major-nelsonmicrosoftnext-xboxxboxxbox-revealFri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/xbox-360-250gb-spring-value-bundle-includes-darksiders-2-batman/#comments Xbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman Arkham CityMicrosoft has announced a new 250GB Spring Value Bundle for the Xbox 360, available in "select major retail stores" and shipping out today for $300. In addition to the black Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard drive, the bundle includes a wireless controller, copies of Darksiders 2 and Batman: Arkham City (the latter in downloadable form), and a free month of Xbox Live.

That's a nice deal, though you may prefer to wait until after you've heard about the next Xbox, which is expected to be announced later this year.

JoystiqXbox 360 250GB Spring Value Bundle includes Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citycheapdarksiders-2dealmajor-nelsonmajornelsonmicrosoftpricespring-bundlespring-value-bundlexboxxbox-liveThu, 28 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft apologizes for cloud save issue, doles out free month of Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/microsoft-apologizes-for-cloud-save-issue-doles-out-free-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/microsoft-apologizes-for-cloud-save-issue-doles-out-free-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/microsoft-apologizes-for-cloud-save-issue-doles-out-free-month/#comments PSA Xbox Live issues reported, Cloud files inaccessibleThe Xbox Live service experienced some hiccups recently with its cloud save feature and now Microsoft is making amends with a free month of Xbox Live.

Microsoft notes it's automatically applying a one-month extension to impacted customers. There is no need to call support if you were affected by the outage. Xbox's Major Nelson posts that the company knows who couldn't reach the cloud and will handle it on their end.

Late last week Xbox Live customers reported outages and other issues, along with the cloud save file problem, which would bounce back error "0x807b0198" when trying to load a file.

JoystiqMicrosoft apologizes for cloud save issue, doles out free month of Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Major-Nelsonmicrosoftoutagexboxxbox-liveMon, 31 Dec 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA countdown to 2013 daily deal: Them's fightin' games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/xbla-countdown-to-2013-daily-deal-thems-fightin-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/xbla-countdown-to-2013-daily-deal-thems-fightin-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/xbla-countdown-to-2013-daily-deal-thems-fightin-games/#comments XBLA countdown to 2013 daily deal Them's fightin' gamesToday's Xbox Live deal offers 50 percent off of Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection, Dungeon Defenders, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike Online Edition and Dungeon Fighter Live, all for XBLA. Virtua Fighter 5, Dungeon Defenders and Street Fighter 3 are each 600 MS Points, while Mortal Kombat Arcade and Dungeon Fighter Live are 400 MS Points. You could say today's deals pack a real punch.

These sales mark the latest installment of Xbox Live's really long New Year's countdown, which offers daily deals on a variety of games until that big, reflective ball falls out of the sky on January 1.

JoystiqXBLA countdown to 2013 daily deal: Them's fightin' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defendersdungeon-fighter-liveMajor-Nelsonmicrosoftmortal-kombat-arcade-kollectionstreet-fighter-3-third-strike-online-editionvirtua-fighter-5-final-showdownXBLAxboxXbox-LiveXbox-Live-ArcadeSun, 30 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Xbox Live Gold this weekend for pretty much everyone except Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/free-xbox-live-gold-this-weekend-for-pretty-much-everyone-except/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/free-xbox-live-gold-this-weekend-for-pretty-much-everyone-except/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/free-xbox-live-gold-this-weekend-for-pretty-much-everyone-except/#comments Free Xbox Live Gold this weekend for pretty much everyone except Europe and the UKXbox owners somehow eeking out a meager existence without an Xbox Live Gold account will be given a peek at how the other side lives this weekend, when Gold features are opened up to everyone for a limited time.

The promotion runs from now through Sunday and includes access to services such as online multiplayer, Internet Explorer and the like. Apps that require outside subscriptions, like Netflix and Hulu Plus, will still require their associated ancillary subscriptions to function, but will otherwise be accessible.

The promotion is available for Xbox owners in "Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States," according to Major Nelson. Sorry, Europe.

JoystiqFree Xbox Live Gold this weekend for pretty much everyone except Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-xbox-live-gold-weekendkinectmajor-nelsonmicrosoftweekendxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldThu, 29 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live's Black Friday-only sale chops 50 percent off selected content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/xbox-lives-black-friday-only-sale-chops-50-percent-off-selected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/xbox-lives-black-friday-only-sale-chops-50-percent-off-selected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/xbox-lives-black-friday-only-sale-chops-50-percent-off-selected/#comments Xbox Live Black Friday sales, selected halfprice content for one day onlyIn addition to its plethora of discounts across the holidays, Xbox Live has several selected downloadables going at 50 percent off today. You know, since it's Black Friday and all.

The one-day-only batch includes Airtight Games' puzzle-platformer Quantum Conundrum (600 MSP) and Trendy's co-op tower defense offering Dungeon Defenders (600 MSP).

If it's DLC you're after, there's also half off Arctic (400 MSP) and Raven Strike (600 MSP) for Ghost Recon Future Soldier, Leviathan (400 MSP) for Mass Effect 3, Harley Quinn's Revenge (400 MSP) for Batman: Arkham City, and the October Car Pack (200 MSP) for Forza Horizon.

JoystiqXbox Live's Black Friday-only sale chops 50 percent off selected content originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2012major-nelsonmicrosoftXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveFri, 23 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wreckateer free, half-price games in Xbox Live 10th anniversary sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wreckateer-free-half-price-games-in-xbox-live-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wreckateer-free-half-price-games-in-xbox-live-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wreckateer-free-half-price-games-in-xbox-live-10th-anniversary/#comments Wreckateer free, halfprice games in Xbox Live 10th anniversary saleWreckateer is now free as part of Xbox Live's 10th anniversary celebrations. The Kinect-enabled demolition-fest won't is going for nada and niente for 48 hours, Microsoft tells us.

While they aren't free, several other XBLA games are going half-price. Those with costs lopped in half include Castle Crashers (now down to 600 MSP), Bastion (600 MSP), Peggle (400 MSP), Full House Poker (400 MSP), Fruit Ninja Kinect (400 MSP), and Xbox Live staple Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (200 MSP). Those games stay half-off until November 22.

If you've only got eyes for Gold, Xbox's Major Nelson has got you covered there too. He's giving away 1-year subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold on Twitter today, with instructions on how to have a chance of nabbing one here. Meanwhile, we're celebrating by breaking out the Party hats and red-ringed doughnuts. Happy birthday, Xbox Live!

JoystiqWreckateer free, half-price games in Xbox Live 10th anniversary sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-nelsonmicrosoftwreckateerXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveThu, 15 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft rewarding longstanding Xbox Live users with free Xbox 360s]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/microsoft-rewarding-longstanding-xbox-live-users-with-free-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/microsoft-rewarding-longstanding-xbox-live-users-with-free-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/microsoft-rewarding-longstanding-xbox-live-users-with-free-xbox/#comments Microsoft rewarding longstanding Xbox Live users with free Xbox 360sMicrosoft is sending out free Xbox 360 consoles to gamers who've used Xbox Live the longest. One Reddit user received a 10th anniversary-themed unit (full image below the break) along with a code for 12 more months of Live membership. Xbox's Major Nelson then confirmed Microsoft is indeed sending out consoles to "some of the Xbox Live members who have been with us the longest."

If you've been using Xbox Live since it was first available for Xbox back in November 2002, our advice is you make sure to answer your phone and check your snail mail over the next few days. Reddit user TonySki got a call last month about the anniversary, telling him he was one of Xbox Live's most valued members. A few weeks later, he gets a 360 in the post.

Now, we're not exactly sure how Microsoft deems who's deserving of a new unit. Is it just about being there from the start, or are other things taken into consideration? Does it matter how many units you've seen red-ringed? Maybe your GamerScore needs to be at least six figures worth. For now, while we meditate on who really are worthy of the new 360, we can look at it in all its green-grey-and-orange glory after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft rewarding longstanding Xbox Live users with free Xbox 360s

JoystiqMicrosoft rewarding longstanding Xbox Live users with free Xbox 360s originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freebiesmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveWed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live features Planets Under Attack, big board, card, and puzzle game sale this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/xbox-live-features-planets-under-attack-big-board-card-and-pu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/xbox-live-features-planets-under-attack-big-board-card-and-pu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/xbox-live-features-planets-under-attack-big-board-card-and-pu/#comments Xbox Live features Planets Under Attack, big board, card, and puzzle game sale this weekYes, the majority of you will probably be playing Halo 4 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on Xbox Live this week. This we know. But just in case you're looking for something else, Major Nelson has a whole list of new content on Xbox Live this week. Perhaps, for example, the new version of Atari's Warlords, available for 800 Microsoft Points. Or one of three new Kinect Sports games, for 240 points each, or an XBLA version of Targem Games' Planets Under Attack, for a full 1200 points.

There's a sale on, too: Carcassone, Catan, Magic: The Gathering, Magic 2012, Super Puzzle Fighter HD, and the two Puzzle Quest titles are all half off, for just 400 Microsoft Points each, and Ubisoft's I Am Alive is 33% off, down to 800 Microsoft Points. A downloadable course pack for Tiger 13 is as 50% off, and that's not all. Later on this week, Major Nelson says Microsoft will be hosting an "Xbox Live is 10" sale, which will include discounts on some content, as well as giveaways to some Xbox Live members "who have been with us the longest."

We mean, sure, it'll mostly be Halo 4 and Black Ops 2. But just in case, there's some good deals there, too.

JoystiqXbox Live features Planets Under Attack, big board, card, and puzzle game sale this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamescarcassonecard-gamescatancontentgiveawaymagic-2012major-nelsonmicrosoftplanets-under-attackpuzzle-questpuzzle-quest-2salewarlordsxblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-is-tenxbox-live-tenth-anniversaryWed, 14 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled NBA Live 13 noted as downloadable title, EA has 'no comment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/#comments EA Sports' canceled NBA Live 13 was going to be a digitally distributed product on Xbox Live Arcade. The word of the XBLA release comes directly from Microsoft community guru Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb. It had been rumored before that NBA Live 13 was going to be a digital release for $20.

"NBA Live 13 was supposed to be today's XBLA title, but EA made the decision not to launch it today," wrote Hryb on Twitter. He then directed queries on the topic to the September 27 announcement of the game's cancellation.

Checking with Hryb to confirm he meant to say XBLA and not Microsoft's retail Games on Demand section of the Xbox marketplace, he noted the information was "unclear."

EA Sports responded to our request for clarification with a "no comment."

EA Sports had been sketchy about NBA Live's status ever since its absence from the company's E3 press conference, finally mentioning in mid September the game had been delayed. This will be the third year in a row the company skipped or canceled its basketball game due to quality concerns. Meanwhile, Take-Two's NBA 2K series has the run of the court.

Update: Added EA response.

JoystiqCanceled NBA Live 13 noted as downloadable title, EA has 'no comment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artslarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftnba-live-13xboxWed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steal the Saints Row: The Third season pass for half-off today only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/steal-the-saints-row-the-third-season-pass-for-half-off-today-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/steal-the-saints-row-the-third-season-pass-for-half-off-today-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/steal-the-saints-row-the-third-season-pass-for-half-off-today-o/#comments Steal the Saints Row The Third season pass for halfoff today onlyThe season pass for the Xbox 360 version of Saints Row: The Third is 50 percent off today only, running 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Major Nelson made the announcement over Twitter.

Normally, the season pass includes all Saints Row: The Third DLC at a 15 percent discount: Nyte Blayde Pack, Genkibowl VII, Gangstas in Space and The Trouble With Clones, and definitely not Enter the Dominatrix.

Grab the half-off deal via Xbox Marketplace, but make sure to download the DLC directly from the in-game store, unless you want to be charged twice. You masochist.

JoystiqSteal the Saints Row: The Third season pass for half-off today only originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLChalf-offMajor-Nelsonmicrosoftsaints-row-the-thirdXBLMxboxSun, 09 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox celebrates going back to school with some distracting sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/xbox-celebrates-going-back-to-school-with-some-distracting-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/xbox-celebrates-going-back-to-school-with-some-distracting-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/xbox-celebrates-going-back-to-school-with-some-distracting-sales/#comments Xbox celebrates the return of school with very distracting salesA couple of serious sales are doing the rounds on Xbox Live Marketplace this week.

First up, the Back to School sale sees a good number of games go half-off, including Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Bloodforge, both episodes of Sonic 4, and Joe Danger. The pick of the bunch, however, is definitely Double Fine's Stacking. The doll-piling puzzler drops from its original price of 1200 MSP to just 300.

As if that wasn't enough to keep kids (and adults) from their homework, the Xbox Deal of the Week sees the prices of six more games cut by 50%. That sextet features Alan Wake's American Nightmare, Limbo, and Digital Reality's time-bending shoot-em-up, Sine Mora. According to Major Nelson, the following week will see PopCap's collection of casuals getting a similar treatment.

JoystiqXbox celebrates going back to school with some distracting sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-nelsonmicrosoftsalesXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 04 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft bringing blockbusters, Dream Build Players to PAX Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/microsoft-bringing-blockbusters-dream-build-players-to-pax-prim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/microsoft-bringing-blockbusters-dream-build-players-to-pax-prim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/microsoft-bringing-blockbusters-dream-build-players-to-pax-prim/#comments Microsoft's PAX Prime lineup in fullMicrosoft is blowing out PAX Prime with playable demos of Halo 4 multiplayer, Forza Horizon, Resident Evil 6 and Tomb Raider, along with a bunch of previews for XBLA, Dream Build Play and Windows 8 games. Microsoft will also have a big Gears of War: Judgement surprise, which Major Nelson promises to reveal tomorrow, and features on FIFA 13 and Fable: The Journey.

The XBLA games gracing PAX with their presence are State of Decay, Crash Course 2, Avatar Motocross Madness and Happy Wars, XBLA's first ever free-to-play title. Microsoft will host the 2012 Dream Build Play winners in its booth (#412), with the four Xbox 360 winners and top four from the Windows Phone division on display.

JoystiqMicrosoft bringing blockbusters, Dream Build Players to PAX Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectMajor-Nelsonmicrosoftpax-2012pax-prime-2012xboxMon, 27 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[August XBL deals: Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC, Rockstar sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/august-xbl-deals-assassins-creed-revelations-dlc-rockstar-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/august-xbl-deals-assassins-creed-revelations-dlc-rockstar-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/august-xbl-deals-assassins-creed-revelations-dlc-rockstar-sa/#comments August XBL deals Assassin's Creed Revelations DLC, Rockstar saleThis week Xbox Live Arcade sees the launch of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure HD and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Mass Effect 3's Leviathan DLC is set to drop next Tuesday, August 28. Xbox Live's deal of the week for August 21 - 27 includes Skydrift and its DLC, Deadblock and a map pack, and a smattering of other games for 50 percent off.

Next week, August 28 - September 3, Xbox Live will host a half-off sale for a batch of Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC: the Ancestors Character Pack, Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack, The Lost Archive, Codex, Eagle and Piece of Eden, each at half off.

A Rockstar publisher sale will hit Xbox Live August 28 - September 3, with an offering of unknown items for "up to" 50 percent off. Left 4 Dead, Metal Gear Solid HD, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Ratatouille will all come to Games on Demand on August 21.

JoystiqAugust XBL deals: Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC, Rockstar sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationscounter-strike-global-offensiveDLCjojos-bizarre-adventure-hdMajor-Nelsonmass-effect-3metal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftresident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityRockStarsaleXBLAXBLMxboxXbox-LiveTue, 21 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Want to test the next Xbox Dashboard update? Now's your big chance [update: it's full!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/want-to-test-the-next-xbox-dashboard-update-nows-your-big-chan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/want-to-test-the-next-xbox-dashboard-update-nows-your-big-chan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/want-to-test-the-next-xbox-dashboard-update-nows-your-big-chan/#comments You probably want to be one of the first people to explore the internet on your Xbox 360, right? Well, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb just posted up instructions for how to be that dude - all you have to do is sign up for the upcoming Xbox Live Dashboard update beta.

Beyond the opportunity to explore the internet from the comfort of your couch, you'll also get "personalized dashboard recommendations" (whatever that means), and "enhanced category search and discovery features."

Like with so many betas, participants won't be able to write about their experience or take pictures or anything like that until the required non-disclosure agreement expires. But hey, you'll be part of a super secret club, so there's something.

Update: Looks like the beta's full up, y'all. Congrats to those who got in!

JoystiqWant to test the next Xbox Dashboard update? Now's your big chance [update: it's full!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadashboard-updatefall-dashboard-updatefall-dashboard-update-2012internet-explorerlarry-hrybmajor-nelsonxbox-liveThu, 26 Jul 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft skipping Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom to focus on 'smaller, more localized promotions']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/microsoft-skipping-tokyo-game-show-and-gamescom-to-focus-on-sma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/microsoft-skipping-tokyo-game-show-and-gamescom-to-focus-on-sma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/microsoft-skipping-tokyo-game-show-and-gamescom-to-focus-on-sma/#comments Microsoft's scaling back its three-fold approach to annual gaming conventions, today announcing that it'll skip both Germany's Gamescom in August and Japan's Tokyo Game Show in September. "This year, Xbox will be focusing on smaller, more localized promotions and experiences for press, partners, retailers and customers around the world," Microsoft director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb said on his blog this morning.

As a result of that "smaller, more localized" marketing focus, Microsoft's wares "won't be taking part in Gamescom or Tokyo Games Show this year." Hryb noted that "both are still important shows for the industry, and we do wish the organizers well." Microsoft is the second of the big three console manufacturers to bow out of Gamescom, with Nintendo announcing as much earlier this year. Microsoft also attended its last Consumer Electronics Show this past January, signaling to many that the company was turning to Apple-style one-off press events.

The Kirkland, Washington-based publisher showed off Halo 4 and "Smart Glass" as major components of its E3 2012 press conference. The company is apparently confident enough in its already announced holiday lineup to skip the largest public game show on the planet.

JoystiqMicrosoft skipping Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom to focus on 'smaller, more localized promotions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2012kinectlarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosofttgstgs-2012tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2012xboxThu, 14 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST<![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