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Week of September 20, 2009
Microsoft: Patching Xbox 360 Games for Project Natal Not Likely
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
So can we expect more Xbox 360 games to be patched to support Natal in the future? Not so fast, says Microsoft Game Studios GM and Natal creative director Kudo Tsunoda. Speaking to Destructoid, Tsunoda explained that although Microsoft was able re-engineer older Xbox 360 games to make them compatible with Natal, a hefty chunk of code had to be altered. As such, simply "patching" the game over Xbox Live would not be enough to make older titles work. A publisher would most likely have to completely rewrite the code and then re-release the game.
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Full Story: gamedaily.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Confirms 2 GB Size Limit For XBLA Games
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
When Xbox Live Arcade originally debuted, Microsoft told game developers that their games couldn't exceed 50 MB in size. Microsoft wanted the games to be easy and quick to download, and that the games be fast, simple, pick-up-and-play experiences.
But Microsoft this week confirmed that, after numerous previous size increases, the size limit has been raised once again, now to a full 2GB, or 40 times that original size. "We are always working closely with our partners to deliver innovative and high-quality Xbox Live Arcade games to our community," a Microsoft rep said in a statement.
The confirmation follows a Tokyo Game Show report from consumer site IGN, that said the 2GB size limit is final, reportedly a technical limitation of XBLA's file structure. Larger games are downloadable on Xbox Live's Games On Demand service, where users can download full-sized retail games like Mass Effect and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
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Full Story: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Sms Plus v250909 and Genesis Plus v250909
>> Ced2911 released a new version of his Sms Plus and Genesis Plus ports to Xbox360.
What's new/fixed (same for both releases):
* Fixed some bug in menu.
* Added some loading screen.
* In Game Menu ... allow you to going back to menu (more to come)
Official Site: http://ced2911.wata.fr
Download Sms Plus v250909: here
Download Genesis Plus v250909: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Ced2911's Video Player Alpha Test and Genesis Plus 240909
>> Ced2911 released 2 new libxenon homebrew applications of the Xbox 360.
* Video Player Alpha Test
[QUOTE]
A basic video player for xbox 360.
Currently it can only just play a file called video.avi at the root of the first usb stick.
No sound and the screen output is very bad.
The first Brick for a video player :)
[/QUOTE]
* Genesis plus 240909
[QUOTE]
Introduction:
Genesis Plus is a freeware, open-source, portable emulator for the Genesis and MegaDrive consoles
Changelog:
v240909: First public release
Sound doesn't work as it should ....
It supports bin and zip files but rom's in smd format doesn't work
UI updated and supports skinning:
Background: uda:/mdbg.png
File Icon: uda:/mdfile.png
Folder Icon: uda:/mddir.png
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://ced2911.wata.fr
Download Video Player Alpha Test: here
Download Genesis plus 240909: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
PR TGS09: 'Project Natal' Awakens Imagination of Video-Game Industry
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Xbox 360 today announced widespread enthusiasm from the world's leading video-game publishers for "Project Natal," a whole new way to play -- no controller required. Developers across the globe have embraced the technology and have begun work on titles that will deliver extraordinary entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy. Coming just three months after "Project Natal" was unveiled at E3, the announcements at the Tokyo Game Show underscore the swift industry support for the revolutionary controller-free experiences being developed exclusively for Xbox 360, the premier games and entertainment system.
Among the elite publishers actively working on games for "Project Natal" are Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, CAPCOM, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ Inc. and Ubisoft. Together, these publishers account for more than 70 percent of third-party software sales for this generation of console and most of the world's most recognized video game franchises.
"'Project Natal' gives the industry's creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. "The support of these creative partners testifies to the excitement that 'Project Natal' is generating among the most innovative minds in the industry, and is proof that Xbox 360 not only offers the best games and entertainment today, but will lead with innovation and new ways to have fun in the future."
Further details of publishers' new "Project Natal"-inspired projects will be released at a later date.
Underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for "Project Natal" among the industry's top creative forces, Xbox 360 is hosting a high-powered panel at the Tokyo Game Show featuring three acclaimed Japanese industry luminaries: CAPCOM's Keiji Inafune, creator of "Mega Man" and "Dead Rising," Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of "Super Monkey Ball," and Konami's Hideo Kojima, creator of the "Metal Gear Solid" series. The three developers will discuss the possibilities for the groundbreaking new experiences that can only be achieved with "Project Natal."
Unveiled for the first time in June, "Project Natal" is a code name for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, "Project Natal" enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound and motion.
Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about "Project Natal."
"Microsoft 'Project Natal' could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games," said EA Sports President Peter Moore. "At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing."
"Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers' video games experience. We have development teams working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new technology affords," said Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at Activision/Blizzard.
"I strongly feel that 'Project Natal' will expand the possibilities of gaming. It's yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides," said Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and head of Research & Development Management Group at CAPCOM. "Personally, I too am extremely excited about 'Project Natal.' It's really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it's going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. 'Project Natal' is definitely something people should look out for."
"Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with 'Project Natal.' With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games."
In addition to the broad industry support, Microsoft Game Studios is busy at work creating a diverse slate of experiences that will appeal to a wide variety of entertainment interests.
"'Project Natal' is enabling our team of developers to create experiences we couldn't have accomplished before," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Game Studios. "Microsoft Game Studios will help lead the way in bringing 'Project Natal' to life."
While laying the foundation for tomorrow with "Project Natal," Xbox 360 remains the premier device for home entertainment today. Hot new titles for Xbox LIVE Arcade were also unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show, including "Toy Soldiers," "Snoopy Flying Ace," "Bomberman Live: Battlefest" and "RayStormHD," positioning Xbox LIVE Arcade as the premier destination to enjoy the most innovative downloadable games.
Xbox 360 is also set to deliver the best new gaming, entertainment and social experiences for consumers this fall. Not only is Xbox 360 home to the most-anticipated exclusive games such as "Halo 3: ODST," "Forza Motorsport 3," "Left 4 Dead 2," and new content from Rockstar Games including the Xbox retail exclusive "Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City" featuring "The Ballad of Gay Tony," which will also be available for download over Xbox LIVE, it will also be the only place to watch instant-on HD in 1080p1 with Zune video, and listen to personalized streaming radio right in the living room with Last.fm on Xbox LIVE. And with new social experiences custom-made for the television, Xbox LIVE continues to offer the most ways of any console to connect and share with friends and family on Facebook, and post tweets on Twitter.2
Additional information about Xbox 360 at the Tokyo Game Show can be found at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/press/2009/tgs.
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 System Update rolling out (no new feature)
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
I wanted to let you know that the team has released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE.
Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you'll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you'll be back online in a few moments.
There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements (Facebook/Twitter/Last.FM) that will arrive later this year.
Again, there are no new features in this update.
[/QUOTE]
Note: Of course, just like the previous update this will update the first stage bootloader if needed and thus make the JTAG/SMC-Hack impossible. You have to stay pre-849x if you want to run this hack.
For DVD FW modders ... update at own risk as always ;)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Arstechnica's Mole spills holiday 360 bundle and WiFi-N Pricing
>> From arstechnica.com:
[QUOTE]
The Mole has also chimed in with some more info on Microsoft's plans. Starting in the middle of October we'll be seeing an Elite system bundled with copies of both Pure and Lego Batman, giving you a little more value for your $300 through Christmas.
Microsoft has also confirmed the existence of an 802.11n adaptor for the Xbox 360, and the Mole has let us know that the hardware will be released for $100, with the existing 802.11g adapter dropping in price to $79.99. The hardware will feature two antennae for better reception, and should help deliver the bandwidth needed to stream 1080p video instantly, as Microsoft claims is possible with the upcoming Zune video store update to the Xbox 360.
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Full Story: arstechnica.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
(US) 50USD Rebate Offered with the Purchase of Xbox 360 Elite through Oct. 5
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Beginning today through Oct. 5, when you purchase an Xbox 360 Elite for $299, Xbox 360 will put $50 back into your pocket with a limited-time rebate. Coupled with the recent price drop of the Xbox 360 Elite console, this offer makes your premium games and entertainment experience more affordable than ever.
Xbox 360 Elite puts all your entertainment in one place so you can play games, watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, and, coming this fall, keep up with your Twitter and Facebook social circles, all from your living room. Additionally, with a Netflix unlimited membership and an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership you can instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix, recommend your favorite shows and share in a movie party night with up to 7 friends -- all on Xbox LIVE.
And, as announced earlier this year, the Xbox 360 you buy today will work with "Project Natal" and controller-free gaming in the future.
You may be eligible for the $50 Mail-in rebate when you purchase an Xbox 360 Elite in the U.S. between Sept. 22 and Oct. 5. Visit www.xbox.com/eliterebate/ for more details and rebate requirements.
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Confirms New Xbox 360 Network Adapter
>> From ign.com:
[QUOTE]
A recently uncovered FCC filing showed Microsoft was set to release a new, updated wireless network adapter for the Xbox 360. Presumably, this would allow users to stream high-definition movies and television shows. The company confirmed today that, yes, there is a new adapter, but details are still under wraps for now.
"We can confirm that Xbox 360 will offer a Wireless N Networking Adapter that will enable Xbox 360 owners to seamlessly connect with their home network with the highest wireless 'N' technology," a Microsoft representative told IGN.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: ign.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Don't Expect More Web Series on Xbox Anytime Soon
>> From businessweek.com:
[QUOTE]
While Felicia Day and her Web series The Guild may have scored a great deal for distribution on the Xbox and other Microsoft platforms--which involved promotion to a massive audience, a Sprint sponsorship, and allowed her to keep her intellectual property--other Web series creators may have trouble following in her footsteps.
We sat down with Ross Honey, Microsoft's general manager of global content acquisition and strategy in its media and entertainment group, earlier this week in Redmond, Wash., to talk about the kinds of content the company is looking for and how Web video plays into that. Honey's answers didn't make the Xbox Live sound like much of a Web content distribution opportunity. As he explained it, the process of cutting deals for Web series and securing and inserting ads in them is just too much hassle.
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Full Story: businessweek.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xmenu v0.3 - ELF Loader for Xbox360
>> Cpasjuste released the first public version of Xmenu for the free60 XeLL JTAG hack. It's a GUI .ELF Loader (a basic dashboard if you want) that can be used to load other libxenon homebrew software on your Xbox 360.
From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
Xmenu 0.3
Xmenu is an elf loader with a basic gui.
Installation
Copy the file xenon.elf and the "xenon" folder to the root of your usb disk/pen.
Load it with the free60.org hack.
Changelog
Version 0.3 :
- It's now possible to load custom icons. Put a ".png" image (32 bits, with alpha channel, 32*32 pixels would be better)
alongside your executable file, with the ".ico" extension. Example :
If you have an executable named "snes9x.elf", put the ".png" icon in the same directory with the name "snes9x.ico".
Version 0.2 :
- Graphics data is now loaded at startup, allowing to customise.
- Smaller fonts, this allow more items to be displayed.
Version 0.1 :
- Alpha testing version.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://mydedibox.fr
Download: here (legal, via Xell, using libxenon)
News-Source: modcontrol.com (thx to hitman43 for the news)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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