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September 2006 - Posts

Xbox Launches in South Africa

posted Saturday, September 30, 2006 7:38 PM by johnporcaro
On Friday 29th September Xbox 360 launched in South Africa.  I got an email from an employee who was there.  Here's what she reports:   The launch took place at the Dome "super bowl" in Johannesburg, and was attended by 360 guests (a Read More
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Play Gears of War On the Big Screen This Wednesday

posted Friday, September 29, 2006 11:38 AM by johnporcaro
Free Movies, Chainsaws, and Gears of War hands-on play.  It's a "Match Made in Hell."    If you live in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco, you can join us to play “Gears of War” after special pre-release Read More
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Gears of War Chainsaws its Way to the Big Screen in Four Major Cities

posted Friday, September 29, 2006 11:00 AM by johnporcaro
Gamers in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco will be among the first to play “Gears of War” after special pre-release screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Read More
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3 Ways to Protect Yourself Online

posted Friday, September 29, 2006 9:44 AM by Bastelyon
Some people in the online forums have recently expressed some concerns about how to protect themselves from potentially inappropriate behavior from others using the Xbox Live Vision Camera on Xbox Live.  So I decided to go and talk to Christopher, Read More
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Guitar Hero II Coming to Xbox 360

posted Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:33 PM by johnporcaro
Activision just posted a press release announcing that RedOctane's Guitar Hero II is coming to Xbox 360.  From the press release: "The tour will continue the rockin' gameplay Guitar Hero fans have come to enjoy, and will now include expanded Read More
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Xbox 360 Gears Up for Its Second Holiday Season and Beyond

posted Thursday, September 28, 2006 1:00 AM by johnporcaro
Microsoft’s X06 Xbox 360 and Games for Windows lineup showcases award-winning, exclusive next-generation titles, blockbuster franchises and the most anticipated games. Read More
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Europe Community at X06

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:45 PM by johnporcaro
Acey Bongos, the European Major Nelson, has invited a handful of community members to X06 to represent their countries.  Since it's a European show, no community sites outside of Europe were invited, so you'll have to rely on Major Nelson's coverage Read More
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X06: From Barcelona to You

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 1:00 PM by johnporcaro
Xbox.com just posted the video of the entire show.  Major just posted the audio from X06.  [MP3] Download the show (MP3) [WMA] Download the show This is an enhanced blogcast. [?] And earlier, he did a behind-the-scenes interview Read More
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Marvel Universe Online Coming to Xbox 360 and Vista

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:59 AM by johnporcaro
Today at X06, Microsoft Game Studios announced further details around its project based on the Marvel universe of Super Heroes. Cryptic Studios will develop Marvel Universe Online, the massively multiplayer online (MMO) video game exclusive Read More
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X06 Details in Press Release, Press Site

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:22 AM by johnporcaro
The X06 Press Release was just posted.  You can find more details on Xbox.com. [Edit: The press site is live at Xbox.com]   ·         A landmark partnership announced between Academy Award-winning Read More
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Xbox 360 Ushers in Exclusive New Worlds of Entertainment for Most-Anticipated Franchises Ever at X06

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 11:00 AM by johnporcaro
Microsoft announces partnership with Peter Jackson to create two new interactive entertainment series for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live; new, exclusive “Halo Wars,” “Splinter Cell,” “Grand Theft Auto,” “Bioshock,” “Banjo Kazooie” and “DOOM” announcements wow crowd; HD DVD version of Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” to be distributed with Xbox 360 HD DVD Player this fall. Read More
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Summarizing X06 Announcements

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:25 AM by johnporcaro
Rare is bringing Banjo-Kazooie to the Xbox 360 Activision brings DOOM to Xbox Live Arcade, TONIGHT! Sensible World of Soccer from Codemasters will come to Xbox Live Arcade Peter Moore re-confirms 1080p native resolution gameplay coming to Xbox 360 Read More
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Microsoft Game Studios, Marvel Entertainment and Cryptic Studios Unveil Marvel Universe Online

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 10:00 AM by johnporcaro
Video game luminaries join forces to bring Marvel’s iconic universe of Super Heroes exclusively to Windows Vista and Xbox 360 platforms Read More
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X06 Starts in a Few Hours

posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006 8:24 AM by johnporcaro
We're manning the battle stations from Redmond, ready to report everything we know about tonight's announcements from Barcelona.  Because the show is run by the European team, many of the Global Marketing team is back in Redmond.  Major Nelson Read More
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Bungie Launches New Podcast

posted Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:47 PM by johnporcaro
Frankie and Sketch from Bungie.net have launched a new podcast!  The community managers from the studio that brings you Halo just posted their first recording.  In it, they offer up some sounds from Halo 3, and discuss Halo 2 for Vista.  Read More
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Kameo Skin Contest Winners Announced

posted Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:35 PM by johnporcaro
Microsoft and Rare today announced that the 11 winning entries from the “Kameo: Elements of Power Design Your Skin” Contest are available today as free, fully playable downloadable content in the new “Design-A-Skin” pack.  Last spring, gamers Read More
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Kameo: Elements of Power Design Your Skin Contest Winners Available as Free Downloadable Content in the Design-A-Skin Pack

posted Tuesday, September 26, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Microsoft and Rare today announced that the 11 winning entries from the “Kameo: Elements of Power Design Your Skin” Contest are available today as free, fully playable downloadable content in the new “Design-A-Skin” pack. Read More
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Porok Goes Global

posted Monday, September 25, 2006 10:01 PM by johnporcaro
Our India marketing team, led by Ashim Dass Mathur, worked with MTV India to produce a new TV ad for the Xbox 360.  Tony and I watched it today, and had to think about it for a few minutes.  I wonder if the people of India Read More
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Watch Blue Dragon & Lost Odyssey in High-Definition on Wednesday

posted Monday, September 25, 2006 9:02 PM by BIGVIP
You heard about them at TGS. Now you can check out the trailers in high-def. Download Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey trailers from Xbox Live Marketplace. From the media alert we sent out today: Xbox Live Marketplace "Brings Home" "Blue Dragon" and "Lost Read More
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Madden on Mad TV

posted Monday, September 25, 2006 9:20 AM by Bastelyon
Xbox Community MVP Packwolf has a hilarious video up on his MySpace blog of a skit from Mad TV about one man's obsession with Madden.  It was also cool to see that the Mad TV crew used an Xbox 360 for this skit. Check Read More
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Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania Goes Gold

posted Monday, September 25, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Aquatic Animals Splash into Retailers on Oct. 17 Read More
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Xbox Live Marketplace Brings Home Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey HD Trailers

posted Monday, September 25, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
New downloadable trailers from highly anticipated Japanese Xbox 360 titles available in vivid high definition this Wednesday Read More
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Xbox 360 Launches in India

posted Sunday, September 24, 2006 5:49 PM by johnporcaro
On Saturday evening, in the Ansal Plaza in the heart of New Delhi, the moment hundreds of thousands of Indian gamers have been eagerly waiting for finally arrived – the launch of the Xbox 360 in their country. India became the 31st country to join Read More
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Pictures from TGS 2006

posted Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:02 PM by johnporcaro
Wow, the place was packed.  They weren't kidding when they said 150,000 people would show up.  That's 3X the size of E3.  There's always a completely different vibe when you have public invited to shows like this.  Yesterday was busy, Read More
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Info on Out of Warranty Repairs

posted Saturday, September 23, 2006 4:06 PM by johnporcaro
[Edit: This offer was rescinded shortly after we announced that we were extending the warranties from 90 days to 1 year in North America. At the point this was originally written,  the consoles were past the 90 day warranty period, but it hadn’t Read More
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Xbox Community Party at TGS

posted Friday, September 22, 2006 7:41 AM by johnporcaro
Wrapping things up for the first day, the Xbox Community Team held a party at a hotel near the convention center.  There were lots of folks from Japan, and a good number of Europeans, Americans, and Canadians too. We got to hear from Sensui-san, Read More
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Tony Takes the Mic and Brings It Home

posted Friday, September 22, 2006 7:29 AM by johnporcaro
As you download the video clips from Xbox Live Marketplace, you'll see a familar face.  Tony acts as MC and host, and gives you a tour of TGS.  Here are a few more pics from today's TGS... Read More
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Tokyo Game Show Opens Its Doors

posted Thursday, September 21, 2006 6:49 PM by johnporcaro
The Tokyo Game Show is just opening its doors.  Before the crowd came in, I got a few photos of the show floor, and especially the Microsoft booth.  More as it happens... Read More
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adidas Basketball presents Unlock the Underground

posted Thursday, September 21, 2006 4:27 PM by stacik
The Global Partnership team has a cool program that we're cooking up with our partner adidas around basketball.... keep checking back for announcements on our new campaign. In the meantime I thought you'd all love a shot at winning a signed copy Read More
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Don't Beat 'em, Join 'em

posted Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Viva Piñata™ Xbox 360 Video Game Breaks onto the Scene with Special Edition Game for Hours of Family Fun Read More
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The Streets of Tokyo

posted Thursday, September 21, 2006 4:31 AM by johnporcaro
Major Nelson, Monkey Boy, K Rock, Tony, and I hit the mean streets of Tokyo in the day to capture some video for Xbox.com, to take a few photos, and to get some lunch.  We managed to find a very, very out of the way barbeque place that totally hit Read More
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Platinum Hits Coming to Xbox 360

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:44 AM by johnporcaro
We announced today that we're launching the a Platinum Hits program for Xbox 360 in North America.  There will be four games included in the first wave, starting October 15, with more coming in the spring.  The first wave includes "Perfect Read More
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Xbox Crew Running Wild in Tokyo Streets

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:36 AM by johnporcaro
We hit the town tonight, to have a quiet dinner and contemplate the days events.  Quiet might not describe it exactly.  Kelly, aka Squad XP's KRock, host of the Squad XP Podcast joined us.  We swore him to secrecy on a Read More
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Microsoft Announces Platinum Hits Lineup for Xbox 360

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:00 AM by johnporcaro
Four Top-Selling Game Titles Included in First Wave of Platinum Hits; Second Wave to Follow in Spring 2007 Read More
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Microsoft Showcases Library of Nearly 110 High-Definition Xbox 360 Games at the Tokyo Game Show

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 3:00 AM by johnporcaro
"Blue Dragon” Leads Holiday Lineup of Games; “Pac-Man” World Championship, Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in Japan and 1080p Support for Xbox 360 unveiled. Read More
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Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:52 AM by Bastelyon
Four Xbox Live Arcade titles just got an auto-update that enables the use of the Xbox Live Vision Camera.  The four games are: Bankshot Billiards 2Hardwood BackgammonHardwood SpadesHardwood Hearts Sweet!  I've been looking forward Read More
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2006 World Cyber Games

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:30 AM by Bastelyon
Over the weekend, Trixie flew down to the 2006 World Cyber Games USA Championships at the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Head over to Xbox.com to check out who won the PGR3 and DOA4 tournaments, interviews with the gamers, Read More
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TGS 2006 Xbox Media Briefing

posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:07 AM by johnporcaro
We just wrapped up the press briefing.  Takashi Sensui, General Manager of Xbox in Japan, kicked off the week’s activities by hosting a press briefing for more than 600 global media and business partners.  This week, we’ll be showcasing Read More
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Tokyo Game Show Preparations

posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006 9:05 PM by johnporcaro
We're in the workroom, near the stage where we'll be holding this year's press briefing fo the Tokyo Game Show.  Everyone's set for some exciting announcements.  We expect a good turnout from the Japanese press, plus at least a hundred international Read More
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September Xbox Momentum

posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006 5:00 PM by johnporcaro
Monthly email sent to journalists and analysts Read More
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Bringing TGS & X06 To The People

posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006 5:49 AM by BIGVIP
Enjoy Tokyo Game Show and X06 direct from your living room with an all-access pass to the biggest video game events of the fall Xbox Live is "Bringing It Home" and invites Xbox 360 owners to check out games, demos, trailers and news from the show floors Read More
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A Vision in Grey and White

posted Monday, September 18, 2006 5:04 PM by DirtyDiva
In anticipation for the release of Xbox Live Vision, Xbox.com's own Elle has written an article on how to get the most out of it.It also covers parental controls. I know abuse is a concern for many of our members and this will give you some insight on Read More
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Enjoy Tokyo Game Show and X06 Direct from Your Living Room

posted Monday, September 18, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
Xbox Live is “Bringing It Home” and invites Xbox 360 owners to check out games, demos, trailers and news from the show floors Read More
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Flight Simulator X Soars to Gold

posted Monday, September 18, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
The Newest Addition Arrives on Store Shelves Oct. 17 Read More
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Kameo Power Pack Electrifies Gamers with Incredible New Downloadable Content and an Exciting Play-and-Win Contest

posted Monday, September 18, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
New downloadable pack offers brand new weapons, costumes, achievements and gameplay modes Read More
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Microsoft and Leading Game Publishers Unveil First Wave of Games for Windows Titles

posted Monday, September 18, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy” and “Company of Heroes” blast off on the Windows scene with the new Games for Windows packaging, branding and game features available only on the Windows platform. Read More
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Lego Star Wars II Answers Parent's "What can I play With My Kids?"

posted Sunday, September 17, 2006 10:45 PM by CPaladino
I get asked for game suggestions by gamer parents looking to spend some time with their children playing a game that isn't high on the violence, and that is actually FUN for the parents AND the children to play. Read More
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Tony and John's Mad Cranium Pop5 Skills

posted Saturday, September 16, 2006 12:18 PM by johnporcaro
Earlier in the week, we told you about Cranium's new Pop5 Live game on MSN Games.  They're asking for submissions, so Tony and I pulled out our video camera, and did a few clues.  See if you can guess what the answer is...   I'm Read More
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Purchase and Download Games for Windows Titles Instantly!

posted Friday, September 15, 2006 1:16 PM by Bastelyon
If you've never been to Windows Marketplace you should check it out.  I just noticed today that you can download full versions of some of today's hottest Games for Windows titles including World of Warcraft, Oblivion and Civilization IV for 20% Read More
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Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom Readies for Battle on Xbox 360

posted Friday, September 15, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
The latest iteration in the popular BLUESIDE Action-RPG franchise prepares to wage war in 2007 Read More
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No Internal HD DVD Plans

posted Thursday, September 14, 2006 5:20 PM by Bastelyon
Rumors of a built-in HD DVD sku are greatly exaggerated.  We’re proudly launching the HD DVD Player as an accessory this holiday.  Turns out you want a say in how you spend your entertainment dollars.  So who are we to burden every Read More
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What Cesar's Up To...

posted Thursday, September 14, 2006 1:58 PM by johnporcaro
While I was over at Zune HQ visiting Cesar today, I took a few photos.  Looks like they're up on Zune's Flickr account.   So that's what J's been up to!  Cesar chatting with J and Chris. Bryan Lee checks out the latest on ZuneInsider.com Read More
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GamerchiX Nears 500!

posted Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:34 PM by DirtyDiva
That's right - the group of girls that I am proud to be a part of is closing in on its 500th member. It's absolutely amazing to see the growth since its introduction in June. If you're not familiar with it, GamerchiX is a group for gamers who happen Read More
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Zune Information Now Online

posted Thursday, September 14, 2006 9:13 AM by johnporcaro
Not exactly Xbox related, but I was hanging out with our friend Cesar this morning, and he was showing me around the Zune HQ.  The press release just went live, so you can find out everything we're saying about the new device. I've had one for Read More
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Video Game Music Performed

posted Wednesday, September 13, 2006 2:37 PM by johnporcaro
Robb Leu, Dave Bedell, Hanah Stuart, Marty Gierczyk, and Dave VerLee, in a band called Corporeal, put together a video of a performance they did at a talent show (or so the story goes).  Brilliant!  Thanks, Kotaku Read More
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Official Viva Piñata Site Updated

posted Wednesday, September 13, 2006 9:04 AM by johnporcaro
We just re-launched the official “Viva Piñata” site at http://www.vivapinata.com/. The site contains Piñata profiles, mini-games in the Piñata Arcade, ring tones, television episode titles and summaries, and more.  You can also download Read More
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Don't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em at the Official Viva Piñata Site

posted Wednesday, September 13, 2006 9:00 AM by johnporcaro
“Viva Piñata” Web Site Re-Launches Complete With Mini-Games, a Fan Site Kit and More Read More
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