[X360] Microsoft Points will disappear when the next system update is released

[X360] Microsoft Points will disappear when the next system update is released

Do you find Microsoft's mysterious space dollars to be too troublesome to fiddle around with when you browse their Xbox Marketplace offerings? If you do then we've got some good news for you, those mysterious point values are set to disappear!

A rumour suggesting that Microsoft Points would vanish first appeared back in May and it was later confirmed during E3 but we didn't know when the change would be happening. Now it has been confirmed by Microsoft's Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer, over on Xbox Wire that we can expect the switch to happen this year.

In the post Whitten talks about Microsoft's desire to make the transition as easy as possible for Xbox users around the world. He confirms that change will arrive with a new system update, after the update all prices will be displayed in your local currency on the Xbox Marketplace. Additionally, Whitten confirms that you'll still be able to purchase Xbox 360 content with any current form of payment option available in your region.

This means that any Microsoft Point cards that are redeemed, after the update is completed, will be converted to an amount of currency equal to or greater than the Xbox Marketplace value of the Microsoft Points.

Later this year Microsoft will start released new Xbox Gift Cards, they'll be available through online and local retailers and should help make the transition a lot more fluent. This will bring their Marketplace into line just in time for the launch of the Xbox One this November, I will be curious to see how Xbox users respond to the change. I know some people will be happy for it to finally happen, but there are also a handful of people that don't mind the current point system.

Thanks VG247.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 08-12-2013 09:49 AM by LemonManX.)

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[X1] Microsoft allows indies to self-publish; retail units will double as debug units

[X1] Microsoft allows indies to self-publish; retail units will double as debug units

Microsoft is taking another step in turning the tide in the apparent war being waged against the Xbox One, first they dropped their awful DRM features and are now reconsidering their approach to indies.

Engadget is reporting that Microsoft has decided to allow indies to self-publish for the Xbox One. Considering that Sony has made a very strong indie play for the PlayStation 4 it is definitely smart for Microsoft to try and put a positive spin on their stance with indies.

That isn't all though, it also appears that retail Xbox One units will be able to double as debug units.

"Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development," said Marc Whitten, Xbox corporate VP.

So, it seems as though retail Xbox One units will be able to run in-progress game code, which should make things significantly easier for game developers considering that debug units typically cost a lot more to obtain.

Microsoft will talk about these new announcements in greater detail during Gamescom this August.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 07-26-2013 10:51 AM by LemonManX.)

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[PS4, X1] Tim Schafer believes that Microsoft need to carefully consider the indies

[PS4, X1] Tim Schafer believes that Microsoft need to carefully consider the indies

Independent developers have given a whole lot of great games over the last few years, so one can only imagine that this is a trend that will continue as game budgets start to bloat and gamers start looking for cheaper (and equally as fulfilling) video games to experience.

Sony has been aggressively been pursuing independent developers heading into the next generation of consoles after having a relatively strong indie line-up over the last few years on the PlayStation Network whereas Microsoft have left a few indie developers feeling uncertain. Double Fine's Tim Schafer has emphasized the importance of independent support.

"Sony has reached out to us and asked us our opinions about what we'd like to see with new platforms and they've been really good with indies - allowing them to self-publish and entering into partnerships and stuff like that," Schafer told Edge. "Microsoft has been focused elsewhere up until now, I've kind of had my fingers crossed that hopefully they'll change their minds about that because I think it's really critical."

What do you think? Indies are definitely an important factor as far as selling your platform goes; however I feel that Microsoft will showcase their independent support at E3. They aren't stupid and surely haven't forgotten that their indie support was behind a lot of the success of XBLA before Sony actually cleaned up their act.

Schafer also expressed his opinion on the evolution of Kickstarter now that Double Fine have launched a new project.

"I think some of the Kickstarters are overcomplicated, or seem to be treating it like it's a store, or milking it for easy money," Schafer believes. "That's why we're putting a lot of thought into this project - it's not another told timer coming back from the nineties, like me, and not an old game or tried and true licence, but actually a risky and new IP."

Thanks CVG.

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[E3'12, X360] Microsoft unveils SmartGlass

[E3'12, X360] Microsoft unveils SmartGlass

Microsoft unveiled SmartGlass this morning during their E3 conference; it's an app allows tablets and smartphones to interact with the Xbox 360 console.

Not only does the service allow the hardware to display infomation but it can also act as a controller to add more functionality into gameplay experiences. The two examples used were during an episode 'Game of Thrones' on HBO a tablet computer displayed the location of characters on a map based on the fantasy show and during a game of Madden on the Xbox 360 the tablet could be used to select different plays and tactics to be used.

Microsoft also revealed a full fledged internet browser for the Xbox 360 console - previously they preferred to have dedicated apps but now they see the SmartGlass as an opportunity to make a browser a more viable option and continue to make the Xbox into an all-encompassing living room media center.

A move that looks to counter the Wii U which was announced last year and had a primary control scheme of a large touch screen on the controller. Microsoft is showing you don't need new hardware to open such possibilities. It remains to be seen if the SmartGlass app allows as much functionality as Nintendo's Wii U controller however the Nintendo E3 press conference tomorrow will be sure to reveal more, stay tuned to vgZero for more E3 coverage!

Written by: James Stevenson

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Molyneux: Microsoft was a 'creative padded cell;' 22 Cans will see his 'best' game ever

by Jessica Conditt on Apr 11th 2012 6:30PM

Peter Molyneux, creator of Fable and famously parodied developer, left Microsoft and Lionhead Studios last month to establish 22 Cans, a brand new development house. 22 Cans marks Molyneux's fifth studio founding, but there's something different about this one, he told Develop:

"I believe it has all led me to this point. I believe the greatest game I've ever made is still ahead of me."

Molyneux is adamant that he is building something special with 22 Cans, in both the structure of the company and the games it will produce. So far he has co-founder and former Lionhead programmer Dimitri Mavrikakis, data miner Paul Knight and IT director Tim Rance on board, but Molyneux is looking to have 22 people total from various industries, including architects, veterans, fresh faces and people who know nothing about the video game world.

These people will help Molyneux make his "best" game ever; a game he couldn't create while at Microsoft. "I was in a creative padded cell," Molyneux said. "Microsoft was so safe. Microsoft was so nice. You're so supported. Everything I did couldn't hurt me, both creatively and physically. The danger was long gone. I had this huge desire to make something truly special, and I felt like I was being suffocated creatively a little bit."

22 Cans' title will be an inherent, accessible and challenging multiplayer that doesn't lose its appeal after a few months -- he uses Draw Something as an example of a game that does. Molyneux's masterpiece will be more of a hobby than a game, he said, citing Minecraft as a direct inspiration.

22 Cans is currently seed funded, but will be seeking a venture-captial partner "in a matter of months," Monlyneux said, and he is currently on the hunt for employees. Monlyneux recognizes he only has a few chances to make the "greatest" game he's ever created, but he's ready.

"Well I'm 52 years old," he said. "I have a strange attitude to life. I consider it a marathon that you've got to keep pushing yourself through. I just hope I'm coming near the end of it. I couldn't do another 26 miles. I'd like to think I'm coming into the stadium now. Just a couple of laps around the track, and I'll be done."

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Microsoft patented display helmet

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[X360] Peter Molyneux leaving Lionhead and Microsoft to start fresh

[X360] Peter Molyneux leaving Lionhead and Microsoft to start fresh

The legendary game designer, who gave us Black & White, Fable and Syndicate, has announced via Twitter that he is leaving Lionhead and Microsoft. However, he confirmed in an interview with Kotaku that he'll be staying with them to see out development of Fable: The Journey for Microsoft Kinect serving as a creative consultant.

On Twitter Molyneux mentioned that he is taking part in a new company called '22 cans'.

"It is with mixed emotions that I made the decision to leave Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the company that I co-founded in 1997," Peter Molyneux said to Kotaku.

"I remain extremely passionate and proud of the people, products and experiences that we created, from Black & White to Fable to our pioneering work with Milo and Kate for the Kinect platform. However, I felt the time was right to pursue a new independent venture. I'd like to thank the team at Lionhead, as well as our partners at Microsoft Studios for their support, dedication and incredible work over the years."

Microsoft added of Molyneux's departure: "As co-founder of Lionhead and an integral part of Microsoft Studios, Peter was the creative visionary behind the blockbuster Fable franchise, and one of our most passionate and influential developers for the Xbox 360 platform. He has made an indelible mark on the games industry and we wish him all the best of luck in his future endeavors."

It may be true that more often that not Peter Molyneux's ambitious projects didn't really live up to the hype he generated for him, but I'm sure he'll be missed at Lionhead. We look forward to seeing what comes from his independent venture, what are your thoughts on this situation? How do you think it will affect Lionhead and Microsoft?

Written by: Kyran Morrison

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RE: [X360] Peter Molyneux leaving Lionhead and Microsoft to start fresh
Ive met him.

Just sayin

Yeah it know seems like they want to s*** all over the Fable name

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[X360] Microsoft issues statement: No next-gen Xbox at E3

[X360] Microsoft issues statement: No next-gen Xbox at E3

Usually, companies dance around rumours with "no comments" or "we'll see" but this time it looks like Microsoft has put its foot down. They have now released a statement that confirms that they have no plans to talk about any new Xbox hardware beyond the Xbox 360 at E3 this year.

"While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon."

"For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360 - and it's the best year ever for Xbox 360. The console is coming off its biggest year ever-a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide," the statement read.

They talk about how they'll be emphasising the stengths of the Xbox 360 with Halo 4, Forza: Horzon and a line-up of Kinect titles for later this year. A lot of fuel had been added to the raging fire that was the chances of Microsoft revealing their successor this year but it looks as though they are determined to stomp out the embers of that hope. Sony also issued a similar statement awhile back, leaving Nintendo's Wii U as the only successor to be expected from E3 this year.

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[X360] Microsoft prefer to not publish content that arrives on PSN first

[X360] Microsoft prefer to not publish content that arrives on PSN first

The Xbox Live Arcade is popular and it gets plenty of exclusive content, it does however lack some pretty high quality releases that are on the PSN. If you are wondering why some of them haven't made the journey across to the XBLA then it is time you found out the reason.

Downloadable games must release on the Xbox Live Arcade simultaneously with the PSN launch otherwise Microsoft may refuse to publish them.

Chris Lewis Wrote:"Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can be very confident we seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible.

As you can also imagine, our partners have to be mindful of the relationship they have with all platform holders, and they need to be equitable. But there are contractual situations where we get agreement with different people to do different things, and through what we have available on Xbox Live, we are able to offer things other people can't offer, that allows that exclusivity and unique elements to it that might not otherwise be available elsewhere."

I can understand what Chris is getting at, but it is severely disappointing to hear that this is how things run. It may have sucked that PSN users had to wait so long to play Limbo but at least they got to in the end. Pity the same can't be said the other way around.

Hopefully this childish policy changes, this also might be a good time for Sony to start pouring that money out that they were talking about investing in indie developers.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

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[X360] Telltale Games Announce New Partnership with Microsoft

[X360] Telltale Games Announce New Partnership with Microsoft

Xbox 360 owners may have noticed that several titles from renowned adventure-game developer Telltale Games have skipped out on their platform, including Tales of Monkey Island and, more recently, Back to the Future. It appears that is about to change though, as Telltale announced today that they have reached an agreement with Microsoft to publish games for the Xbox 360.

“Adding console support to our acknowledged expertise in digital downloads is another positive step in our long-term growth strategy,” said Telltale co-founder and CEO, Dan Connors about the new deal. “We are pleased to expand the size of our potential audience by encompassing the Xbox 360 console consumer and bring our vision of video gaming to them.”

As for which games might be headed to the platform, the developer tweeted today, "No announcements on what's coming to the XBox 360 from us yet but we have some exciting stuff in store! Stay tuned!"

Telltale Games currently has numerous games in development across multiple platforms, including Jurassic Park: The Game, Hector: Badge of Carnage, The Walking Dead, King's Quest, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Fables, and Back to the Future.

Written by: Mike Glubish

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[PS3, X360] Microsoft and Sony Target 2014 for New Consoles

[PS3, X360] Microsoft and Sony Target 2014 for New Consoles
Sony and Microsoft aren't feeling any pressure to release their new consoles earlier than expected as a result of Nintendo's (still unconfirmed) plans to launch a new console next year, according to industry insiders.

"Both MS and Sony are telegraphing to each other that they're delaying, to milk the current [generation] and fill in previous craters better," an anonymous insider told Kotaku. Other sources echoed the sentiment that 2014 is the target date for new consoles, although some admitted that 2013 remains a possibility if either company feels pushed. A 2014 launch would mean a 9-year cycle in between Microsoft console launches and 8 years for Sony.

So why such an unusually long gap? Several factors are playing into the decision to prolong the lifespan of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, including the belief that there is still a lot of untapped potential for the current consoles, particularly for the PlayStation 3, along with the recent launch of major peripherals such as Kinect and PlayStation Move. The poor economy would make it difficult to successfully launch a new console as well, and it is believed that in order to implement the latest technology into new consoles, they would either have to be sold at a prohibitive price point or the companies would take a significant loss on each unit that is sold.

Billy Pidgeon of M2 Research admits, however, that a strong performance by Nintendo's new console may force the hand of Microsoft and/or Sony: "If Nintendo does very well with the next console," he said, "Microsoft and Sony will quickly get a lot more serious about next generation."

Both Microsoft and Sony unsurprisingly declined to comment on their plans for future consoles.

Written by: Mike Glubish

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