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March 2006 - Posts

Get Xbox 360 Games at the Library. The Public Library.

posted Friday, March 31, 2006 11:35 AM by cesarmenendez
Seriously. If you live in King County, you can check out Xbox 360 Games from a few local libraries. Sweet. Posting in a TeamXbox thread, one gamer said: This is a good thing. Very creative way to get teens off the streets and at the same time, Read More
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You Got Game?

posted Friday, March 31, 2006 7:57 AM by Bastelyon
Then bring it!  As part of the Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend sponsored by Verizon (more details on Major’s blog), I’ll be competing in the Beat the Xbox Team event from 4pm to 6pm PST Friday night.  If you pwn me at College Hoops 2K6, you'll Read More
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Gaming Now and Then

posted Thursday, March 30, 2006 3:46 PM by johnporcaro
Mikael Svärdh at Fosfor posts some screen shots of "Gaming Now and Then."  Just when we start to complain about numbers of polygons or frames per second at 720p, I'm reminded how awesome these Xbox 360 games are on my 62" HD TV.  Check Read More
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Verizon Sponsored Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend begins Friday March 31

posted Thursday, March 30, 2006 12:00 PM by johnporcaro
Xbox 360 owners invited to jump into 72 hours of free action-packed Xbox Live multiplayer online gaming courtesy of Verizon. Read More
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Backwards Compatibility List Updated

posted Wednesday, March 29, 2006 5:00 PM by cesarmenendez
Hey there, Xbox fans old and new. Today we’re updating the back compat list with three of the most requested games and updates to existing back-compat games. New games on the list: BLACK™ Star Wars Battlefront™ II World Soccer Winning Read More
52 Comments

How Is Your Aim?

posted Wednesday, March 29, 2006 2:59 PM by johnporcaro
Where will you be on April 22?  Sydney, Australia you say?  If so, Jump In with the Aussie hoards at Coogee Beach, where you'll attempt to set the world’s record for a water balloon fight.  The current record was set in 2005 by 2,677 Read More
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Xbox 360 in Australia: Best. Launch. Ever

posted Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:10 AM by cesarmenendez
GamesIndustry.biz today has a story about Xbox 360 becoming the best launch in Australia, ever. In four days following its March 23 launch, we sold over 30K units, topping the previous record of 27K.  (a key factor Read More
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Manage Your Friends List Via Xbox.com

posted Tuesday, March 28, 2006 9:52 AM by cesarmenendez
Major Nelson today blogs about a sweet update on Xbox.com and Xbox Live. The ability to manage friend requests from Xbox.com. Sweet. If you need more details, Trixie wrote a story about it. Sweet. For those who want to try it out, go on ahead - my gamertag Read More
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Gaming with Windows Vista and DirectX 10

posted Saturday, March 25, 2006 3:44 PM by johnporcaro
Gamespot goes in depth with Windows Vista and DirectX 10.  While you're at it, check out the video interview with Microsoft's Chris Donahue, Group Manager of Windows Gaming and Graphics.  From Gamespot: Microsoft's DirectX APIs are a Read More
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Xbox 360 Launches Down Under

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 4:33 PM by cesarmenendez
About 1000 Australians gathered in Sydney for the midnight launch, bringing the city’s CBD to a standstill. The night featured game demonstrations on the side of buildings, street performers, live broadcasts by both radio and television stations, and Read More
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Games, Games, Games

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 3:51 PM by JoshG
This spring has officially owned me.  We are only 4 months into the next generation and I already have great games stacking up that I have to play.  Fight Night 3 is crazy, then I started playing Ghost Recon and nearly finished, just got Burnout Read More
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Xbox Devs Working on . . . Xbox (not Vista)

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 2:19 PM by cesarmenendez
Saw a few posts speculating that Xbox devs have been recruited to rewrite 60% of the Vista Code. Thought I'd answer: Not True. It's, at best, speculation with no demonstrable basis in fact. There aren’t any Xbox developers moving over to the Read More
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Kikizo Posts Interview with Scott Henson

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 2:05 PM by johnporcaro
For your viewing pleasure, Kikozo posts the Xbox 360 Video Interview: Scott Hensen: As one of the Microsoft's most experienced game veterans, Scott Henson is the Director of the company's Game Technology Group, formerly known as Advanced Technology Read More
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Get Acquainted with Crackdown

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 1:59 PM by johnporcaro
Joystiq's James Ransom-Wiley reminds me that there hasn't been a lot of information published about Crackdown.  We're going to have to change that!  Worthplaying.com is hosting an overview with a bunch of screenshots.  For more, Read More
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Xbox 360 now on sale in Australian stores

posted Friday, March 24, 2006 10:11 AM by cesarmenendez
  Midnight madness as the next generation arrives and a Starlight wish comes true     Sydney March 23, 2006 – The wait is officially over: Xbox 360 has launched in Australia amid crowds, ringing cash registers, and excited customers. Read More
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Gaming Steve and Joystiq GDC Podcast

posted Thursday, March 23, 2006 4:53 PM by johnporcaro
Gaming Steve joins up with Christopher Grant from Joystiq to podcast about GDC, and our meeting with Peter Moore.  (Gaming Steve is one of my must-hear weekly podcasts).  Get their take on the hour-long discussion we had there, from the Read More
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Peter Trumps Late Planes

posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 12:31 PM by wolf
As the rest of the team celebrated at the pre-GDC event in San Francisco, I had the bad luck to be stuck on an airplane that sat at the airport terminal as SFO for over an hour. My plans to fly to San Francisco to accompany Peter Moore on some media interviews, Read More
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Blogger Breakfast

posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 11:03 AM by johnporcaro
Just finished up the breakfast with Peter, Chris, and our A List blogging favorites from Xbox.com, Kotaku, Joystiq, Xbox 360 Fanboy, Gizmodo, GamingSteve, and GamerAndy.  I put up some pictures, and I’ll post more later.  I stopped by our Read More
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Kangaroos, Kiwis Get Xbox 360

posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 10:49 AM by cesarmenendez
At 12:01 AM, (local time) on Thursday, March 23, Gamers in Australia and New Zealand  join the millions of gamers in 24 countries on Xbox 360. Sweet. Welcome! Hopefully the team will send me photos so I can put em up for you guys to see. Saludos Read More
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Pre-GDC Reception in San Francisco

posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 12:55 AM by johnporcaro
Tonight we had a private reception with for members of the press and our online community.  I got to hang out a bit with Adam Levine (Gamer Andy), Stephen Hrncir (Gamespot Forums), Jay Frechette (GameVideos), Roberto Garcia-Lago (Gaming-Age), Gabe Read More
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Microsoft Comments on "Hacked" Xbox

posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006 12:50 AM by johnporcaro
We’ve been asked from quite a few of you for a comment about the recent “hacked” Xbox 360.  I got the official response for your perusal: The core security system has not been broken. However, it is reported that the authentication Read More
115 Comments

Top 100 Game Developers

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 5:34 PM by G
I often have to pinch myself when I realize I work in the games industry.  Sure there is stress, but it's not like we are working at NASA.  If a rocket misfires as we jump to hyperspace, all we have to do is load up our last save Read More
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Oh, By The Way...

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:26 PM by johnporcaro
When you download the community preview of XNA Studio, you can also download the source code to MechCommander 2.  Saa-wheeet. Read More
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See you at GDC...

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:00 PM by johnporcaro
Like Larry, I'm off to San Jose today.  My team put together this "blogger breakfast" to get some face time with a few of our favorite bloggers, and to make sure they get a chance to answer some of the questions you've sent along to them.  Read More
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Reports of Console Update Causing Problems

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 12:48 PM by johnporcaro
In the past several days, we’ve been following reports that some of  are having problems with their Xbox 360 consoles.  There is speculation that the recent console update might be the cause of the crashes.  As Larry's mentions, we're aware Read More
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This Time We Mean It!

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 12:37 PM by johnporcaro
Spring is here!  And with it, comes news that a fresh crop of games, and more consoles in store.  Cesar recaps today's press release well.  Just between you and me, I hesitate to say anything about more consoles in store, because I know Read More
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Xbox 360 Inventory Surge

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 8:57 AM by cesarmenendez
Today we're issuing a press release announcing the broader availability of Xbox 360s. Here's what you need to know: we'll have two to three times more 360s at retail this week. From the release: "With component supplies in full production and Read More
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Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Inventory Surge and Spring Games Lineup

posted Tuesday, March 21, 2006 8:39 AM by cesarmenendez
Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Inventory Surge and Spring Games LineupXbox Live on Xbox 360 speeds past 10 million downloads. REDMOND, Wash. — March 21, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the broader availability of Xbox 360™ consoles and provided Read More
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Xbox Marketing Director: "Grow Up!"

posted Monday, March 20, 2006 9:27 AM by johnporcaro
US Subsidiary Marketing Director Bill Nielson thinks we all need to "grow up..."  I heard it from my own dad so often that I often want to run from my office screaming, but I can't help agree with Nielson's comments.  Next-Gen has a feature Read More
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XNA Framework, XNA Studio, and Xbox Live Services Unveiled

posted Monday, March 20, 2006 7:59 AM by johnporcaro
With the Game Developer Conference (GDC) coming up this week, you can expect lots of announcements.   We kick start the process by issuing a press release featuring developer tools that are part of our XNA Framework: XNA Studio and Xbox Read More
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Microsoft Unveils XNA Framework and Delivers First of New XNA Tools to Inspire Game Innovation

posted Monday, March 20, 2006 6:00 AM by johnporcaro
Company also opens Xbox Live services, giving developers the freedom to further customize in-game online experiences. Read More
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IGN Interview with Age of Empires III Designer

posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 8:39 PM by johnporcaro
IGN posted an interview with Ensemble Studios lead designer Sandy Peterson, on the upcoming expansion, Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs.  IGNPC: Why did you decide to focus on Native Americans for this expansion? Some people have indicated Read More
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Penny Arcade on Viva Piñata

posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 6:48 PM by johnporcaro
I'm loving Penny Arcade's take on the recent Viva Piñata announcement.  LMAO.  Read More
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Halo Graphic Novel Coming

posted Saturday, March 18, 2006 1:46 PM by johnporcaro
For those that are Halo fans (and who among us isn't?), you're probably reading Bungie.net religiously, so you already know this.  But for those of you who haven't heard, here's the deal...  Marvel and Bungie teamed up to create a graphic Read More
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Consumers Prime for Launch Day Madness as Xbox 360™ Arrives in Asia

posted Friday, March 17, 2006 10:00 AM by cesarmenendez
Palpable excitement throbs in the streets across Asia as Xbox 360 hits retail stores amidst a frenzy of launch day extravaganza heralding the new era of digital entertainment Read More
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Xbox 360: We're Big in Taiwan

posted Friday, March 17, 2006 9:30 AM by cesarmenendez
And Singapore. And Hong Kong.  On March 16, Xbox 360 launched in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Folks on the Asia marketing team were nice enough to share photos with me (seeing as how I didn't get invited and all). Here’s a quick rundown Read More
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Marvel and Bungie Studios Bring Video Game Phenomenon Halo to the Comic Book Arena

posted Friday, March 17, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Original Graphic Novel to Feature All-New Adventures from the Halo Universe by a Legendary Cast of Comic Book Artists and Writers. The Halo Graphic Novel to debut in summer 2006 Read More
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Party with Natasha Bedingfield

posted Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:40 PM by johnporcaro
Tonight, in New York City, to celebrate the announcement we just made with Epic Records, Xbox Live hosted an exclusive concert with Natasha Bedingfield.  Afterwards, we got to play lots of upcoming games with folks from the press and the Read More
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Attachment(s): Xbox Epic Announce (Bedingfield).wma

Epic Records to Partner with Xbox Live for Artist of the Month

posted Thursday, March 16, 2006 7:29 PM by johnporcaro
Tonight, we announced a new partnership with Epic Records, where we'll feature exclusive artist content and high-definition music video downloads free for everyone with an Xbox 360 and Xbox Live.  Kicking off the AOM program on Xbox Live is British Read More
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Microsoft and Epic Records to Offer Ongoing Exclusive Entertainment Content on Xbox Live

posted Thursday, March 16, 2006 7:00 PM by johnporcaro
The online entertainment network features Natasha Bedingfield as first Artist of the Month, and offers music videos and Game with Fame sessions. Read More
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Viva Pinata Launch Video

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 2:19 PM by johnporcaro
Looks like you can watch the launch video we showed in the announcement by heading over to the VivaPinata.com site.  Watch a video of Jim Veeveart introducing the game and TV show on Gamespot.com. Screenshots are on Xbox.com, and other sites around Read More
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Viva Pinata Press Conference Audio

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 1:56 PM by johnporcaro
Another update on the Viva Pinata story.  I sent over the audio of the presentation, and Larry was kind enough to host it for us.  Thanks!  I'm currently working on copying my shakey-cam video to my computer, so I can post it Read More
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Sony’s Launch Announcement: The Official Xbox Response

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 1:02 PM by cesarmenendez
Since Sony made their PS3 announcement yesterday, lots of people are wondering what the official Xbox response is. Well here you go:  This announcement certainly doesn’t change any of our plans.  We’ve blasted out of the gate with the greatest Read More
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“Viva Piñata” Universe Revealed

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:07 AM by johnporcaro
Why are we in New York?  A press event to announce Viva Pinata is just getting underway... Update: The announcement just got over.  I've uploaded a bunch of pictures to my Flickr site, check them out!  I have audio and video I'll work Read More
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“Viva Piñata” Universe Revealed — Entertainment Property Brought to Life by Microsoft, Rare and 4Kids Entertainment

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Spontaneous and fun, piñata-filled world showcased via animated television series, immersive Xbox 360 video game and wide range of merchandise. Read More
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Xbox Live Diamond Cards Arriving Shortly

posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 12:17 AM by johnporcaro
[Update (24 Mar): I'm told the first batch was dropped off at the Post Office today, so they could begin hitting Seattle mailboxes Saturday, and the rest of you next week...] I've been hearing questions about when the Diamond Cards will be mailed out Read More
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Storming the Big Apple

posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 11:45 PM by johnporcaro
Melissa, from our events team, sent over some pictures today from the venue we're using in New York City for Wednesday's press event.  I'll be sending more information, plus photos, later...    Read More
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Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore: Launch This Week

posted Tuesday, March 14, 2006 4:22 PM by cesarmenendez
Thought I’d give everyone a heads-up about the Asia launch on March 16 (ends up being Mar 15 Pacific Time). Gamers in these three countries can look forward to some cool events: Hong Kong’s doing midnight madness at Toys R US. Taiwan’s got a huge party Read More
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Gamer Vote!

posted Monday, March 13, 2006 7:41 PM by JoshG
I've not been an active voter in my adulthood, maybe every once in a while for a presidential election or other special circumstance.  But recently I've been doing a better job at voting. Maybe it is from living in the Seattle area (seriously, we Read More
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Xbox attends PR Week Awards

posted Monday, March 13, 2006 4:55 PM by johnporcaro
Several folks from our team (including Jen, Genevieve, Karmen, and Cameron) were at the recent 2006 PR Week Awards.  The Halo 2 campaign won "honorable mention" (second place) for High Tech Campaign of the Year, behind the Best Buy Geek Read More
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100 Gig Hard Drive?! Free!? In April!? Nope.

posted Monday, March 13, 2006 4:54 PM by cesarmenendez
To answer this rumor getting a lot of steam: during April, will Xbox 360 will come bundled with a 100 gig hard drive? No. Not true. False. Here's the official statement: We haven’t announced any additional hard drives for the Xbox 360 beyond Read More
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March 2006 Momentum

posted Monday, March 13, 2006 4:00 PM by johnporcaro
The Microsoft gaming story continues to unfold, inviting gamers worldwide to join the revolution. Read More
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Busy Week Starts at Silicon Knights studio

posted Monday, March 13, 2006 3:56 PM by johnporcaro
This is going to be a crazy two weeks for us here.  Apart from the usual daily fun, and in the midst of preparing for E3, we’re hitting the road for a couple of gigs between now and next week’s GDC.   Today, Jen Martin and Steve Cherrier Read More
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German Video Shows Properly Installed Heat Sink

posted Friday, March 10, 2006 3:17 PM by johnporcaro
There have been a few stories around pointing to a video and photos claiming faulty installation of some Xbox 360 parts.  I did some digging, and have this to report. The video and photos posted by German blog GameStore24.de show thermal interface Read More
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Greenpeace and Gamers

posted Friday, March 10, 2006 2:25 PM by stacik
The fun continued at the World Cyber Games Pan-European Championship today, with ongoing head to head play between players from across Europe. Semi-final matches are beginning to shape up for Saturday leading into Sunday’s Grand Final and the crowning Read More
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Attachment(s): greenpeace for blog.jpg

Got Silver? Get Gold for a Weekend!

posted Friday, March 10, 2006 7:57 AM by johnporcaro
Okay, Now We Can Talk About It!  The I's have been dotted, and the T's have been crossed, so now we're ready to announce this.  Sorry again for the false start a few weeks ago.  You wouldn't believe how edgy some people can be just Read More
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Microsoft Offers Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend Through Verizon Sponsorship

posted Friday, March 10, 2006 5:00 AM by johnporcaro
Xbox 360 owners invited to jump into 72 hours of free action-packed Xbox Live multiplayer online gaming courtesy of Verizon. Read More
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Welcome Staci!

posted Thursday, March 09, 2006 9:00 PM by johnporcaro
Staci is in our global marketing team, working in the group that manages strategic marketing programs with our partners.  She works with us here in Redmond, but she's in Germany this week helping with Xbox's participation in the World Cyber Games.  Read More
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Greetings from Deutschland!

posted Thursday, March 09, 2006 1:41 PM by stacik
The sounds of pain you heard coming from Hall 27 at CeBIT today were not from innocent spectators discovering the wonders of German food. (Just what was that grey lump they called seafood anyway?) Nope, they were the sounds of more than 250 players from Read More
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The Resurgence is Coming

posted Wednesday, March 08, 2006 2:12 PM by wolf
Jeff Green, editor in chief of Computer Gaming World, was recently interviewed over at Gamecloud. In the interview is the following interaction: Gamecloud - Also, Windows Vista and DirectX10 are due to be released this fall. Microsoft has stated they Read More
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Monday Afternoon's Alright for Fightin'

posted Tuesday, March 07, 2006 5:31 PM by johnporcaro
I went a few rounds yesterday with in Fight Night Round 3, with some guys from our PR team and a handful of editors.  I ended up getting beaten silly (especially coolp at TalkXbox, and my new arch-enemy Yumi).  So I went home, and Read More
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Microsoft Files 5000th US Patent for Xbox Live technology

posted Tuesday, March 07, 2006 4:49 PM by johnporcaro
Just saw these stories:  Microsoft Lands the 5000'th patent, and From MechWarrior to ?Zoo Tycoon: Microsoft Brings the Language of Film to online Video Games.  Patent no. 6,999,083 provides for technologies that allow people Read More
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Age of Empires III Expansion Pack Announced

posted Tuesday, March 07, 2006 9:31 AM by johnporcaro
It's the day for expansion pack announcements...  Coming this fall, the new Age of Empires III expansion will let you lead one of three Native American civilizations, including the Iroquois Confederation.  The pack will also provide Read More
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More Expansions Coming for Zoo Tycoon 2

posted