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Week of April 27, 2008
Microsoft May Sweeten Offer for Yahoo After Discussions Pick Up
>> From bloomberg.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp., closing in on the biggest acquisition in its 33-year history, may seek to end an impasse with Yahoo! Inc.'s board by raising its takeover offer, a person familiar with the matter said.
Talks intensified this week after Yahoo spent three months hunting for alternatives to the deal. The original cash-and-stock bid of $31 a share, or $44.6 billion, has fallen to $29.40 a share because of Microsoft's declining stock price.
A higher offer may win over Yahoo's board, eliminating the need for Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer to go to shareholders with a hostile offer, which might have spurred an employee exodus. A deal also may halt Yahoo's efforts to forge an online advertising partnership with rival GoogleInc.
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Full Story: bloomberg.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Five Publishers Drop Out of E3 This Year, Some Blame ESA President
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Rumored developer displeasure with Entertainment Software Association president Mike Gallagher may be partially to blame for nearly half a dozen member publishers dropping out of this year's E3 conference, Kotaku has learned.
This morning we broke the news that not only are Vivendi and Activision not attending this year's E3 they've both decided to drop out of the association all together. We've since learned that NCSoft, Her Interactive and id Software have all decided not to attend this year's show, though they are all remaining members of the association.
Several industry sources who wish to remain anonymous say Gallagher is in part to blame for issues surrounding this year's E3.
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter also believes that the drop-outs are spurred by decisions made by Gallagher, who he says is less knowledgeable and sophisticated than his predecessor, Doug Lowenstein.
[/QUOTE]
[FS] kotaku.com
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(Saturday 03 May 2008 00:01 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
Another Manufacturer Says Xbox 360 Blu-ray Coming This Year
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
A report from Taiwanese news source Economic Daily News says that Pegatron Technology--a recently formed subsidiary of Asus that shouldn't be confused with the Decepticon leader--has received an order from Microsoft to manufacture a Blu-ray equipped model of the Xbox 360. According to the report, Pegatron says that it plans to begin production on the HD version of the Xbox 360 soon, with plans to ship within the next six months, aiming for a pre-holiday release.
The EDN report also mentions that a price cut for the Core (Arcade) version of the 360 is planned, but doesn't provide further details on timing or adjustments.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: kotaku.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MS: 360 GTA IV Outselling PS3 Version 2-to-1
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft tells Next-Gen that the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV is outselling the PlayStation 3 version by a wide margin in the US, but Sony questions Microsoft's claims.
"What we've heard anecdotally from our retail partners is that the Xbox 360 version of the game is outselling the PS3 version by a margin of two-to-one," said Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live during an interview Thursday.
But a SCEA rep questioned Microsoft's findings, saying that Microsoft's two-to-one ratio "doesn't line up" with what Sony has been hearing from its retailers. The rep declined to say exactly what Sony has been hearing from its retail partners until more concrete data can be compiled.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Amazon Sues New York to Stop Collecting Sales Tax
>> From gizmodo.com:
[QUOTE]
Amazon has filed suit against the state of New York in response to the law passed last week that requires the company to collect sales tax on purchases made by New Yorkers. They say the law, which demands any web retailer with affiliates in the state to charge sales tax, is vague and unconstitutional. The company also says they've been unfairly targeted since lawmakers dubbed the bill the "Amazon Tax".
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Full Story: gizmodo.com | nytimes.com
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(Thursday 01 May 2008 23:48 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft: GTA IV to Light Up Xbox Live
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Grand Theft Auto IV's robust online multiplayer features will drive Xbox Live memberships, Microsoft said Thursday.
"GTA is unique because it appeals to such a large audience," Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg told Reuters. "It will likely be the best-selling game launched all year and we expect it will drive a lot of new members to Xbox Live."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Iwata: Microsoft 'Wiimote' is no threat to Nintendo
>> From mcvuk.com:
[QUOTE]
Nintendo President dismisses impact rival's rumoured motion-sensing controller could have on his business
He said: "I am also aware of the [Microsoft Wiimote] rumour and have seen a fake image made by a fan on the web which looks like a Wii Remote with the rumour that such a controller may be launched, However there is no way for us to comment on such speculations.
"All I can say today is, it is not that easy to develop software which leverages the characteristics of the Wii Remote. We are not concerned about what other companies may do but rather more concerned with presenting them with new ideas to our customers based on the prospect that our existing customers will surely get tired of the plays enabled by Wii Remote if we do not try to improve the experience.
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Full Story: mcvuk.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
uxrip360 0.1a
>> A linux based game rip software...
REMEMBER IT IS ALPHA!!!
after you got a 'final.iso' use Schtrom3.4=> to verify your files (works with wine) and its also sugested to use XBC and XDVDMulleter(info) to verify it!! just to be sure (VirtualBox Share can be your friend!) best at this time is to use XDVDMulleter in virtualbox-osd and do a full CRC check against the online DB
Verified to Work on Samsung-D162C
1 => Samsung SH162C
2 => Samsung-H943A (not verified)
3 => Benq-VAD6038 (not verified)
4 => Samsung D163B
4 => Samsung D162D
SplitVid is not supported if you really need it (as if IX14 its not 'required'). boot your windows and use XBC2.x to "Convert to SplitVid" (Verifiy of most tools works with VMware/VirtualBox)
Anyone who wishes to make and contribute changes to the source can get in contact with the author @ #uxrip360 on efnet.
Official Site: n/a
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gamasutra Opinion: Why Microsoft Loses MMOs
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
The cancellation of Marvel Universe Online was a blow to MMO and comic fans alike. Still, now that the pain has faded somewhat, I think it's clear that MUO's death may be a good thing after all.
Given the rumors of confusion on the dev team about what the game was going to be like at a fundamental level, pulling support from the project seems like a no-brainer. That said, I think MUO's death highlights Microsoft's sordid history with Massively Multiplayer games.
If you look down the big list of canceled or never-released massively multiplayer games, Microsoft's name comes up a suspicious number of times. The closure of Asheron's Call 2 is probably the most high-profile of these. Mythica, True Fantasy Online, Vanguard, and now Marvel Universe were all dented by the Redmond giant's deft touch.
On a fundamental corporate level, I think that the company just doesn't understand the whole MMO 'thing'. The Xbox Live service is a known quantity at this point, and it's probably one of the defining elements of this generation of consoles. That said, having the patience to see something like an MMO through to completion is a very different task.
Even more than that, I think Microsoft's short-sightedness when it comes to this genre has left a huge opening for Sony and the PlayStation 3. Though there are no firm plans in the public eye right now, the tide is rising for MMO experiences on Sony's console. I think it's possible that Microsoft has ceded this fight without even firing a shot.
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Full Story: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Infogrames, Atari Merge in 11M USD Deal
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Infogrames said Wednesday it would acquire the remaining outstanding equity interests of Atari for $1.68 per share, or $11 million. The merger will make Atari a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infogrames.
Currently, Infogrames is the majority shareholder in Atari, with a 51.4 percent stake in the company.
"This agreement is an essential and positive development for Infogrames and its shareholders. It brings Atari fully under the control of Infogrames, delivering a platform for future growth in the US," read a statement from the companies.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
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(Thursday 01 May 2008 00:07 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
Daily Show visits Liberty City
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
We can always count on relevant, genuinely funny video game coverage on The Daily Show with John Stewart.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 23:43 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Actiga Signs Deal to Use Xbox 360 Wireless Technology
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Actiga Corporation, a leading pioneer in active video gaming products and services, today announced that Qmotions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Actiga, has signed a North American licensing agreement with Microsoft Corporation, allowing Qmotions to incorporate Microsoft's Xbox 360 wireless technology in its game controllers. Under the agreement, Qmotions will produce a full-range of products that will be officially endorsed by Microsoft.
"This is a milestone event for our company that now enables us to design, develop and market a unique range of wireless products, bringing the excitement of action gaming to a whole new level on the Xbox 360 system," said Amro Albanna, chairman and CEO of Actiga. "We are excited to have been chosen as a Microsoft partner, particularly at this early stage of technology development where the award of Microsoft's wireless accessory agreement continues to position us at the cutting edge of technology."
"Our aim with the Xbox 360 system is to broaden the consumer videogame experience and ensure a perfect match between the console, the peripherals and the game," says Scott Loomis, Xbox Third Party Peripheral Program Manager. "Qmotions has proven their commitment to providing a variety of innovative and high quality peripherals to enhance the video gaming adventure. We will work closely with Qmotions to ensure the best experience for our Xbox 360 players."
The first application of the technology will be seen in the second half of 2008 when Qmotions launches a new line of wireless active game controllers. The company's first wireless product introduction will be the Qmotions-Big Air action game controller, a full size skateboard that operates with the Xbox 360 and is compatible with popular skateboarding games.
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 23:34 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Activision CEO: Slowing economy may lead to console price cuts
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
The slowing US economy will pressure makers of video game consoles to lower their prices said Activision CEO Bobby Kotick.
"With the rising costs of fuel and food and housing, it is more difficult to go out and buy a USD 399 console, and I think it's going to put pressure on the console manufacturers to reduce their prices," Kotick told Reuters.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 23:27 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
GTA IV First Day Sales: UK 609K, USA 2.5M, EU 1.7M - 360 Beats PS3 except EU
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
According to Chart-Track [UK] estimates, GTA IV first day sales were 609,000 units - eclipsing the record of 501,000 units set by GTA: San Andreas in 2004.
GTA IV also set a record for first day sales Xbox 360 software, with 335,000 units. The prior record, set last September by Halo 3, was 266,000 units.
The PS3 version of GTA IV sold 274,000 units in the UK on day one.
[/QUOTE]
UPDATE: From vgchartz.com:
[QUOTE]
VG Chartz has today announced that according to their early sell-through data, Grand Theft Auto 4 has sold a record 2.5 million units in its first day of sales.
Data for the first day of GTAIV sales shows that the game sold roughly at a 6:4 ratio in favor of Xbox 360 to PS3 in the Americas. While that means the game sold better on Xbox 360, it had a higher attach rate on PS3.
Sales have also been brisk in Europe, along with Chart Tracks report of 600,000 copies sold in the UK in one day, VG Chartz estimates that around 1.7 million units were sold across Europe and others on day one - the format split is roughly a mirror image of the Americas, with around 60% of all European sales being on PS3.
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Full Story: gamesindustry.biz | vgchartz.com
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 17:17 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
DFC: 360 Likely 'Biggest Loser' in Europe
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
David Cole with DFC Intelligence is betting that PlayStation-loving Europe will soon be switching its loyalty to Nintendo platforms, with the Xbox 360 being left in the wakes of both rivals.
What will Nintendo's success mean for the other platforms? It is important to note that DFC Intelligence is also forecasting strong sales for the PlayStation 3 and, to a lesser extent the Xbox 360. This generation is not expected to be a case of one platform dominating like the PS2 did in the last generation. One factor that will increasingly take hold in Europe is what DFC has labeled the "second car in the garage." In the U.S. over 40 percent of game households now buy two or more of the current console systems. By comparison, Europe has largely been a one car in the garage market. In recent years, that car has been the PlayStation 2. As the game market in Europe grows we expect to see more consumers buying two or more systems (although not to the extent of the U.S.) The Wii is forecasted to be the market leader, but with a market share less than 50 percent compared with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Consumers will still need to play World of Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto IV, games on the go and so on. No one system satisfies all the diverse tastes in today's market.
It appears inevitable that, for the PlayStation 3, Sony will lose a big chunk of its PS2 user base. However, in the long-term, DFC Intelligence believes the PlayStation 3 will be a fairly strong competitor. The biggest loser in Europe is likely to be the Xbox 360. Microsoft has seen its self-proclaimed fall 2007 "greatest holiday lineup in videogame history" come and go with very little impact on the Xbox 360's position in the European marketplace. To spur sales in 2008, Microsoft is being forced to lower the price of a system that is starting to look like a senior citizen as it approaches its third birthday.
The Xbox systems have enjoyed much greater success in the U.K. than in continental Europe. In large part this is because the U.K. does not have a strong PC game market like those found in other parts of Europe. However, as in the U.S. and Australia where intense violence is more popular with gamers, U.K. gamers enjoy first-person shooter (FPS) titles and the Xbox 360 is clearly the leader in that category. Unfortunately, outside of the U.K., DFC sees the Xbox 360 continuing to struggle in Europe.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz (2 pages)
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 00:34 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Take-2: GTA IV Sales Estimates Too Low - Play.com: 80sales/min
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Take-Two CEO Ben Feder has said that he believes analysts estimates for sales of Grand Theft Auto IV are too low.
A number of analysts and research firms have taken a shot at predicting the success of the game, with Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter estimating the game will sell over 9 million units this fiscal year, with Take-Two shipping 6 million units in the first week to meet demand.
"Our expectations are very high, higher than analysts give the game credit for," said Feder, speaking to Reuters.
[/QUOTE]
From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Online retailer Play.com has revealed it has been taking over 80 orders per minute for Grand Theft Auto IV, released today.
Stuart Rowe, chief operating officer for Play.com, has said that the game is likely to smash previous sales records in the videogame sector.
"We're experiencing trading levels similar to what we would see in the run up to Christmas, taking over 80 orders per minute at peak times.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gamesindustry.biz(1) | gamesindustry.biz(2)
Buy from Amazon: GTA IV $60 | GTA IV Special Edition $90 | Xbox360 + GTAIV = 30usd off
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(Wednesday 30 April 2008 00:21 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Lowers Price on Xbox 360 in 4 Asia Markets *Update*
>> From hardwarezone.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360 consoles in Singapore. At the new ERP of S$499 for the Pro version with 20GB hard drive (previously priced at $620), the Xbox 360 will give consumers more accessibility and opportunity to join the high octane world of interactive digital entertainment from Microsoft.
The prices of the Xbox 360 Arcade and Xbox 360 Elite will be lowered too. The Xbox 360 Arcade is now S$399 (previously $459) and the Xbox 360 Elite with 120 GB hard drive is now $699 (previously $799).
[/QUOTE]
Update: Price dropped in Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea too ... from money.cnn.com:
[QUOTE]
The estimated retail price for the model with a 20-gigabyte hard drive was cut 19.5% in Singapore to S$499 Tuesday, while that in Taiwan was cut 17% to NT$10, 360.
The unit price in Hong Kong fell 10.7% to HK$2,499 Tuesday, while that in South Korea will be cut 5.1% to KRW369,000 on Thursday.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: hardwarezone.com | money.cnn.com
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GTA IV Released
>> Well it's past midnight in europe now so GTA IV is officially released! Here are some pictures of the retail copy I just got. For those who will buy the game ... njoy and let's hope LIVE will be able to handle the load this time and not too many Xbox360s will die ;)
Buy from Amazon: GTA IV $60 | GTA IV Special Edition $90 | Xbox360 + GTAIV = 30usd off
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MS CSR Changes Your Identity, Preventing You From Getting Your Xbox
>> From consumerist.com:
[QUOTE]
Bryan Carroll can't pick up his repaired Xbox because Microsoft printed his name on the address label as "Brian Dyranerool." After he scheduled a repair with a CSR in India, Bryan was assured that he would receive a shipping box within 3-5 days. After 6 days had passed, he contacted an apologetic supervisor who said she would simply email him a shipping label and send out a free wireless controller for his wasted time and trouble. However, the name on his shipping label read, "Brian Dryanerool." He contacted Microsoft about the error and was told that the problem was corrected. The good news is that Bryan's Xbox was repaired and shipped swiftly to a UPS customer center. The bad news is that his box was addressed to "Brian Dryanerool," and he was not allowed to pick up the repaired Xbox.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: consumerist.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Which Version Of GTA IV Should You Buy?
>> From kotaku.com.au:
[QUOTE]
The good news for Grand Theft Auto fans is that whatever platform you have chosen as your own, GTA IV excels on both. They are almost evenly matched, feature for feature. Gamers will have to decide which is more important to them, a slightly more technically sound experience on the PlayStation 3 or downloadable content and Xbox Live integration on the Xbox 360.
If this were a personal decision, I'd have chosen the PlayStation 3 edition, mostly based on my preference for the DualShock controller and the performance edge. However, one thing that we have yet to experience is how well the PlayStation Network will handle the online portions of GTA IV, an extremely important consideration. I place less of an emphasis on features like Achievements and Gamerscore, but appreciate how well crafted and important these features are to others.
In the end, each version stands on its own, with the only downside to the differences being that those invested in their particularly backed console will expend so much effort focusing on something far less important than the game itself.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: kotaku.com.au
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
11 signs you're no longer a hard-core gamer
>> From techradar.com:
[QUOTE]
You used to play videogames all night. Your Quake prowess was unmatched; your skills at Command & Conquer unparalleled. You have a gaming history that stretches back beyond the PlayStation generation to the SNES, Megadrive, Amiga and ZX Spectrum. You were there at the dawn of gaming.
Tick-tock... Time passes. You've quietly come to realise that you're not the hard-core gamer you used to be. Even your Xbox 360 Gamertag seems far too 'sensible'. How do you know that a mid-life gaming crisis is setting in? Watch out for these warning signs...
* You prefer playing against the computer
* You only play when your girlfriend is out
* You believe that winning isn't everything
* It's been days, not hours since you last switched on your console
* You're the oldest person trading in games at GameStation
* You like your Xbox 360 and your PS3 equally
* You fondly remember a 'golden age' of gaming
* You avoid playing on the Wii because it's too much effort
* Your FPS experience consists of spawn, run, die... spawn, run, die... spawn...
* You find the idea of videogames based on board games perfectly acceptable
* You've pre-ordered GTA IV but don't mind if it doesn't turn up on launch day
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: techradar.com
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(Sunday 27 April 2008 00:17 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
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