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[ESPN on Xbox Live updated with all live ESPN content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/espn-on-xbox-live-updated-with-all-live-espn-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/espn-on-xbox-live-updated-with-all-live-espn-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/espn-on-xbox-live-updated-with-all-live-espn-content/#comments ESPN on Xbox Live now shows all live ESPN contentPreviously Xbox Live was a good place to see some of ESPN's more fringe live content, like log racing, plastic cup stacking and the occasional tennis match. Today all live ESPN content is streaming through your Xbox 360, including Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Baseball and more top draws from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, Buzzer Beater and Goal Line - granted only if you're an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, that is.

The updated app on Xbox 360 still features all of the familiar Kinect gesture and voice commands required by Microsoft law, and lets users stream multiple events in split-screen format, set reminders for big games and track their favorite sports through a customizable menu. Next month, SmartGlass functionality will also be added to the app.

You can download the improved app right now, simply by booting up the old app or heading to the appropriate section of your Xbox 360 dashboard.

Continue reading ESPN on Xbox Live updated with all live ESPN content

JoystiqESPN on Xbox Live updated with all live ESPN content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appespnespn-liveespn2espn3espnukinectmicrosoftMonday Night FootballSci/TechsmartglassSplit screenSportsSportsCenterSportsNationSunday Night BaseballVoice ControlwatchespnxboxXbox 360Xbox Livexbox-liveTue, 20 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/a-platform-karkand-and-battlefield-3/#comments I hope you like Battlefield 3, because based on my trip to EA's Redwood Shores offices yesterday, you're going to be getting a lot more of it. In a brief presentation prior to some extended time with next month's Back to Karkand DLC, the word "service" was used more than once. EA sees Battlefield 3 as a platform to deliver more content and Back to Karkand is the first salvo in that strategy.

Gallery: Battlefield 3 (Back to Karkand)

Continue reading A platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3

JoystiqA platform, Karkand, and Battlefield 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3microsoftpcplaystationps3psnxblxboxxbox liveXboxLiveTue, 08 Nov 2011 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/1-vs-100-game-show-coming-to-xbox-live-primetime/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The recently rumored game show channel for Xbox Live was officially announced at this morning's Microsoft press conference in the form of "Xbox Live Primetime." TV producer Endemol has teamed up with Microsoft to produce the new massively-multiplayer game show channel, which will include a version of the semi-popular NBC show 1 vs. 100, complete with real prizes (no word on whether host Bob Saget is involved). Primetime is part of Microsoft's new "Live Party" community channel, which includes the long-rumored Avatars. No word on what, if any, other game shows will be coming to Primetime, but we're hoping for a version of Ninja Warrior that involves rampant button mashing.

Joystiq1 vs. 100 game show coming to Xbox Live Primetime originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100e3-2008endemolgame-showprimetimexbox liveXbox-360xbox-live-primetimeXboxLiveMon, 14 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Sony (briefly) improve the PS3 user interface with the much-talked-about version 2.4 firmware update, than some at the company feel cocky enough to start badmouthing the competition's interface. Speaking to Next-Gen, PlayStation Network Director of Operations Eric Lempel took the bait, comparing Sony's redesigned PlayStation Store to Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace. "I think if I look over at the competitors' UI they may have some issues just displaying content," Lempel said, "and scrolling up and down lists isn't the easiest way to find things." Tell that to McSweeny's, why don'tcha?

Lempel also pointed out that the PlayStation Store interface has "a lot of room with virtual shelf space to put a lot of things," a not-so-subtle jab at Microsoft's recently announced plan to de-list some Xbox Live Arcade games. "Depending on what type of UI you have you can accommodate a lot of titles," Lempel continued, "and specifically with our new store redesign which launched back in April we have a great ability to merchandise a wide variety of titles." That's all well and good, assuming your PS3 is currently working.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqPSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsconsole-warsconsolewarsinterfaceMicrosoftPlayStation-NetworkPS3PSNSonyXBLXBLAXBLMXboxXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeThu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix surveys customers about service on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/netflix-surveys-customers-about-service-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


Netflix told Reuters today that it's been surveying its subscribers about interest in streaming movies using the Xbox 360. The company declined to go as far as saying this meant there was a partnership in the works, but did say it's looking to use "as many ways as possible" to provide its service to consumers.

The whole "Netflix on consoles" thing has been batting around for a while with reports last month that Netflix was running surveys to gauge consumer interest. Netflix has made no secret that it wants to be on consoles and our eyebrows were already raised way up early last year when Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joined the Microsoft board of directors. If Microsoft doesn't want to go down the Blu-ray path, but still wants to offer a service that makes it stand out, Netflix would certainly make a marquee alternative.

JoystiqNetflix surveys customers about service on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnetflixxbmxbox liveXbox-360xboxliveTue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Store launches, is awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-store-launches-is-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The much-improved Rock Band store announced to the world yesterday is now available on Xbox Live and PSN. A 30-second download and installation gives players access to the streamlined song-buying interface, which features audio previews and individual instrument difficulties for each song, as well as a much simpler way to sort and browse through the growing selection of music.

Besides the cool new store, we're also extremely gratified by the much-needed faster loading of DLC provided by the patch. After a one-time file creation upon the first post-patch load, the annoying little "loading additional content" animation was reduced from roughly ten seconds to about one second in our tests on Xbox Live. The physical "download data file" that actually speeds up the process takes up a paltry 112KB on our system, meaning there's no reason not to rock out faster!

Gallery: Rock Band Music Store

JoystiqRock Band Store launches, is awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCharmonixpatchPS3PSNrock-bandrockbandstorexbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 21 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known it was coming for about a month now ... now we know exactly when it's coming. Metanet Software announced via their blog this morning that the Xbox Live Arcade version of 2D Ninja platformer N+ will be available for 800 MS points at 9 a.m. GMT (1 a.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The Wednesday release will come with the obligatory Gamerpics and Dashboard themes which, unfortunately, will cost even more of your hard earned Microsoft points. Metanet also announced "one or two level packs coming in the future," although, really, if you manage to beat all 450 levels included in the main game, it's probably time to move on to another title. We're just saying ...

[Thank Robber Tom]

JoystiqN+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NNinjaplatformplatformerXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeMon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Channel programming launches on Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/disney-channel-content-launches-on-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under:


We were planning on accompanying this post with a poll asking how many of our readers regularly watch Hannah Montana, but we're pretty sure we can guess the results of that questionnaire -- half of our readers would fess up to watching the pre-teen pop queen, and the other half would be bold-faced liars.

Fine, you don't have to admit it -- but if you have a friend (wink, wink) with an Xbox Live account, that friend (nudge, nudge) can now download episodes of Hannah Montana as well as a plethora of other Disney channel programming on Live Marketplace. It's just like having that dreamy Zac Efron live inside of your Xbox 360 hard drive, ready to serenade you at your behest, just one ashamed button press away from your Veteran career on Call of Duty 4.

[Via Gamerscore Blog]

JoystiqDisney Channel programming launches on Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyhannahmontanamarketplacesuitelifeofzackandcodyxblxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveSat, 16 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony touts 52 million PSN downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/sony-touts-52-million-psn-downloads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Boy, you guys must really hate going to your local game retailer. Sony today announced that it's PSN Online Store has racked up an impressive 52 million downloads since launching with the PS3 back in November '06 (and expanding to the PSP in November '07).

For context, Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace reached to 50 million download milestone back in August '06, roughly five months faster than Sony's network (when staggered launch dates are taken into account). Sony's current mark of 2.9 million registered PSN users also pales in comparison to the 7 million Xbox Live users as of last September, though Microsoft's head start likely played a part in that lead.

Still, Sony's online service is going in the right direction, growing from 6.6 million downloads in Dec. '07 to 7.9 million in Jan. '08. And with the PS3 starting to outsell the Xbox 360 in the American marketplace, could the much-predicted Sony turnaround finally be coming to pass?

JoystiqSony touts 52 million PSN downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdownloadsPS3PSNPSN storePsnStoreXBLXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 15 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PGR4 DLC brings new cars, modes, achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not content to let their premiere racer rest with just a release and a quick update, Bizarre Creations is offering up new downloadable content for Project Gotham Racing 4. The content is split into two downloadable packs:

Free Challenge Pack (free download!)
  • A playable, hydrogen-powered Peugeot Flux
  • Tourist Mode - Just drive around the city and admire the scenery with no explicit goal
  • "Free Roam" Cat and Mouse Mode - Implements the delayed updates previously discussed here
  • Seven unlockable achievements
Premium Challenge Pack (400 MS points)
Includes all the content of the Free Challenge Pack, PLUS:
  • Seven new cars - Including the "1987 BMW M3 E30 DTM," whatever that means
  • World Challenge Arcade Mode - With 20 new events in three themed chapters
  • Three more unlockable achievements
The packs will be available for download on Feb. 14, just in time to play Cat and Mouse with your valentine.

JoystiqPGR4 DLC brings new cars, modes, achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarrebizarre-creationsDLCdownloadPGR4project-gotham-racingproject-gotham-racing-4Xbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 08 Feb 2008 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ION Game Conference to address social networking on consoles, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/ion-game-conference-to-address-social-networking-on-consoles-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Game industry types looking for yet another reason to flock to a central location and gab about the business while getting liquored up at the open bar should take a moment to block out some time for this summer's Ion Game Conference, taking place from May 13-15 in Seattle. Known as the Online Game Developers Conference in a previous life, organizers Evergreen Events note that the re-dubbed conference will feature an expanded focus, with panels covering topics such virtual worlds and social networking on home consoles.

While few details concerning specific panels have yet been revealed for this year's event, last year's topics included "Xbox LIVE on Windows and 360: Are Your Games Dead or LIVE?," "The Future of Games and Entertainment Resides Online," and "Dirty Secrets of Episodic Video Games," among others. Early registration for the Ion Game Conference is now open, and event organizers note that as they are expecting a considerable turnout by attendees across the globe. Those interested in taking part in the event should register early.

JoystiqION Game Conference to address social networking on consoles, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Come back with us, if you will. Back to the middle ages of video gaming. Back to the early '90s. Mortal Kombat was a huge, bloody (and we do mean bloody) hit in the arcades. Unfortunately, console makers were concerned with how such a gory game would be received in family living rooms. Thus, the game's signature red blood was replaced with white "sweat" for the console versions.

Luckily we don't live in such dark times anymore, right? Not so. The Xbox Live Arcade version of Metal Slug 3 similarly has been toned down to include white "sweat" instead of red blood. This is especially odd considering the Metal Slug 3 port for the supposedly family-friendly Wii included what one reviewer called "arterial blood spraying everywhere."

Luckily (for real this time), there's a way around this bit of historical revisionism that's as simple as the Genesis Mortal Kombat's famous "blood code." As Insert Credit points out, simply setting your Xbox language to Japanese brings back the original Neo Geo classic in all its gory glory. Apparently, someone at Microsoft thinks the Japanese have a higher tolerance for this stuff. Either that, or they think Japanese gamers are just more picky about historical accuracy in their re-releases. Which is probably true, but still ...

JoystiqSimple fix brings back the blood in XBLA Metal Slug 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Metal-SlugMetal-Slug-3Neo-GEONeoGeoSNKXBLAXbox LiveXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeXboxLiveFri, 04 Jan 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We admit that the opening of a new studio is not the most terribly exciting event under the sun, but that news becomes decidedly more intriguing when said studio dedicates itself to a single market, or in the case of British developer Kuju's newly opened doublesix studio, a single distribution channel.

With a moniker always referred to in lowercase, we expected doublesix to be quietly reserved regarding its plans, which include developing titles exclusively in the downloadable space for Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, WiiWare and the PC. What we found, however, was a studio that is enthusiastic about its positioning in this young, but rapidly growing segment of the video game industry. To find out more, we managed to speak with doublesix studio head James Brooksby on a number of topics, including the price of downloadable games today and in the future, the importance of platform exclusives in the digital space, and of course, where the team likes to eat.

Continue reading Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix

JoystiqJoystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublesixGuildfordkujuPCplaystation networkPlaystation-NetworkPlaystationNetworkPS3psnWiiwiiwarexblaxbox livexbox live arcadeXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeWed, 19 Dec 2007 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil May Cry 4 demo confirmed for PSN, XBL in early 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/devil-may-cry-4-demo-confirmed-for-psn-xbl-in-early-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/devil-may-cry-4-demo-confirmed-for-psn-xbl-in-early-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/devil-may-cry-4-demo-confirmed-for-psn-xbl-in-early-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Getting gifts and embarrassing ourselves while under the influence of copious amounts of alcohol are reasons enough to count down until the new year, but Capcom has given us another reason to continue to mark through days on the kitchen calender, announcing plans to release a free playable demo of Devil May Cry 4 over both the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store in early 2008.

It's unclear exactly what will be included in the demo, with Capcom saying only that the download will serve to introduce the game's new hero, Nero, and feature levels "chosen to showcase Devil May Cry 4's varied locales and allow gamers to familiarize themselves with Nero's unique abilities." The demo will also include in-game instructions on how to use DMC4's Exceed sword charge system and various superhuman abilities, made possible by Nero's "Devil Bringer" powers, and will be capped off with a fight against a surly boss named Berial. We hope the boss has insurance, because players have been waiting a long time revisit Devil May Cry, and we imagine Berial is going to buried many times before the game's February 5, 2008 release.

JoystiqDevil May Cry 4 demo confirmed for PSN, XBL in early 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdantedemodev-may-cry-4devil may crydevil may cry 4devil-may-cryDevilMayCryDevilMayCry4neroplaystation networkplaystation-networkPlaystationNetworkPS3psnxbox liveXbox-360xbox-liveXboxLiveFri, 07 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft launches family timer for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/microsoft-launches-family-timer-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/microsoft-launches-family-timer-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/microsoft-launches-family-timer-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Microsoft has finally released its 'Family Timer' for the Xbox 360, a long rumored update which was only recently confirmed by MS exec Robbie Bach last month. Once applied, the timer can be used to adjust and set the amount of available console playtime "on a daily or weekly basis...and the feature will automatically turn off the console when the predetermined time limit has been exceeded." Thankfully Microsoft has included reminders which it says will appear to notify players when their time is growing short, so hopefully they can make a mad dash for the nearest save point instead of being cut off without warning.

Interestingly, Microsoft notes that this feature came about as a result of two independent surveys conducted by the company throughout Europe and the United States, which included 800 parents in the US and some 4,000 parents in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy. According to the company, the surveys found that the majority of respondents (75% in Europe, 62% in the US) welcomed the idea of having such parental controls built into their game consoles, though it remains to be seen how many of said parents will actually take the time to implement and use the controls now that they are available.

JoystiqMicrosoft launches family timer for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tired of getting college football and basketball games live, as they happen, for free as part of your cable package? Well, now you can pay extra for days-old copies of those games thanks to ESPN and the Xbox Live Marketplace.

We know, some people don't have cable or a VCR or access to a sports bar or anything better to do with $3 (for standard definition) or $4.50 (for high definition), but really, unless a game is a true instant classic, we can't see paying to download a copy of a game two days after it happened. Original programs like The Contender and Madden Nation might get our $2, but if we want to see the World Series of Poker we'll just tune in to ESPN and hope that they're showing one of their ten daily reruns of the tournaments.

JoystiqESPN brings shows, games to Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espnXBLXBLMXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveMon, 05 Nov 2007 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[E-mail phishers targeting Xbox Live accounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/e-mail-phishers-targeting-xbox-live-accounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/e-mail-phishers-targeting-xbox-live-accounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/e-mail-phishers-targeting-xbox-live-accounts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stealing your bank account or credit card information is one thing, but now e-mail phishers are going after something truly important: Your Xbox Live account. Xbox.com forum-goer Whagi reports on an e-mail he received, purportedly from Xbox Support, announcing new features on his Xbox Live account. The e-mail links to a supposed Microsoft passport login page that's actually a phishing site designed to capture your login information.

The problem goes deeper than your Xbox -- if you use your Passport account for other Microsoft services, the phishers could have access to a lot of sensitive information. The same e-mail has reportedly been received by other users in the U.S. and U.K.

It probably goes without saying, but if you get a similar e-mail, delete it immediately. If you accidentally use the link, change your password immediately. And don't trust random e-mails to notify you about new Xbox Live updates -- that's what we're here for, after all.

[Update: Microsoft has acknowledged the scam and reportedly taken action.]

JoystiqE-mail phishers targeting Xbox Live accounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-mailphishingscamXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 11 Sep 2007 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero II DLC goes multi-platinum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/guitar-hero-ii-dlc-goes-multi-platinum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/guitar-hero-ii-dlc-goes-multi-platinum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/guitar-hero-ii-dlc-goes-multi-platinum/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apparently some of you are not sufficiently outraged at paying $6.25 for three new Guitar Hero II songs. Activision announced today that 2 million individual tracks have been downloaded via over 650,000 downloadable Xbox Live packs. The number includes 50,000 downloads for the recent My Chemical Romance pack in its first week of availability and 300,000 sales for the three original Guitar Hero packs through early July.

Activision also used the opportunity to talk up the impending release of Guitar Hero 3 and its "vast array of downloadable content including songs from some of the most popular European bands." Do we smell an ABBA song pack in the works? We can only hope and pray.

JoystiqGuitar Hero II DLC goes multi-platinum originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionGH2GuitarHero2Xbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 11 Sep 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Online console games bring in more revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/report-online-console-games-bring-in-more-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/report-online-console-games-bring-in-more-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/report-online-console-games-bring-in-more-revenue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It seems like just yesterday when online functionality was a new, exotic feature that was far from required for most games. Now, it seems, online functionality is practically a must if a publisher wants to squeeze as much money as possible from a release. Reuters is reporting on a new study by research firm Electronic Entertainment Design and Research that shows, so far in this generation, console games that allow online play bring in nearly twice as much revenue as games that don't.

This isn't that surprising, considering mega-sellers like Madden, Gears of War, and Resistance are weighing on the online side. Would these same exact games make half the money without an online component? It's hard to say, but it's definitely a possibility, and one that should worry online-shy Nintendo. According to the study, only two percent of Wii games included an online component as of June 1, compared to 23 percent of PS3 games and a whopping 77 percent of Xbox 360 titles. That could translate to a lot of early revenue left on the table for the big N. Look, just make the Super Smash Bros. Brawl's online functionality relatively painless and all will be forgiven, all right?

JoystiqReport: Online console games bring in more revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking news! This just in! The Xbox 360 is a success! As part of their press release blitzkrieg, Microsoft decided to supply us with some Facts 'n Stats ammunition to prove how awesome the Xbox 360 and its community really is. So, we're passing along the news.

Supplied in their Facts 'n Stats are little statistical gems post-marketing spun for easy digestion. Little gems like 18 million Xbox 360 games have been sold worldwide, which is twice as many sold as both competitors combined. And another stating that Xbox Live has garnered 7 million members and that in the last year a new member has joined Xbox Live every 8 seconds. Or how about one of our favorites that since November, sixteen third party Xbox 360 titles have broken into the top ten best selling games (NPD figures) while third party titles on the PS3 or Wii have yet to achieve any top ten status. Fun, isn't it? More Facts 'n Stats enjoyment can be had after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Facts 'n Stats are statilicious

JoystiqXbox 360 Facts 'n Stats are statilicious originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307microsoftstatsxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLiveWed, 11 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Bungie Day goodies on XBLM tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/reminder-bungie-day-goodies-on-xblm-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/reminder-bungie-day-goodies-on-xblm-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/reminder-bungie-day-goodies-on-xblm-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tomorrow is Bungie Day for the Halo 3 developer, as they've celebrated every July 7 in recent memory. Since it will be 2007 (i.e. 7/7/07, or triple 7s), there is some "extra special content" coming to Xbox Live Marketplace, according to the developer's website, in addition to new content on Bungie.net itself.

As to what the goodies will be, exactly, Bungie isn't saying -- "don't get too excited, it's not Halo 3," said the newsbrief. We're predicting gamertag pictures, themes, and the like, of either Halo, Marathon or their long-running joke Pimps at Sea.

Regardless of what the content is, there's only a small window of opportunity, as the mysterious content will only be available from 5:00 am ET until 3:00 am on Sunday.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqReminder: Bungie Day goodies on XBLM tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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forza 2Microsoft and Turn 10 might be determined to seek and destroy acts of hatred and discrimination plastered on Xbox Live, but the publisher and developer of Forza 2 couldn't act fast enough to prevent a 1957 Mercedes 300SL, defaced by pro-Nazi symbols and sentiments, from being offered through the game's online auction mode. 360-gamer recently pointed to the unsettling item, criticizing the moderators for their inability to keep this kind of content off of the Xbox Live servers; or at least promptly remove it (apparently the car's been Live for a while).

Whether adolescent mischief or true delusion, a small percentage of user-generated content is always going to incite "discrimination, hate, or violence towards one person or a group." While Microsoft clearly defines the boundaries of condemnable content in its Online User Policy*, the company fails to suggest how it might protect its users from being victimized by such content. Probably because it can't.

Continue reading 'Heil Hitler' car auctioned in Forza 2, exposes kink in user-generated gaming

Joystiq'Heil Hitler' car auctioned in Forza 2, exposes kink in user-generated gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

[Via X3F]

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

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

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Sweet, sweet news just hit our inbox a little bit ago confirming that Microsoft will be Bringing it Home once again for this year's mini-E3. The Bringing it Home campaign kicks off July 10th and will run through July 13th giving Xbox 360 fans a chance to experience E3 media through Xbox Live and Xbox.com. You'll be able to download free E3 news updates, HD trailers, themes, gamer pictures, and game demos straight off the E3 floor and onto the XBLM. Microsoft also promises a few surprises along the way, so be sure to keep an eye on the Marketplace ticker for the latest updates. Make your way to the break to see what content and which games will be offering up media when Bringing it Home kicks off.

Continue reading Microsoft will be Bringing it Home during E3

JoystiqMicrosoft will be Bringing it Home during E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bringing it homeBringingItHomee3marketplacexblmxbox livexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveXboxLiveMarketplaceMon, 02 Jul 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Wall to show off his Madden skillz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/paul-wall-to-show-off-his-madden-skillz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/paul-wall-to-show-off-his-madden-skillz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/paul-wall-to-show-off-his-madden-skillz/#commentsFiled under: ,

Big rapper and grill connoisseur Paul Wall loves his Madden and challenges you to a few quarters of fun. As part of Xbox.com's Game with Fame, Paul Wall will be playing Madden '07 this Saturday, June 30th on Xbox Live from 7-9:00PM eastern. So, if you're up for some football fun or just want to put the rapper in his place, send a friend request to gamertag GWFPaulWall before Saturday night rolls around. Gaming, rapping, and talking about grills ... now that's what Xbox Live is all about.

JoystiqPaul Wall to show off his Madden skillz originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega's upcoming strategy title Universe at War: Earth Assault is embracing the battle of keyboard and mouse vs. gamepad by allowing cross-platform play, joining Shadowrun and Uno as titles utilizing Microsoft's LIVE Anywhere

Can Xbox 360 owners fare well against their Windows counterparts in a largely point-and-click-centric genre? When announcing the console version, Sega VP of Marketing Steinberg lauded the gamepad control scheme but gave no details on how it works.

Universe at War is coming out for PC in late 2007 and the Xbox 360 sometime in 2008.

Gallery: Universe at War: Earth Assault

JoystiqUniverse at War features Xbox 360, PC cross-platform play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth assaultEarthAssaultgames for windowsGamesForWindowsPCpetroglyphsegauniverse at warUniverseAtWarvistawindowsxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 28 Jun 2007 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Top Ten: Shadow runs fast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/live-top-ten-shadow-runs-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/live-top-ten-shadow-runs-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/live-top-ten-shadow-runs-fast/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's Live Top Ten let the dust settle from last week's onslaught of demos. The top three remained unchanged, with Guitar Hero II moving into fourth, pushing the Shadowrun demo down. One of the other demos from last week, Tenchu Z remains in the same spot, and the Arcade game, Prince of Persia actually moved up to eighth. Also, though its demo has been on the list for the past week, the retail version of Shadowrun has made it on the top ten list, and will hopefully continue to climb. Full breakdown of the list after the break.

Continue reading Live Top Ten: Shadow runs fast

JoystiqLive Top Ten: Shadow runs fast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last year Microsoft gave gamers unprecedented access to major gaming conferences including the X06, the Tokyo Game Show and E3. And even though this year's E3 has shrunk a little, Microsoft will still be giving gamers and insider's look into what E3 2007 has to offer. Xbox @ E3 will feature trailers, on demand service, blogs and other media on Xbox.com and presumably over Xbox Live. Currently, they have some content up including a look at how the new mini E3 benefits everyone and a must see list that hints at the Halo 3 campaign being demoed at the conference. Take a gander through the current Xbox @ E3 goods and countdown the days to an exciting E3. Bring it on!

JoystiqMicrosoft preps Xbox.com for E3 coverage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speaking to Eurogamer, Guy Wilday, the head of SEGA Racing Studio, claimed that he'd like to see a pre-release demo of their upcoming title, SEGA Rally Revo, which is set to debut in September. Wilday noted that the team will "look to do potentially 360 and PS3 downloadable demos before release." Not exactly the most concrete of promises, but we'll take what we can get. Wilday further comments that the challenge of creating demos comes from balancing how much of the game one is allowed to play. As Wilday puts it, "We want people to get the experience of the game without giving the game away." Whatever the team decides to do, finishing touches are still being put on the game proper, so the demo will have to wait.

With two major racing titles -- Forza 2 and DiRT -- just released for the 360, are you considering SEGA Rally Revo?

JoystiqSEGA hopeful for Rally Revo demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live marketplaceLiveMarketplacemarketplacesegasega racing studiosega rallysega rally revoSegaRacingStudioSegaRallySegaRallyRevoxblmxbox livexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 21 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress will not have cross-platform play, but Valve plays it that way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/team-fortress-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-but-valve-plays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/team-fortress-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-but-valve-plays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/team-fortress-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-but-valve-plays/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shacknews has a rather exhaustive preview of Valve's Team Fortress 2, coming to PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as part of the Half-Life 2: Orange Box collection (also available via Steam, natch).

One interesting note at the end of the article states that the Valve offices, who are working on the Xbox 360 and PC versions (PS3 version is being done by EA UK), "regularly play cross-platform multiplayer games." However, the studio's Doug Lombardi said that the final game will not have cross-platform because it "introduces more problems than it is worth." He continued to say that if Valve were to implement cross-platform that it would be part of the initial game design.

Orange Box, which includes Half-Life 2, Episode One, Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2, is due out October 9.

JoystiqTeam Fortress will not have cross-platform play, but Valve plays it that way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half lifehalf life 2HalfLifeHalfLife2live anywhereLiveAnywhereMicrosoftorange boxOrangeBoxPCportalTeam-FortressTeam-Fortress-2valvexbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 19 Jun 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Paid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/#commentsFiled under:


Paying for a subscription would certainly seem to be a possibility, especially as the long-rumored feature upgrades come filing into the PlayStation Network. When speaking with Geoff Keighley on the latest edition of Gametrailers' Bonus Round, Eric Lempel spoke about the PlayStation Network's current free service and that, "in time, anything can change." Comparing the PlayStation Network to Microsoft's Xbox Live service, Lempel, Sony's director of Network Operations reconfirmed "we're working on an achievements system," describing its inclusion as "an important feature." Voice-chat across all games is also something (thankfully) that Mr. Lempel touched base on, saying "talking across games ... definitely builds momentum for games and actually migrate(s) users to other games and keeps you in touch with your gaming community." We couldn't agree more.

Exactly when these implementations will make it to a PS3 near you, via firmware upgrade, is uncertain. "It's not in the next firmware update but it's something we're working on," says Mr. Lempel. We certainly hope so, though we are catching wind of the potential trade-off here. What do you think? Would you pay a subscription fee (similar to Xbox Live) for a plan that allows cross-game invites, built-in voice chat for all multiplayer games and a similar achievement points implementation? Or would you rather say the heck with all that, and voice to keep the PlayStation Network free for all, setting it apart from Microsoft's Xbox Live service?

[Via Next-Gen]

JoystiqPaid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A new Play and Win giveaway has started over at Xbox.com featuring everyone's favorite once free XBLA game Texas Hold 'Em. The Alltel Texax Hold 'Em Challenge started yesterday and all you have to do to win is sign up for the giveaway from now until July 12th and play the game online. Every day you play you receive an entry to win prizes including an Xbox 360 Elite, Microsoft points, or a set of poker chips. What's cool is that you don't even have to be good at poker to win prizes, you just have to play online to enter. Which is a good thing, since we can't tell the difference between say ... a three-of-a-kind-pair and a full house.

JoystiqGoing all in on XBL poker challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinity Ward's studio head Grant Collier, who we reported yesterday was unhappy with the overuse of sandbox gameplay and destructible environments, told IGN in an interview that there was no interest in using Live Anywhere for PC and Xbox 360 cross-play.

The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare developer put it bluntly: "We said no and they didn't call back." Clarifying, Collier said "[it's cool] if you're playing online poker, but who wants to be playing an RTS on a console and have some guy on a PC clicking and dragging all his troops, attacking your base while you're sitting there with your thumb sticks." The keyboard/mouse vs. gamepad argument is a long-standing battle, and clearly Collier feels that they cannot be equals for fast-paced strategy or first-person shooter titles.

Live Anywhere is currently in use by Halo 2 (update: nevermind), Shadowrun and the action-packed Uno.

JoystiqCall of Duty dev rejects Live Anywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In an interview with Infinity Ward's studio head Grant Collier, IGN discussed everything Call of Duty 4 and got the company's opinion on Microsoft's Live Anywhere initiative. Grant said that after Microsoft pitched the idea of incorporating Live Anywhere into their games they felt that it wouldn't work with their projects and simply said "no way". Collier says such a system is best suited for "card games or Tetris or something like that" and not the RTS or FPS genres. Microsoft didn't have a convincing argument to Infinity Ward's complaints and didn't respond to them.

Collier's take on Live Anywhere directly conflicts with Microsoft's view of bridging multiple gaming platforms like their latest gem Shadowrun, which is a FPS and incorporates the technology. So, maybe that's why phone calls weren't returned ... they hurt Microsoft's feelings. Big bullies.

JoystiqInfinity Ward rejects Live Anywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call of duty 4CallOfDuty4cod 4Cod4infinity wardInfinityWardlive anywhereLiveAnywheremicrosoftshadowrunxbox liveXboxLiveFri, 15 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Planet finds third map pack June 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/lost-planet-finds-third-map-pack-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/lost-planet-finds-third-map-pack-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/lost-planet-finds-third-map-pack-june-21/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Three more maps are coming to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, bringing the grand total to 16 found locations. The third map pack will be available June 21 for 400 MS points (US $5.00).

Featured in the map pack are a "frigid glacier with lots of peaks, nooks and crannies" (Ice Drop), "ancient temples set amidst a lush jungle" (Ruins) and "a throw-back to the good ol' days of pixelated 8-bit gaming" (Lost Technology). We're especially intrigued by Lost Technology -- how much is Capcom embracing "8-bit gaming"? Will we see 8-bit textures and square trees?

Two map packs for Lost Planet, with two maps apiece, are currently available for 400 MS points each, in addition to Battleground, a map once exclusive to the Collector's Edition now free to download on Xbox Live.

JoystiqLost Planet finds third map pack June 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomlost planetLostPlanetxblmxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveFri, 15 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The best way to manage your XBL friends list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/the-best-way-to-manage-your-xbl-friends-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/the-best-way-to-manage-your-xbl-friends-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/the-best-way-to-manage-your-xbl-friends-list/#commentsFiled under:

Our good friend Chris Paladino over at the Gamerscore Blog decided to write up an article explaining how he handles his ever bloating Xbox Live friends list. Chris, being a high status celeb, receives numerous friend requests which constantly pushes him towards the 100 friends limit and so often he has to remove people to keep it around 95. But how does Chris choose who he boots off his sacred friends list? With a spreadsheet, of course! He keeps track of EVERY time he plays with a friend, what game, random notes, and all kinds of other stats. Then, when it's time to remove some friends, he uses his spreadsheet proof to nix those who he hasn't played with and sends them a message stating that they no longer can fit on his list. Props to you Chris, you have quite the organized system.

Our friends lists requires weeding from time to time and we can safely say our list management is far from as organized as Chris'. But what about you? Do you have a hard time keeping your XBL friends list below 100 or are you rocking an exclusive list with 10 or so? Please, share your friends list strategies, etiquette and how you trim the fat when the fat needs trimming.

JoystiqThe best way to manage your XBL friends list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friends listFriendsListgamerscore blogGamerscoreBlogxbox liveXboxLiveThu, 14 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Track & Field jumping hurdles to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/track-and-field-jumping-hurdles-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/track-and-field-jumping-hurdles-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/track-and-field-jumping-hurdles-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Although it was announced forever ago, it looks like the classic Track & Field is finally getting closer to release. Site GamersReports has posted two images from the game, noting that a source has pinned the game for release on Xbox Live Arcade in "the next month or two."

Next to Street Fighter II on the SNES, Track & Field was another game which fell into the "blister your fingers" category. It was a button-mashing Mario Party game before button-mashing Mario Party games existed. You would jam the buttons as rapidly as possible and then, at the last second, hit an action button. Every event in Track & Field was a variation on this theme. Ah, good and simple times back in the '80s. We'll see how it holds up soon enough.

JoystiqTrack & Field jumping hurdles to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>trackandfielfxblaxbox liveXbox-360xbox360Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gears of War achievements reward the dedicated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/near-gears-of-war-achievements-reward-the-dedicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/near-gears-of-war-achievements-reward-the-dedicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/near-gears-of-war-achievements-reward-the-dedicated/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New Gears of War achievements are coming June 14 at 2:00 a.m. GMT, which for those in the US means tonight at 10:00 p.m. EDT. A newsbrief on the GoW page outlines the eight new achievements for the Annex gametype and the Hidden Fronts multiplayer map pack.

These achievements are not for those looking for a quick way to upgrade their gamerscore, however, and are primarily for those who want to show off that they've logged in hundreds of hours of game time. Achievements are listed after the break.

Also included in the download is a patch that fixes a number of bugs in the game and multiplayer. The Annex gametype is currently available for free. The Hidden Fronts map pack is 800 MS points now but will go free September 3.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy; thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading New Gears of War achievements reward the dedicated

JoystiqNew Gears of War achievements reward the dedicated originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsepicgamerscoregears of warGearsOfWarmicrosoftxblmxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveWed, 13 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft teams with Games for Change to help cool global warming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/microsoft-teams-with-games-for-change-to-help-cool-global-warmin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/microsoft-teams-with-games-for-change-to-help-cool-global-warmin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/microsoft-teams-with-games-for-change-to-help-cool-global-warmin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Got a great idea for a game on global warming? Microsoft and Games for Change (abbreviated G4C) are launching a competition this summer in more than 100 countries for students to develop a game "based on the theme of global warming."

Details are scant at the moment, but we do know the students will be expected to use Microsoft's XNA Game Studio Express, the free version of their development tools. Winners will have a chance for their projects to appear on Xbox Live Arcade, and the first-place team or individual will have an opportunity to intern at Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business.

JoystiqMicrosoft teams with Games for Change to help cool global warming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g4cgames for changeGamesForChangemicrosoftPCxblaxbox liveXbox-360XboxLivexnaMon, 11 Jun 2007 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sign up for Xbox Live Halo 2 Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/sign-up-for-xbox-live-halo-2-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/sign-up-for-xbox-live-halo-2-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/sign-up-for-xbox-live-halo-2-challenge/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's time to switch back over to Halo 2 for a while, because there's an Xbox Live tournament to join and Xbox 360 Elites to win. As part of Xbox Live Tournaments and Play & Win, players can sign up for the Halo 2 Challenge running from now until June 25th for a chance to win a truckload of prizes. Once signed up, play Halo 2 Rumble Pit and climb the rankings ladder, because the top 64 will advance through the finals and compete on the two new Halo 2 maps to find out who's worthy of their Spartan armor. Also, just for signing up and playing Halo 2, you're automatically entered to win an Elite, Xbox Live subscriptions and accessories as part of the Play & Win contest. Complete contest details are available after the jump.

So, un-learn all your Halo 3 beta tactics and hop online for some Halo 2. Which really means prepare for a whole army of modders, cheaters and those who like to standby. W00t!

JoystiqSign up for Xbox Live Halo 2 Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo 2Halo2xbox liveXboxLiveMon, 11 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST