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Week of June 6, 2004
XNA For Sony and Nintendo?
>> From gigex.com:
[QUOTE]
Once upon a time Peter Moore was president of Sega of America. These days he is a corporate vice-president for Microsoft. Mr. Moore recently sounded a call to action at ELSPA Games Summit in London, requesting that Microsoft competitors Sony and Nintendo use Microsoft's XNA model.
The XNA model is a new attempt by Microsoft to create a standard game development toolset that is compatible cross-platform. Mr. Moore stated at the conference that game development is "80 per cent construction, 20 per cent creativity," and believes the level of effort on game construction could reach 90 percent in the next-generation consoles. Mr. Moore stated that it should be the industry's goal to be able to cut game development costs while enabling developers to become more creative.
Mr. Moore stated that the XNA model would potentially lower the cost of development projects and enable developers to make more informed decisions during a game's lifecycle. This model will also give developers the ability to "make the tough decisions before you've invested too many dollars." As an example, Mr. Moore pointed out the $15 million dollars that have been lost this year due to canceled projects.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 12 June 2004 18:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X3 Public Beta - Round 1 Of Entries *updated - win 1000usd!*
>> From Xecuter Forums:
[QUOTE]
To stop the process from being boring and to give anyone a chance to join in we have come up with a few ideas to make the selection process a little more interesting.
Some of the requirements of entry will be based on technical knowledge, some based on your willingness to take and some will be just plain stupid.
Lets start with one of the stupid taks
For you to be one of the first on the planet to receive a free Xecuter3 mod and to participate in the testing program we want you to do the following.
Print this Sign http://teamxecuter.com/SIGN.zip and get a photo of you / the sign / or both either with a famous landmark in the background or some other amusing position (maybe a cop or some naked chick holding it ?)
The best 10 entries will be on the program. Post all your pictures in this thread for everyones amusement. Let's see who has the bst imagination
[/QUOTE]
UPDATE: You can also win some cash prizes! We got this news from Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
Post a picture with the X3 sign in front of the MS building (must have clear MS sign in the background) and get a chance to win $250. You can get an extra $250 if wearing an X-S T-Shirt. If it's a chick with her tits out in front of MS building and a X-S T-Shirt in shot - you get a chance to win $1000!
The best submitted picture (selected by Team Xecuter) will get the prize.
Payable by Paypal.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 12 June 2004 12:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Kai RainbowSix 3 - Summer Championship 2004
>> From teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
We've just got news that the doors are open for the XR8D Rainbow Six 3 Summer Championship. This promises to be an absolutely awesome event, so head over to http://xr8d.net/tournament and check it out!
This will be a round robin style tournamant. Each registered team will have a play against every other registered team. A point system will determine the final winner. This format will allow a good amount of playtime for all involved.
[/QUOTE]
TIME: SATURDAY JUNE 19th 2:00 PM EST
Location: XR8D XLink Kai(info) arena
All teams must be registered by NOON EST Thursday June 17th 2004
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(Saturday 12 June 2004 11:45 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Want to be a part of Xecuter3 Trials ?
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Public Beta testing of X3 is about to get underway. However we thought instead of keeping it all under wraps why not get some of our loyal users involved in the process ?
If you are interested in trying out X3 first and for FREE get your asses over to the #Xecuter3 channel on IRC (EFnet) and sit in there to see how you can get involved. It's a freindly channel and the main topic is of course mostly X3 related. Idiots morons and beggars need not drop by :)
On a side note FTP speeds on X3 are blistering! One of our testers averaged around 11,000 kb/sec :)
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 12 June 2004 10:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(JAPAN) No silver bullet for winning console war
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Games Studio boss Shane Kim has told gamesindustry.biz that there is "no silver bullet" which will allow the company to beat its rivals in the next-generation console war - or to succeed in the Japanese market.
"There is no silver bullet to win," he told gi.biz, speaking in an in-depth interview which you can [read on the site today]. "I think you have to execute on so many different levels... I think that when you talk about Xbox you've got to talk about the entire program, and so it's not only making sure that you get the hardware right, for us it's also about software."
Kim also discussed a host of other topics related to Microsoft Game Studios, including his views on the role of first-party software in driving the success of a console, the value of Rare to his company, and the chance of Microsoft buying out further developers going forward.
[/QUOTE]
W.I.P. Star Wars coming soon *updated*
>> From PeteGabe on aftershock.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
I have put all the sounds into Star Wars and an intro music track. I also tweaked all the multiplayer ships so they have different strengths/weaknesses. Just a few small bug fixes and Shizno's stamp of approval stand in the way of the first release.
UPDATE: shizno typing now
for the Internet Relay Gangstas dont forget we have a channel #a-shock on EFNET (IRC)
[/QUOTE]
For those who forgot:
Star Wars is a homebrew game currently in development by Team Aftershock, it supports a short story mode, and a death match of up to 4 humans and up to 8 players (bots).
You can see a few screenshots here.
Official Site: http://aftershock.xbox-scene.com
ETA: unknown (soon)
Microsoft Narrowing Down Xbox Successor's Name?
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
Not to be outdone by Nintendo's oddball selection of potential initials for its upcoming DS handheld, Microsoft has reportedly circulated some proposed names for its next game console. A study lately conducted by the SPSS research firm, received by a great many gamers and 1UP readers around the web, seeks to gather data on Microsoft's behalf regarding which of several names might be the right one for the next Xbox.
Some of the monikers mentioned in the survey as "being considered for the next-generation Xbox" are:
* Xbox 247
* Xbox 360
* Xbox 2
* Xbox E
* Xbox EV
* Xbox FS
* Xbox HD
* Xbox NE
Other questions evidently focus more specifically on the "Xbox FS" name, which lends itself to a certain amount of droll speculation regarding what "FS" might stand for ("Free Style," "Full Spectrum," "Fleet Sturgeon," or perhaps "Fo' Shizzle"). Some reports claim that the interactive survey includes an image of a proposed Xbox FS logo, although that's not confirmed as yet.
[/QUOTE]
Kai Supports Halo NMP Project
>> From Team XLink:
[QUOTE]
Kai is pleased to announce new areas / support for the NMP Map pack for Halo.
Designed by some very talented map hackers, NMP is 11 new / edited maps for Halo (effectively presenting us with Halo 1.5 ;) ).
Since this was brought to my attention by GoatNinja a couple of days ago, we've got arenas set up for it, and they seem to be getting popular. I would seriously recommend anyone with Halo and a way to put files on their Xbox to give this one a try.
Although map PPF's have been around for some time, the NMP strives to create a unified update for Halo players - so playing on tunnels becomes easy and trouble free.
We're hoping to get some more stuff in place soon for this with our other friends in the business ;) But until now, I'll leave you in the capable hands of GoatNinja (new NMP Mod).
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 10 June 2004 19:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X68000X v3
>> Xport released a new version of X68000X(info). What's new/fixed:
* Added missing keyboard keys
* Mouse support
There were a number of keys that were not correctly mapped or not mapped at all (e.g. the shift keys). This is fixed. There are 9 keys that I have labelled as "Unknown" because I do not know what they are called on the X68000. Furthermore, I know that some of the labels assigned to keys are the names of the Windows key instead of the X68000 key. For instance, the Left/Right Alt keys are mapped to one of the XF1-5 keys on an X68000. If anyone definitely knows the correct labels for the unknown keys or the windows-labelled keys, please let me know and I'll update the labels accordingly.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
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(Thursday 10 June 2004 14:46 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X3 - Public Betas Ready
>> New info from Team Xecuter:
The first batch of public betas have just rolled off the press. Hopefully by next week we will have a bunch of feedback and reviews to help us complete any finishing touches. You will notice two switch designs. The black PCB design is a rough draft of what will be shipped with the mod. The more professional design will be an optional extra (and will include built in infra red support). Of course you also have the option to not use any switches at all as the mod is completely software controlled. The external modules are for those like a few bells and whistles :)
Check out more pictures at teamxecuter.com
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(Thursday 10 June 2004 01:56 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
TeamXecuter.com attacked
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
It seems someone managed to make themselves an admin and deleted a bunch of stuff from our main page (mainly X3 related news, Suppliers Links, Menu system to direct to forums, Live Support module etc)
A disgruntled competitor perhaps ? Who knows. Either way its lame - so apologies for any disruption - we're recovering what we can in the meantime.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 09 June 2004 23:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(OFFTOPIC) EUCD info site opened
>> From afterdawn.com:
[QUOTE]
A new website, euro-copyrights.org, has been launched. The site aims to give a full picture of the EUCD's status in European Union member states and its implications across the Union.
The EUCD, European Union Copyright Directive, legislation is basically an European version of American DMCA legislation, allowing content owners to restrict consumers' ability to use, backup or modify content that they have purchased by making it illegal to circumvent technical copy protection measures.
Site is a joint operation between Elaborate Bytes (the makers of CloneDVD), RankOne Media Group, Free University of Amsterdam and several academic authors across the continent.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 09 June 2004 10:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Games Grab Multiple E3 Awards
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the votes are in and Halo 2 won three of the prestigious Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2004, including Best Console Game, Best Action Game and Best Online Multiplayer. BioWare's highly anticipated Jade Empire also received many accolades at E3, and took home the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2004 for Best Role-Playing Game. A complete list of the awards can be found at this address.
[/QUOTE]
Read more on TeamXbox.com.
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(Wednesday 09 June 2004 10:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-Chip coming week of June 14th
>> From Easybuy 2000:
[QUOTE]
Stock is on-hand for the X-CHIP! We expect to begin shipping orders by next week. We thank everyone who has been patient with us for the last while.
[/QUOTE]
They included some images proving the chip is in production:
Pre-Order X-Chip ($49 alone or $59 with solderless adaptor): Easybuy2000.com
Pig-X v1 and Atom-X v1
X68000X v2
>> Xport released a new version of X68000X(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Save states
The save state files that are generated can be large...close to 4MB in size.
The only thing that may not work is saving states with D88 disk image types. This is probably not much concern because I have yet to come across any of those disk types (which is why I cannot say whether or not it works). Most games are XDF types or hard drive images.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
Xenium-OS v2.0 update
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
A few hours ago the Xenium OS(info)2 Beta moved into another stage of it's beta testing when we released it to a wider network of trusted OzXodus testers. As is to be expected we have been given immediate feedback with minor bug reports. There is one major bug fix related to file systems support that we need to do before we will be ready to release the public Beta version. Stay tuned.
[/QUOTE]
neXgen v1.1 beta 2 testing underway
>> From HoRnEyDvL on xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
Well we are hard at work testing nexgen beta 2. No ETA of release yet.
[/QUOTE]
A Kai UI In 8 Hours
>> From TD on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
As an introduction to coding UI's for Kai, I knocked up a simple UI for use by Mario Kart players in roughly 8 hours. The source is also available - it's VC++ MFC and compiles under VC6 and probably VC7. Couple of things to note first:
* This is *not* coded for efficiency, or intended to be complete. It's sloppy and over-commented crap - but it will serve to show people how it all works, especially people who dont care much for MFC.
* To use it, start Kai as normal, but don't log in - run this EXE instead :D
* You can play your messenger buddies and chat in a special kaiKart chatroom. All using the normal kaiEngine stuff.
This is intended to demonstrate the awesome flexibility and adaptability of the kaiEngine. As for a license, I dont really have the time for that - so do whatever the hell you want with the code. Please don't start PM'ing me about any silly little mistakes / things which could be tider - I know - I did it in 8 hours because I was bored. Experienced coders only really need to care about the 'handleRequest()' function in kaiKartDlg and the specifics of the broadcast socket.
Get the Client here - Get the Source here
[/QUOTE]
A few updates from Team Xecuter
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
We expect to ship the first sample of X3 to the main review sites sometime this week (about f***ing time you say ? heh) the mod we first planned is so different from the one we have actually ended up with - hence the stupidly long development time. We have a changelog somewhere that adds a different feature or change of hardware on average every few days - maybe it will get released sometime for someone's amusement :) We're very pleased with the results and are already working on ideas for future software updates and add-ons. After the mod has been beta'd by those on our test list (about 30 ppl - we estimate around a week to gather data) - we should have enough info to make any last minute changes to the software and will then be ready for a final release. We are working towards the end of June - try not to hold us to that date but its looking good. Only 6 months later than we originally planned - but at least we won the bet that it would be out before Half Life 2 :p
There have been some nice additions to the Bios and there is some awesome work on the pc app project. We expect the app to be in full swing after the mod has been released. We also expect regular bios updates giving many new features.
The first release may not include v1.6 support - the priority right now is to get everything working nicely - be assured that we will be finishing work on the v1.6 either on release or shortly after (a simple bios update - mod hardware will be compatible).
We are also planning on running a cvs for our Cromwell(info) based FlashBIOS. We'd like to see the scene develop a bios/app that is specific to controlling modchip hardware and can be used on any mod (not just Xecuter). All contributors will have the opportunity to win $ thousands in prize money and hardware. All code will be 100% public and will give an insight as to how a linux kernel/app can control a modchip. More info on this later once X3 is in the wild.
As a last note we recommend you check this Xbox Customization Utility coded by PeerX - useful for those who want to paint up / skin their Xbox.
[/QUOTE]
Abombniballx v2 - Jump 'n BumpX v1 - Dodgin Diamond 2X v1
>> Freakdave just released 2 new game ports and and 1 updated game port.
- Dodgin Diamond 2X v1
From nfo/readme:
"This is a little shoot'em up game and aims to be an 'old school' arcade game with low resolution graphics, top-down scroll action, energy based gameplay and different weapons with several levels of power.
Visit http://www.usebox.net/jjm for more info about this game."
- Jump 'n BumpX v1
From nfo/readme:
"You're a cute little bunny and you have to avoid the other bunnies from stomping on you and at the same time try to stomp as many opponents as possible. Jump & bump is multiplayer only with up to four players simultaneously. Gather the local crew and have a blast.
Visit http://jumpbump.mine.nu for more info about this game.
There you can also find more than 170 levels for Jump 'n BumpX."
- Abombniballx(info) v2
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed: The screen size/stretch ratio should now work on most tv's.
* Fixed: XBOX crashed if you quit the game using the ingame menu.
* Added: D-PAD controls.You're now able to control the game with both the left Analogue stick and the D-PAD.
* Added: Screenshot feature.Press the right thumbstick to take a screenshot from Abombniballx.The image will be saved in the main game directory as 'abx.bmp'.
Official Site: http://freakdave.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
UnleashX V0.35.0605 Build 439
>> A new version of UnleashX(info) dashboard with a huge amount of fixes and added features has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed: "SkinFile" Game saves gets corrupted when switching zipped skins frequently
* Fixed: Screen gets corrupted when launching an xbox title when WideScreen is enabled
* Fixed: Going in and out of sub menus causes unnecessary pauses.
* Fixed: Going in and out of sub menu pauses the BGM.
* Fixed: Going in and out of sub menu too quickly will mess the menu structure.
* Fixed: Launching an Xbox title too quickly on bootup when BGM is enabled crashes the dashboard.
* Fixed: Virtual workspace of the text editor is now narrower so the cursor doesn't get too close to the right edge.
* Fixed:Sometimes, items in a batch script executes without waiting for the current item to finish its task.
* Fixed: X2IGR_ON/X2IGROFF was interchanged.
* Fixed: SITE SHUTDOWN doesn't work.
* Fixed: Only a few BGM gets played overtime.
* Fixed: The image size being reported by image viewer is wrong.
* Fixed: Images equal to and bigger than 1200x720 pixels doesn't load. Note: Free memory must be greater than 10MB for images to load succesfully.
* Changed: DelayLoad default value set to "False". Disk I/O has been optimized.
* Changed: Settings screen are now logically grouped, so it's easier to find what you are looking for without having to go thru a long list.
* Changed: ScreenSaver text can now accept a value pointing to a valid XMV/WMV file, or a valid path containing images for slideshow with 6 different transition effect. Note: Use moderate sized images (1MP and below), especially when using a resource intensive skin.
* Changed: Settings that requires valid path or file uses file/folder browser instead of the virtual keyboard.
* Changed: Free/Used memory is now in KB.
Skinning engine:
* Added: Loading screen background now accepts the presets "GameIcon" and "GamePreview" for its value.
* Added: InfoText item scrolling. Add an attribute named "Scroll" to any infotext and set the value to 1 -scroll only when the content is wider than the width, 2 -always scroll the content, or 0 to disable scrolling. Note: Newsfeed are the only item that scrolls by default (Scroll="1").
* Added: Menu item scrolling. Unlike Infotext, only the selected item will scroll and it will only scroll when the content is bigger than the width (equivalent to Scroll="1"). Note: For text/items to scroll, the Width attribute must be provided.
* Added: Smooth scrolling now uses Lerp for calculating the next position for smoother animation.
Settings -Video:
* Added: Support for HDTV modes (1080i, 720p, 480p). Note: These settings must also be enabled from MS dash since this deals with EEPROM.
* Added: Soften display option.
* Added: Flicker Filter level. Set this option to 2 to minimize flickering, while maintaining sharpness on 480i.
* Added: Option to limit the refresh rate to 60Hz. Note: 1080i is always limited at 60Hz.
* Added: Switchable color display quality (16 bit/32 bit). Note: Using 16 bit color on 1080i mode will improve the video performance.
* Added: Screen calibration with individual settings for each screen mode.
* Added: Safe boot mode. Press and hold "Back" button to ignore video settings and force the dash to boot at 480i. Holding the back button will also ignore the calibration settings.
Settings - Time/Network/FTP/HTTP:
* Added: SNTP server port.
* Added: HTTP protocol for time synchronization.
* Added: Time will default to the last time you launched an Xbox title when the clock becomes invalid.
* Added: Xbox Auto-detect. Right now, only Qwix(info)/AvaLaunch uses this feature and is disabled by default. Note: Auto-detect send the username/password pair in clear text.
* Added:Minimum and maximum port for passive transfer, so those behind a firewall can configure the FTP server to use a limited range of port for better compatibility. Minimum port number is 1024.
* Added: Avalaunch(info)'s Boost mode technology.
* Added: Configurable SYST(em) name so the current release of Qwix will work with it. To make Qwix work with UnleashX, provide the same response to SYST as AvaLaunch's. Note: This is only necessary until Devenic releases a new version that properly detects boost mode compatibility.
* Added: HTTP proxy server and port configuration.
Settings - Music/BGM:
* Added: MP3 playback with ID3 V1.1 support. Can read Album/singer/song title info.
* Added: Folder name will be use for Soundtrack name.
Settings - File operation:
* Added: Auto-rename invalid/long filename for both FTP server and file explorer. Off by default.
* Added: Xbe Auto-Patch enable/disable settings.
* Added: Skip on error settings, instead of aborting outright. Off by default.
* Added: Default destination folder for backing up xbe title.
* Added: Option to uninstall xbox title found on the HD, accessible from the context menu.
Settings - Font:
* Added: Configurable font scaling with individual settings for each screen mode.
* Added: Configurable font Scrolling speed. Default is 20ms.
Settings - Autorun:
* Added: You can use the gamepad buttons to launch applications during bootup, or the IR button anytime while in the menu after the dash has completely booted. You can map different Xbes to A, B, X, Y, Start, White and Black, while you can use 0~9 on the IR remote control.
Others:
* Added: Unrar can now handle RARv3.0+ with multi-volume/spanned archive capability. Thanks to grebulon for providing the code, making this possible. Note: Using the dash to unrar huge archive may not be a good idea.
* Added: "UnRar" to the list of action commands. Unzip/UnRar usage can be interchanged.
* Added: Top 10 most recent launched titles. Press "X" while in the menu, or bring up the context menu to display the list.
* Added: "Delete Game" option to the context menu and a corresponding settings to turn this Off/On. This is turned Off by default.
* Aded: Launch in NTSC/PAL option to the context menu. Automatic Video mode switching should be enabled for this option to be visible.
* Added: Simple Menu Item editor. Gives you to option to edit/assign icon, preview video, password, passcode, as well as the title. For xbox titles, the title change is not permanent and only items.xml/config.xml gets edited. For entries found in items.xml, title may revert back to the embedded title when he timestamp don't match that of the cache.
* Added: Game Saves Manager. This module list down all game saves, as well as downloadable content found in your harddisk alphabetically. It could also list down saves from your memory unit, if one is found. You can copy saves HD to MU and vice-versa. This module also allows you to delete individual item, as well as all saves for a game. To enable this feature, add the following line to your config.xml [Item Action="SavesManager"]Game Saves Manager[/Item] Note: As a precaution, this feature is only available when the dash is run from the HD.
* Added: Added online downloading and installation of game saves from www.xbox-saves.com courtesy of TeamX4. I'd like to particularly thank Keiths, Lc204 and Savvy of www.xbox-saves.com for making this possible. To enable downloading, open Game Saves Manager, highlight the game you wanted to download saves for, and hit the "Y" button. If one or more games is found, you will be presented with a list for you to choose from. Note: It will not overwrite any existing games saves on your xbox. Some games, like "Mortal Combat: DA" can only contain one game save. In order for you download a save for this type of game, you must delete the item first. Note: Downloading of game saves is subject to the rules and regulations of the site. Please support them by visiting their site.
* Added: Online downloading of skin from www.allxboxskins.com and www.xbox-skins.net with automatic checking and installation of zipped and rarred files. Thanks to koldfuzion and BLazeD for making this possible. Note: Downloading of skins is subject to the rules and regulations of the site. Please support them by visiting their site. Note: AXS uses thumbnail for preview, while Xbox-Skins uses a full size image.
* Added: Game Icon and preview video downloader with auto-request if one is not found. Start by invoking the menu item editor, select the appropriate option, then hit "Start" to bring up a context menu. Thanks to BLazeD, koldfuzion, flattspot...etc for building and maintaining the online game DB.
Official Site: http://www.unleashx.com
Official Forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Is The Xbox The Cause Of The PC Gamer's Downfall?
>> From simoniker on games.slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
Thanks to GamerDad for its editorial discussing whether the Xbox has grabbed much of the development effort and talent from the PC gaming scene, with the author arguing: "From what I've been able to gather, there just isn't much interest in PC games unless as an afterthought to a console release. Deus Ex 2 and Thief III are superb examples of this mindset." He continues of the Xbox: "Its introduction has clearly robbed a lot of the resources that used to be dedicated to making PC entertainment. This is fine if you're willing to buy an Xbox and support Microsoft directly that way. It's not fine if you're a PC gamer that wants what the PC can offer specifically, and not some watered down version of what you've come to expect from a company." Do you agree?
[/QUOTE]
XLink Kai TopSpin 'Wimbledon 2004' Tournament
>> From teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
(21st June - 4th July)
Registration Open until 18th June
“Get your racquet restrung, and get your thumbs limbered up ready for the biggest tennis event of the year so far! No need to even move from your easy chair, are you ready to take up the challenge to prove you’re the best, or you just want to see how far you can go sign up for the XLink Kai(info) Evolution 7 Topspin Wimbledon Tournament”
Get yourself over to the tourney section of the Official XLink Forums for more information, and how to register. Only £2 to enter, cash prize awarded to winners. Also there will be spot prizes given out at random, so anyone can be a winner.
Best of Luck!
[/QUOTE]
XBMC Skinner News
>> We received this update from Arddrive:
[QUOTE]
Well ive been working though the night to get this project underway for you people out there. Its still far from completion but from the picture enclosed you’ll see that its looking very kool. The Skinner is aimed at people who can make skins easily and for people who can only just put pictures together. It is very easy to use and so far in its beta stage you can do the following.
Build Skins with the following:
* Buttons – With system Labels pull from the strings.xml file
* Labels - With system Labels pull from the strings.xml file
* Images – Any size or shape
* Change Screen size – Ntsc, Pal Widescreen
* Build font lists for used fonts.
Images can be used from anywhere on the pc harddrive the skinner will automatically copy the files to the project media file.
Im hoping to include an ftp protocol into the skinner, so you can transfer you skin straight to your xbox from the skinner (If I can work that out)
Hope you like the Pic
 Click image to enlarge
[/QUOTE]
W.I.P. Dodgin Diamond 2X - Jump 'n BumpX - Abombniballx v2
>> Lots of updates from freakdave on http://www.angelfire.com/on4/jnbx/:
[QUOTE]
* New port in progress : Dodgin Diamond 2X
This is a nice oldschool shoot 'em up for all Arcade fans out there. Basically it's finished.
Here are some screens from Dodgin Diamond 2X: pic 1 - pic 2
* Jump 'n BumpX release is getting closer!
Yep,it's true.JnBX's version tag is now RC1.
The package will be available for betatesters next Monday!
Changelog :
-fixed screen size/stretch (rather tweaked,not fixed)
-added a recoded and fully functional level launcher.
-added new launcher background image
Preview pic from the launcher: pic 1
* Abombniballx(info) v2 ready for release!
Changelog :
-fixed screen size/stretch
-fixed QUIT bug
-added D-PAD controls
I'm planning to release Abombniballx v2 simultaneously with Jump 'n BumpX.
Be prepared !
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.angelfire.com/on4/jnbx/
ETA: unknown
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2004-06-06 build
>> There are many groups and people compiling XboxMediaCenter(info) builds these days. (you can pretty much find a dialy build). As said before I'll try to give an overview about 1x/week and I'll put up a changelog compared to the latest version posted on xbox-scene news.
What's new/fixed (since CVS build on 05-21):
* added: SF patch[922265] Display names from soundtracks *updated* - Thanks to dfangel
* added: title image and savegame image in release project
* added: subtitle charsets for Hebrew(arial-iso-8859-8, size 18), Turkish(arial-iso-8859-9, size 18,24)
* added: language code for vobsubs.
* changed: my videos, removing file extension before submitting filename to imdb, hopefully more accurate search results for scan
* changed: xbe icons are caches as 128x128 tbn now
* changed: playlist containing remote files (http/mms) are not saved to playlist directory anymore
* changed: changes a few language files to be consistent in Settings such that there are no colons (Chokeman).
* changed: If no default is specified for My Programs, then keep it that way. Do not default to Q:\Shortcuts.
* changed: Scan in My Programs will find any XBE regardless of whether Show Only Default.xbe is specified.
* changed: increased stream cache size to 16384. hopefully solves some stuttering problems
* changed: enlarge subtitles, use more lines instead of rendering offscreen
* fixed: album info didn't worked on unscanned file
* fixed: my music, Directory reading speed-up for unscanned directories with id3 tags disabled
* fixed: my music songs, autoswitch list/thumb doesn't always work
* fixed: list control label2 was always rendered as selected
* fixed: SF[966020] Selectbutton in My Videos doesn't get focus if view is switched the first time
* fixed: cache buffer will now stay at 100% instead of 50% (this means that half the cache size will do now)
* fixed: SF[965551] IMDB Thumbs no longer work
* fixed: SF[964872] Unable to change DVD-ROM bookmark name
* fixed: some lcd issues like (LCD sometimes shows garbage)
* fixed: my music songs playlists button speedup
* fixed: LCD dont show åäö.
* fixed: my music song, when entering after bootup and tag is set, icon or list isn't automatically switched
* fixed: album info: album thumb was not assigned to a unscanned folder, if folder contains one album
* fixed: album info shows a list of albums for a folder if more then one is available
* fixed: dvdfolder playback from local disk. wonder how many times this has been broken and fixed
* fixed: ogg 6ch channel mapping. very limited in non digital mode. only left and right channel is audioable
* fixed: selected state of passthrough and output to all channels settings sometimes incorrect when switching from analog to digital
* fixed: channel mapping of aac audio when using analog output (somewhat uggly, all channels are just mapped down to left or right unchanged)
* fixed: tivo playback
* fixed: album info: Track duration was shown as 0:00, if no duration available on allmusic.com
* fixed: my music: album art (downloaded/from id3 tag) was always assigned to the every file in the directory
* fixed: Shortcuts no longer hardcoded to Q:\Shortcuts. Will use what is defined in XboxMediaCenter.xml.
* fixed: wrong icon for playlists used
* fixed: xbmc was starting the shoutcast streamripper for every stream with 'http://', removed so movie streams start a bit faster.
* fixed: [ 955044 ] Playlists of streamed files don't advance (and hangs later)
* fixed: subvobs don't enlarge, caused by the "enlarge subtitles, use more lines instead of rendering offscreen" change which is now removed
* fixed: OSD video settings: move slider (eg contrast) left 2 steps. move it 1 step right. the effective setting goes to -3 instead of -2. same in other direction
* fixed: [ 959121 ] SMB path can no longer contain '?'
* fixed: dvd playback from disk (css auth)
* fixed: choppy playback of mono wmv.
* fixed: channel mapping for 6channel AAC audio.
* fixed: pictures create thumbs, cancel button doesn't work
* fixed: subtitles get bigger as videoresolution gets lower
* fixed: music database reorg, cancel button doesn't work
* fixed: my video genre, actors... do not show default icons if no thumb is available
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Gentoox IRC Server moved
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
I'm trialing a new IRC server for the home of Gentoox. I've no real need to be on freenode anymore and this server gives me more control over people who dont comply with channel rules (namely the no homebrew rule!). You can check it out at: irc.blah.cc #gentoox
[/QUOTE]
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