The Big XBox Coming Out Party Feat. Don Mattrick (now XBone Discussion)

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Microsoft, they are investing around $700 million on servers to support their cloud and Xbox Live plans for the upcoming Xbox One console.
http://www.destructoid.com/ms-spending-700m-on-servers-because-the-cloud-demands-it-256908.phtml


Unlike the Xbox 360's launch, Microsoft also stated the Xbox One will not be bundled with the new headsets at least for the launch period.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/microsoft-confirms-xbox-one-will-not-be-launching-headset


According to an engineer from the Titanfall project, the biggest benefit cloud computing will have initially for the Xbox One is the ability to let developers offload a lot of technical and complex stuff to the cloud itself and not needing large teams for game server-based work after a game is released.

“A developer like Respawn doesn’t have the kind of weight to get a huge price cut from places like Amazon or Rackspace,” Shiring wrote. ” And we don’t have the manpower to manage literally hundreds-of-thousands of servers ourselves. We want to focus on making awesome games, not on becoming giant worldwide server hosting providers. The more time I can spend on making our actual game better, the more our players benefit.”

Shiring says Microsoft’s cloud-based dedicated servers will not only allow for greater server CPU and higher bandwidth, but also allow developers to create bigger worlds with “more physics, lots of AI, and potentially a lot more than that!”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/engineer-details-how-cloud-based-servers-will-benefit-titanfall-other-games/

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Microsoft, some of the changes done to the Xbox Live Rep System include separating people based on how much "griefing" they do during multiplayer matches.

Also has some built-in security to ensure your own rep status won't be affected by griefers.

n a recent interview with OXM, Microsoft’s senior product manager Mike Lavin explained that player ratings will determine who gets matched up with who in multiplayer. This system is designed to encourage players to join in with game chat and not hide away in parties to avoid the bigotry and racism that a small number of players like to spout.

The exact way that this system works wasn’t shared, but the gist of it is that players are rewarded or penalized based on their behavior in matches (via reports), and players with a similar reputation will be grouped together in match-making.

“There’s a lot of folks, a lot of our core consumers who just want to basically kick back and stay in touch with some of their old college buddies,” he said. “That’s cool, and Party Chat today and our Party system is leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, from the standpoint of just being able to isolate yourself and cross-game chat. But the problem we see is that this fragments voice communication within games. It’s very difficult, because if you’re isolated in Party Chat, you’re leaving everybody else behind.

“What we’re looking at doing is creating a very robust system around reputation and match-making. If people are in your friends list, we’re not touching that, we’re just making it easier for you to come together. It’s really the anonymous side of things where we’re making these investments. Ultimately if there’s a few per cent of our population that are causing the rest of the population to have a miserable time, we should be able to identify those folks,” he added.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-ones-online-reputation-system-segregates-players-based-on-behavior/


Steve Balmer was recently promoted as the interim boss for the Xbox Division and takes over all the duties Don Mattrick was responsible before he left.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/steve-ballmer-temporary-go-guy-xbox

[Kalyx triaD]

We covered this right? Or I mentioned it some time ago.

I like the system.

[Kane Knight]

We covered this right? Or I mentioned it some time ago.

I like the system.

And it still looks like it's not going to work like you think it will.

[Kalyx triaD]

And how do I think it will work, KK?

[Kane Knight]

Have you changed your tune since the last time we had this discussion?

If not, there's no need to play stupid. It's not like your feelings weren't made clear before.

[Kalyx triaD]

Nah bitch you tell me what the hell you think I expect of this thing, because I'm certain you have it twisted.

C'mon, just a refresher.

[Kane Knight]

Go refresh yourself by reading your own posts then.

[Kane Knight]

God, looking back at your posts reminded me that your auspie ass couldn't grasp I wasn't talking about the banning system but the rep system. Watching you insist to me that bad rep won't get you banned (which wasn't the issue at hand) just makes your insistence that I'm the one who's got it twisted all the funnier.

[Kalyx triaD]

It was as easy as destroying me by pasting the posts here for humiliating context, instead you rely on continued alluding and passing reference like most people would actually head back and check it out.

I know what I wrote days ago, it does nothing for... whatever you're trying to say here.

Next time you wanna call somebody out, just be ready to be credible.

[Kane Knight]

Nobody's looking to "destroy" you. Still, if you want to talk credibility, you might want to have some first.

[Kalyx triaD]

I'll remember that the next time you need to know something.

I see why people put you on blast with PMs. You very quickly forget who you're talking shit to when you rev up. Protip: Calm that shit down.

[James Steele]

Ironic coming from the guy who usually throws his hands up and says "Fuck you, you fucking asshole." whenever somebody doesn't agree with him.

[Fignuts]

What are you doing outside the wrestling forum, James Steele?

[Extreme Angle]

Orange vs Purple

[James Steele]

What are you doing outside the wrestling forum, James Steele?

Spreading joy, patriotism, and the plague on Independence Day.

[Purgatory]

I like how ya just slipped "the plague" in there.

[Kane Knight]

I'll remember that the next time you need to know something.

I see why people put you on blast with PMs. You very quickly forget who you're talking shit to when you rev up. Protip: Calm that shit down.

I know exactly who I'm "talking shit to." An overly excited manchild who is pissy because even he knows his statements were stupid enough to be "destroyed."

I mean, if you don't want to be helpful on other topics because you don't know what you're on about here, that's fine. I won't exactly lose any sleep. But you might want to calm your own shit down before you preach.

And I have no idea what "put on blast" is. That might be for the better.

[Kalyx triaD]

Nah I think you're certainly in the bitch position.

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft rumored to have reversed another decision with the Xbox One this time regarding headsets being bundled with the console. Previously they stated headsets would only be available separately at least for the launch period.

They are still working on making Xbox 360 headsets be compatible by the use of an adapter device for the console.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/rumor-microsoft-will-now-include-a-headset-with-xbox-one/


According to Bloomberg, Microsoft is currently planning on their Windows division boss to become the new boss of the Xbox division.
Bloomberg reports that current Windows boss Julie Larson-Green is poised to run the company’s hardware division.

In this position, Larson-Green would oversee both Xbox consoles and Surface tablets. According to Blomberg, post-Mattrick restructuring would also see current Skype president Tony Bates handling acquisitions and relationships with Microsoft software developers.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-windows-head-reportedly-taking-over-hardware-division/

[Tom Guycott]

And I have no idea what "put on blast" is. That might be for the better.

Okay, I can let not getting the Bad Dudes reference slide, but not this. You must be getting old and senile if you've never heard this. Are you still using an AOL 3.5 disk to dial into what the kids are calling that worldwide web while trying to get the hang of those newfangled 8-track tapes?

[James Steele]

He hasn't left his Vermont bomb shelter since George W. Bush announced he would kill all the blacks, gays, Jews, Arabs, and other non-Caucasian, non-Christian, non-heterosexual, and non-disgustingly-rich entities.

[Kane Knight]

Nah I think you're certainly in the bitch position.

You're pretty easily baited for someone who's not "the bitch."

Okay, I can let not getting the Bad Dudes reference slide, but not this. You must be getting old and senile if you've never heard this. Are you still using an AOL 3.5 disk to dial into what the kids are calling that worldwide web while trying to get the hang of those newfangled 8-track tapes?

The fuck are eight track tapes? Like data tapes for those electronic computing machines?

[Lux]

this is going to be awesome. in the worst way possible.

[Kane Knight]

I'm sort of curious as to what happens when friends with a disparity in their rep levels are in a party together. Mostly because the folks I play CoD with tend to have far worse rep than I do. Of course, most of their "avoid" reps seem to be bullshit that's based more on their skill as players (ie I just suck too much to get noticed) rather than legit complaints against them for doing wrong.

If the seeming 90% of the internet optimistic enough to believe Microsoft is going to monitor every complaint is correct in their assessment, they should all hypothetically be fine.

I'm betting that's not they way it'll turn out, though.

[Emperor Smeat]

Wasn't 100% sure but a quick Google check states the new rep system won't affect those in parties or in your friends list. Its mainly targeted strictly towards playing online with random people.

Players who prefer to stick with a party of known people in their friends lists won't be affected by the reputation system changes, Lavin said. Those playing with random, anonymous strangers, though, will quickly find that they are matched up with people who have similar reputation scores.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/microsoft-explains-xbox-ones-new-griefer-separating-reputation-system/

I'd assume once you drop someone from a party or friends list, then they'd become affected until you bring them back.

[Kane Knight]

Wasn't 100% sure but a quick Google check states the new rep system won't affect those in parties or in your friends list. Its mainly targeted strictly towards playing online with random people.


http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/microsoft-explains-xbox-ones-new-griefer-separating-reputation-system/

I'd assume once you drop someone from a party or friends list, then they'd become affected until you bring them back.


Yes, it won't affect your placement with friends. that's not a complete answer, though. You know, since a lot of people in parties are still playing with anonymous, random strangers.

[Kalyx triaD]

You're really reaching, man. Maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay?

[Kane Knight]

Wonder why you're so offended that I'm asking questions. Legit questions.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Crytek, Ryse: Son of Rome was deliberately designed to be a button masher and cater to what they called "unskilled" players.
In an interview with Game Reactor, design director PJ Estevez detailed how Crytek built Ryse for the unskilled player. "We have this concept we call mashing to mastery," Estevez said. "The idea is that anyone can play it and they can mash the buttons and fight, but if you get the right timing you're able to actually master it. Master the reaction you get out of the AI. You worked on the AI, you get them to this executable state and you execute them."
http://www.destructoid.com/crytek-made-ryse-so-you-can-just-mash-buttons-if-you-want-257799.phtml


Microsoft states the Xbox One might be getting several revisions before its release in Japan due to the majority of its media-related stuff won't work or cater to Japanese people. According to the Xbox Japan boss, these changes won't delay the expected release date of the console.
http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-could-see-revisions-before-japan-release-257804.phtml


A current fan petition is requesting Microsoft to reinsert the DRM policies Microsoft dropped for the Xbox One mainly involving the ability to share and lend digital-based games.
http://www.destructoid.com/fans-petition-for-return-of-xbox-one-drm-policies-257843.phtml

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Microsoft, some of the DRM-related features removed for the Xbox One could end up reappearing in the future.

“If it’s something that people are really excited about and want, we’re going to make sure that we find the right way to bring it back,” Whitten told IGN.

“Taking Family Sharing out of the launch window was not about ‘we’re going to take our toys and go home’ or something like that,” Whitten said. “It was just sort of the logistics of ‘how do we get this very, very clear request that people really want, that choice, and how do we make sure we can do an excellent job of that, get to launch, and then be able to build a bunch of great features?’ In the future I think you’re going to see the ways that we change how you discover, how you consume, share, play.”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/certain-xbox-one-digital-features-could-be-reintroduced-company-admits-poor-messaging/

[Kalyx triaD]

I didn't read it like that at all, dude.

[Kane Knight]

According to Microsoft, some of the DRM-related features removed for the Xbox One could end up reappearing in the future.


http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/certain-xbox-one-digital-features-could-be-reintroduced-company-admits-poor-messaging/

Poor messaging indeed. Didn't they say that the DRM was a necessary part of family sharing previously?

Wouldn't that still be an issue?

[Kalyx triaD]

I imagine games to be shared would be held closer to Microsoft's chest. More or less how XBLA works now with sharing added, I'm thinking.

[Lux]

Xbox: 1
Playstation: 4

[Kane Knight]

Xbox: 1
Playstation: 4

*rimshot*

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft has managed to secure the domain name rights for the Xbox One (and other Xbox related products) after the recent decision by the National Arbitration Forum went in favor of Microsoft.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-manages-to-secure-xbox-one-domains/


According to a recent Q&A session, it was revealed making the Kinect 2.0 device costs almost the same as the Xbox One console itself.
"The majority of the masses care only about the console," the developer said. "Except that the success of the Kinect carries much more weight to us. The sensor costs almost as much as the console to make."
http://www.destructoid.com/kinect-costs-almost-as-much-as-the-xbox-one-to-make-258162.phtml


Turn 10 Studios confirms Forza 5 is unplayable without the Day 1 DLC patch due to the update and the pack itself contains several cars and tracks which are required by the game.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/forza-5-unplayable-without-day-one-dlc/

[Emperor Smeat]

Turn 10 Studios retracted their statement about Forza 5 being unplayable without the Day 1 DLC update. The new official statement is the game is playable without the patch although it can't be completed.

A previous statement by Greenawalt himself seemed to suggest that the update would be required to play the game. However he has now clarified to IGN that this is ”not the plan,” and the game will be at least partially playable before it is downloaded.

“This download is simply additional cars and tracks. The gameplay is not blocked while downloading the additional content; it’s done in the background just like disc install,” he said. Greenawalt added that if players don’t download the update they ”won’t be blocked from playing the game,” however they will be unable to complete it.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/forza-5-day-one-update-not-required-to-play-the-game/


Similar to the PS4, the Xbox One will also be constantly recording gameplay footage but only saves the last 5 minutes of any game session for editing and uploading purposes. By using Kinect, it is possible to paste together multiple recordings to make a longer video file.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-automatically-records-your-last-five-minutes-of-gameplay/

[Emperor Smeat]

Turn 10 Studios retracted their statement about Forza 5 being unplayable without the Day 1 DLC update. The new official statement is the game is playable without the patch although it can't be completed.

A previous statement by Greenawalt himself seemed to suggest that the update would be required to play the game. However he has now clarified to IGN that this is ”not the plan,” and the game will be at least partially playable before it is downloaded.

“This download is simply additional cars and tracks. The gameplay is not blocked while downloading the additional content; it’s done in the background just like disc install,” he said. Greenawalt added that if players don’t download the update they ”won’t be blocked from playing the game,” however they will be unable to complete it.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/forza-5-day-one-update-not-required-to-play-the-game/


Similar to the PS4, the Xbox One will also be constantly recording gameplay footage but only saves the last 5 minutes of any game session for editing and uploading purposes. By using Kinect, it is possible to paste together multiple recordings to make a longer video file.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-automatically-records-your-last-five-minutes-of-gameplay/


According to Capcom, the reason why Dead Rising 3 wasn't made for the Xbox 360 (or PS3) was due to memory and technical limitations that kept popping up during the game's early development.
According to Capcom Vancouver producer Mike Jones, talking to Siliconera, it was a matter of resources.

"In terms of building the game, we originally developed it on PC and everything we were doing was breaking the bank on 360," Jones said. "The number of zombies, the streaming stuff we wanted to do, memory budgets for the number of environments and items and physics and all of that stuff. Our tech team partnered with Microsoft to get early specs and figure out how we were going to get it on new hardware."
http://www.destructoid.com/dead-rising-3-started-on-360-pushed-the-hardware-too-far-258452.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

Why in the fuck would I need a Kinect to paste multiple videos? Why can't the all powerful Xbox One have video editing out the box? What the fuck?

The game DVR thing is a cool feature for both consoles but there's some major missed opportunities there. We're talking about nixing the need for capture devices altogether.

[Kane Knight]

Why can't the all powerful Xbox One have video editing out the box?

Because teh fewchurrrrrrrr!

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft revealed a few new details regarding how matchmaking and waiting is handled with Smart Match tech.

Smart Match pairs players based on”reputation, skill, language, age, and even your specific gameplay style.” Language, in this instance, referring to your native tongue (not whether you spew obscenities and racist/misogynistic slurs—though it’d be great if it could sort those who do from those who don’t).

According to Lavin, while Smart Match is considerably speedier than matchmaking on Xbox 360, one of the perks to operating on the Xbox One is the ability for players to multitask using the Xbox One Snap feature while Xbox Live conducts its matchmaking. Lavin says Xbox One owners can even kill time playing another game while they wait for Smart Match to find the “perfect game” for them. Once it does, the system sends players a prompt that allows them to easily jump into a multiplayer match.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/play-other-games-multitask-while-xbox-ones-smart-match-handles-matchmaking/


Microsoft still currently unsure on the status of including a headset with Xbox One consoles.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-looking-into-including-headsets-with-xbox-one/

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft announces an adapter will be released for the Xbox One specifically to allow Xbox 360 headsets to be compatible with the console. No price nor release date was announced for this adapter since it won't be bundled with the console.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-releasing-adapter-to-allow-use-of-xbox-360-headsets-on-xbox-one/

[Kalyx triaD]

Cool, I guess.

[Fignuts]

Good news.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Microsoft, the Xbox One's game recording feature will only be available to Gold users.

“I can confirm that Game DVR features will be available to Xbox Live Gold members only,” a Microsoft representative informed One Hit Pixel.

Microsoft recently revealed that the Xbox One Game DVR records at 720p, 30 fps. The feature automatically captures the last five minutes of gameplay and stores it to the cloud. Those five minutes of gameplay footage can later be edited down by users. The Game DVR feature was announced alongside the system itself during its May reveal.

Game Informer speculates the same might be done with the PS4 mainly due to the high costs associated with this feature in regards to bandwidth and server needs.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-game-dvr-only-available-to-xbox-live-gold-members/
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/08/07/xbox-live-gold-required-for-xbox-one-game-dvr.aspx

[Kalyx triaD]

Still gonna need a capture device, 5mins don't do justice.

[Fignuts]

I think 10 minutes would be fine.

[Emperor Smeat]

Based on Major Nelson's recent unboxing video for the Xbox One, the console ended up being bundled with a headset after all. The headset bundle won't be limited to just Day One versions and instead will be available to all versions of the console.

The headset is a mono type.

http://www.screwattack.com/video/Major-Nelson-has-an-Xbox-One-unboxing-that-includes-a-headset-12259547

[Kane Knight]

According to Microsoft, the Xbox One's game recording feature will only be available to Gold users.



Game Informer speculates the same might be done with the PS4 mainly due to the high costs associated with this feature in regards to bandwidth and server needs.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-game-dvr-only-available-to-xbox-live-gold-members/
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/08/07/xbox-live-gold-required-for-xbox-one-game-dvr.aspx

It's already been said PS4's recorder isn't behind a paywall.

Still gonna need a capture device, 5mins don't do justice.

Aren't both consoles HDCP compliant?

[Kalyx triaD]

I think the words still out on PS4, right?

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I think the words still out on PS4, right?

On the HDCP thing or the free streaming/capture? If it's the latter, Shuhei Yoshida already confirmed it was a free feature on his Twitter account.

http://i.imgur.com/1tqAjPC.png

[Kalyx triaD]

No, the HDCP thing.

[Emperor Smeat]

Gamestop currently having a special "Xbox 360 to Xbox One" games for Power Up Rewards members involving buying select Xbox 360 games now and then trading them in to "upgrade" to the Xbox One version for an extra $10.

If you are a PowerUp Rewards member and buy select games for your Xbox 360 (likely prior to the Xbox One's release), you'll be able to trade said games back in and upgrade to the Xbox One versions for an additional $10.

It's not a bad deal if you can't wait to play Call of Duty: Ghosts, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag, but also want them with Xbox One graphics and Kinect commands. If you buy any of those $60 games (and are a PowerUp Rewards member) within 30 days of their release, you are guaranteed a $50 trade-in credit when you upgrade to the Xbox One version
http://www.destructoid.com/gamestop-wants-to-help-you-trade-up-from-360-to-xbox-one-259693.phtml


Microsoft debunks the sudden rumors of the Xbox One's RAM being upgradeable from 8GB to 12 GB.
Microsoft’s product planning manager Albert Penello has rubbished rumors of a RAM upgrade from 8GB to 12GB in the Xbox One.

Rumors started to fly of a potential upgrade after Penello mentioned in a NeoGAF post about the Xbox One’s specs that the so called “weaker” box could end up being the strongest, after stating that specs can change. Penello has now taken to Twitter to put an end to these rumors.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-12gb-ram-upgrade-rumor-debunked-by-microsoft/


Microsoft also gave a bit more details regarding Gold membership changes for the Xbox One when it comes to multiple accounts on the same console.
On Xbox 360, Gold is granted only to the gamertag that paid for the subscription. Under the new program, every account that's created on an Xbox One will be given the premium status if just one of them has Gold. This means that everyone will be able to use their own gamertag for the likes of multiplayer gaming and entertainment applications.

Microsoft has stated that the intent behind this change is to make your gamertag feel like your personalized account. There will no longer be the need to share access for a different person to utilize the features of Gold. I'm sure a fair number of people will save some cash with this new policy.
http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-won-t-require-multiple-gold-accounts-per-console-259719.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

This of course would probably all accounts on a box regardless of being paid would need an email linked as if they were full accounts. Not a complaint or anything but they should probably relate that. Pretty cool adjustment in any case. They perhaps reasoned that everybody in the house would use the one Gold-enabled account anyway.

[Kane Knight]

No, the HDCP thing.

I'm having trouble finding a primary source, but I could swear I'd read it.

Also, Happauge is claiming their newest (I think) HD capture will work with both. Considering reviews on their last one said it had serious problems with HDMI, I'm a touch skeptical, but maybe they've worked out the kinks and are going to be able to run with both systems.

I hope so, because I watch a lot of YouTube shit involving games and I'd hate to see it dry up with the shift to next-gen. Then again, maybe people'll just go PC.

[ClockShot]

Microsoft goes back on their policy on Kinect being required to play XboxOne.

It doesn't have to be plugged in. But you're still gonna get one in the box.

From xbox360achievements.org

Xbox One will work without Kinect plugged in, Microsoft's Xbox Chief Product Officer Marc Whitten has confirmed, noting that you can still use the console without the sensor connected, but you won't be able to access the features that utilise Kinect. Obviously.

"Xbox One is designed to work with Kinect plugged in. It makes gaming better in many ways – from the ability to say “Xbox On” and get right to your personalized homescreen, to the ability to control your TV through voice, Smartglass and more," said Whitten.

Whitten continued extolling the many advantages of Kinect, like using it for voice commands in games and what not. "That said, like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn’t plugged in, although you won’t be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor," he concluded.

If you really don't want to use Kinect with Xbox One then, you don't have to, although you can reactivate it at any time if you turn it off. "You can turn the sensor back on at any time through settings, and if you enter into a required Kinect experience (like Kinect Sports Rivals for instance), you’ll get a message asking if you want to turn the sensor back on in order to continue," Whitten confirmed.

[Kalyx triaD]

The Kinect-less package will come sometime after launch. Love this news.

But reading the comment sections of various sites, this recent news has been an incredible lesson in large scale shifting of the goal posts. Haters going to hate.

[Kane Knight]

A Kinectless package would make it somewhat appealing to me.

[FearedSanctity]

Same. The reason I'm going with the PS4 at launch is pretty much just the price difference now. Recent changes with the Xbone have upgraded it from a "hell no" to an "eventually" for me

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft reveals a new feature for the Xbox One (and Xbox 360) called the “Season Pass Guarantee" which basically allows passes from the Xbox 360 to be transferable to the Xbox One.

Call of Duty Ghosts and Battlefield 4 will be the first games to use this feature.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/microsoft-rolls-out-season-pass-guarantee


Microsoft has scaled back the European launch for the Xbox One which drops from 21 countries to now just 13 countries will have the console available at launch. Localization and language issues were given as the main reason for the delay.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden or Switzerland, Xbox One is no longer launching in 2013.
http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/xbox-one-launch-pushed-back-in-several-countries/1100-4713/


According to Microsoft, the Xbox One has the ability to regulate power consumption to prevent overheating and other issues that plagued early versions of the Xbox 360.
“One thing that we have more flexibility with the architecture of the Xbox One, is that we can dial back the power of the box considerably,” del Castillo told Gizmodo. ”We had a little less flexibility with the 360. And so basically, if we couldn’t dissipate the heat, there wasn’t a whole lot of leverage we could pull to keep the heat from being generated, so we had a limited amount of time before it just shut down. Xbox One can actually dial it back to a lower power state, so low in fact that it can in a mode that uses virtually no air flow.”

The Xbox One is designed so that the fan won’t reach max speed ”under normal environmental conditions.” This allows the console an overhead to cool itself down, solving ”the condition without the user having to do anything.”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-will-regulate-power-to-prevent-overheating/

[Kane Knight]

Checkpoint notes: Microsoft announces yet more changes to the Xbox One. At the rate they're going you'll just be buying a rebranded PS4 on launch day.

[Kalyx triaD]

The Kinect-less package will more than likely appear the year after launch (when people should dive in to a new console anyway, Day 1's for people who never learn). I'm happy at all the changes and it makes my eventual purchase more relaxing.

[Kane Knight]

I'd be surprised if they wait that long. I don't expect a new model at launch, but....

[Kalyx triaD]

Well I guess if Microsoft's serious they'd have that non-bundle out by next Spring. A $400 answer to PS4 is pretty much their last move to even things up, then it's all up to online network/controller/exclusives preference on the gamer side. Everything else is pretty much the same.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Fable Legends has just been announced. 4-player co-op Fable.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

All this is coming from the XBox One conference thingy at Gamescom.

Some UbiSoft Kinect fighter now being shown. After the last drizzling shit they pumped out for the 360, can probably give this one a miss.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

P.S. I still hate Phil Harrison.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Showing The Division, more tablet integration in a Ubisoft game shockingly. Phil Harrison makes a noise from his very punchable mouth saying it's a "technical tour de force"

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Mojang making a side scrolling co-op shooter called Cobalt for XBone.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BSGfCxZIgAACeQm.jpg:large

Found this image with no context from the conference. I think it's from Fable.

EDIT: It is

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Some new COD:Ghosts MP mode called Blitz. In it, you must <s>hunt ghosts like prolific TPWW poster Blitz</s> attack and defend 2 key points

[#BROKEN Hasney]

There will be an XBox One COD: Ghosts hardware bundle with exclusive content, fucking over COD fans who wanted the Day One Edition.

Also, dedicated servers. That's a fucking great announcement.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Now onto Kinect Sports Rivals where we continue to piss on the corpse of Rare

[#BROKEN Hasney]

PEGGLE 2 IS A LAUNCH TITLE. MEGATON.

Garden Warfare is later though, unfortunately.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

FIFA 14 has an Ultimate Team Legends mode featuring tons of micro-transactions, exclusive to XBone.

Ugh.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

lol Ruud Gullit and Freddie Ljunberg on stage.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

All European XBone pre-orders will include a free copy of FIFA 14.

That'll get some movement on units. Gotta applaud them on that one.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The COD: Ghosts bundle comes with the Prestige edition and will go for £615 in the UK. This also comes with FIFA 14 if you pre-order ahead of the XBone launch.

EDIT: This isn't the announced bundle, this is just GAME trying to fleece customers. The bundle they announced will come with a digital code for COD: Ghosts and pricing is not yet available.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Full European Day 1 launch lineup:

•Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)
•Battlefield 4 (DICE, Electronic Arts)
•Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)
•Crimson Dragon (Grounding/Land Ho!, Microsoft Studios)
•Dead Rising 3 (Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft)
•FIFA 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
•Fighter Within (AMA Ltd., Ubisoft)
•Forza Motorsport 5 (Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios)
•Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft)
•Killer Instinct (Double Helix, Microsoft Studios)
•LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)
•Lococycle (Twisted Pixel, Microsoft Studios)
•Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
•NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)
•NBA LIVE 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
•Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games, Electronic Arts)
•Peggle 2 (Popcap, Electronic Arts)
•Powerstar Golf (Zoe Mode, Microsoft Studios)
•Ryse: Son of Rome (Crytek, Microsoft Studios)
•Skylanders: Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)
•Watch Dogs (Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft)
•Zoo Tycoon (Frontier Developments Ltd., Microsoft Studios)
•Zumba Fitness: World Party (Zoë Mode, Majesco)

[Kane Knight]

Fable Legends has just been announced. 4-player co-op Fable.

I still haven't played 3, but I have trouble imagining any of my friends caring, let alone 3 of them.

[Kane Knight]

A max of two games I care about on that list that can't be bought on other systems. I wonder how that compares to the PS3's launch? I haven't looked that hard.

[Emperor Smeat]

A few weeks ago GiantBomb was talking about launch lineups in one of their podcasts and how the last really good one was the Dreamcast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3_launch#United_States_launch_titles

PS3 had 14 games but 8 of them were sports or racing type games. Xbox 360 also had a lot of sports and racing games for launch.

[Kalyx triaD]

Thanks, GiantBomb.

[Kane Knight]

Thanks, Obama.

[Kalyx triaD]

Missing the reference there.

[Kane Knight]

Not much of a reference to begin with.

[Kalyx triaD]

Oh

[#BROKEN Hasney]

MS doing a live show from Gamescom at 6pm CET, 5pm BST and whatever time it is in about an hour for you yanks.

http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/the-best-of-gamescom-live

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Wargaming studio, they won't develop a Xbox One version of World of Tanks until the console's userbase becomes large enough for them to consider.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/world-of-tanks-will-come-to-xbox-one-once-the-xbox-360-version-gets-a-meaningful-user-base/


Microsoft currently giving away 20 Xbox One bundles as part of the Xbox Outreach contest.
You can win one of 20 bundles by submitting a one minute video about any Xbox 360 or Xbox One game that you love.

To enter follow these steps:
Create a 1 minute video about any Xbox 360 or Xbox One game you love
Upload it to the web so we can see it (use Youtube, Vimeo, or any website we can access)
Send us the link to uploadvideo@microsoft.com by September 15, 2013 18:59 ET

If your video is selected you will receive the following:
We’ll notify you by email and you will receive:
A brand new Xbox One
A 1-year Xbox Live Gold subscription
Launch games*
The opportunity to collaborate with the Upload team

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-giving-away-free-xbox-one-bundles-in-new-upload-outreach-program/

[Kalyx triaD]

Got to see this thing up close at the mall I work at. If your local mall has a Microsoft kiosk or you have a Microsoft store, see if they have it. I got to hold the controller too.

https://sphotos-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/525751_10151555975655988_387870997_n.jpg

The controller's 'wings' stick out more and that was the first thing I felt. The sticks were smaller and covers more your thumb tips than your thumb print if that makes any sense. The shoulder buttons are basically that whole shoulder. The triggers were tight but after days of gameplay they may loosen up. The buttons feel good, I guess.

The dpad clicks for a responsive feel though I would have like it a tad bigger, and they 'dip' downward rather than completely face you which felt weird. I 'shadow-boxed' some Street Fighter routines on both the left stick and dpad and I think the controller will feel natural pretty quickly. The back not having having a battery lump is bigger selling point than they're saying - very cool.

And I can say it still have a meaty weight to it that nobody seems to be talking about. I like a good gravitation resistance rather than something that feels flimsy (like PS3's controller). Happy to say the weight, while lighter than 360's controller, met my standards.

Lastly, the console is MUCH slimmer than what pics made it look. More inline with 360's size without the pretentious curves that mean nothing. Hardly the bulky 'cablebox' I thought it would be. They had no games to demo, though.

The guy at the desk had no issue/was probably bored enough to take it out the case and let me molest everything, and I'm at the mall often so if anybody wants specific shots or more info I can see what I can do.

[Emperor Smeat]

Based on a recent retailer leaks, the Xbox One is currently rumored to be launching on November 8.
The document, which contains a list of upcoming midnight launches at retailer Walmart, lists the console’s launch date as November 8. The source that leaked the list works for a company contracted by Walmart to produce signage and product placements.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/rumor-xbox-one-launching-november-8/


Microsoft reveals Day One edition for several launch games.
Forza Motorsport 5 Day One Car Pack

This three-car pack features amazing cars from Lamborghini, Audi, and Ford; each with a Day One-themed livery and custom tuning package created by the experts at Turn 10:

2010 Audi TT RS Coupe: Stuffed stem to stern with modern tech, the TT RS is the first TT model to carry Audi’s famed RS badge – a distinction that’s earned on the track from the moment you step on the gas.

2013 Ford Focus ST: Debuting with the same 247-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine from the much larger Ford Explorer SUV, the new Ford Focus ST packs a serious punch.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera: Like great sculpture, the Superleggera’s chiseled form is carefully considered for maximum impact. That’s where the similarities end, however, because this work of art is best appreciated when it’s moving at top speed.


Dead Rising 3 Day One Edition

“Dead Rising” Tribute Pack featuring exclusive game content and bonus attribute perks.

Classic Frank West outfit with Frank’s Zombie Slugger weapon, extra gory attacks and a custom skill move. Also includes attribute perks for increased melee damage and tougher survivors.

Official Chuck Greene outfit with Paddle Saw combo weapon that cuts through zombie hordes with increased damage and durability. Also includes attribute perks for vehicle and weapon durability.


Ryse: Son of Rome Day One Edition Exclusive Gladiator Mode Unlockables

The Day One Edition of “Ryse: Son of Rome” will give players access to an exclusive Gladiator Mode Co-Op Multiplayer Map and an exclusive Sword add-on. Owners of the Day One Edition will be able to invite friends who own the Standard Edition to join them on the exclusive map.

Legionnaire’s Trust Exclusive Sword: From the Brotherhood of Metalworkers high in the Swiss Alps comes this well-crafted, finely hammered blade that includes bonus in-game attributes.

Ruins: Placing gladiators among the columns of an abandoned temple, Ruins will pit players against hordes of Barbarians, attacking from around every corner. The arena changes dynamically during gameplay, adding new obstacles and objectives for the player to encounter and overcome.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/forza-5-ryse-and-dead-rising-3-day-one-editions-detailed/


Major Nelson recently stated a white Xbox One console could end up being released in the future but for now its only available as gifts for Microsoft employees.
http://d1vr6n66ssr06c.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/xbox-one-white-2.jpg
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/white-xbox-one-revealed-but-you-wont-be-getting-your-hands-on-one/

[Kalyx triaD]

My latest blog takes a look at Microsoft's 'infographic' concerning Xbox One's cloud system.

http://kalyxtriad.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/xbox-one-infographicad-poster-a-deeper-look/

[Kane Knight]

So the Xbone won't support external HDDs out of the gate.

In the interest of "fairness," it will be treated identical to the internal storage for DLs and saves, while the PS4's will not support installs, according Sony execs.

[Kalyx triaD]

Seems strange that they wouldn't be ready for something like that, while pushing for all sorts of digital downloads and installs. Wii U owners have it way worse, but I'd think Microsoft would be on that by launch. 500gigs is a lot, but we were never meant to install every game before. Hope it holds by the time that update is ready.

[ClockShot]

11-22-2013

[Kalyx triaD]

Idiots should have totally had it out 11/01/2014.

[Kane Knight]

They've announced they're bumping the clock speed to 1.75 Ghz. Probably a good thing they have so much ventilation.

If I end up with a Bone, I'm investing in a mini-fridge to store it in, just in case. :shifty: Most of the AMD processors I've worked with already tended to run hot out of the box.

[Kane Knight]

Idiots should have totally had it out 11/01/2014.

It doesn't look like they even have it finished, so they probably don't want to rush it even more. :p

[Kalyx triaD]

Well they missed a totally gimmick date.

[Kane Knight]

They did indeed.

[Emperor Smeat]

The current goal for Microsoft in regards to the Xbox One's launch is to either generate a small profit or at least come close to breaking even. Neither the original Xbox nor the Xbox 360 came anywhere close to breaking even during both launches.

Xbox chief marketing officer Yusuf Mehdi, while speaking at the Citi Global Technology Conference, said that the company is “looking to break even or low margin at worst” when the Xbox One launches toward the end of this year.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-aiming-to-break-even-or-profit-during-xbox-one-launch-sales/


Official Microsoft Stores will also be participating in the $10 "upgrade" programs for those who own select Xbox 360 games but want the Xbox One version as well.
The deal is similar to that offered by GAME, Sony, GameStop, and Amazon. Gamers who purchase an Xbox 360 title from the Microsoft Store online or at retail can then upgrade that game to the Xbox One version at any Microsoft retail store for just $10.

Games included in the promotion are: Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, Need for Speed Rivals, Call of Duty: Ghosts, NBA 2K14, FIFA 14, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-offering-xbox-360-to-xbox-one-game-trade-ins-for-10/


Microsoft is still considering implementing both the digital game trading and family sharing plans for the Xbox One but not any time soon and only when the "time is right" to bring both features back.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/microsoft-looking-to-enable-xbox-one-digital-game-trading-and-family-sharing-in-the-future/

[Emperor Smeat]

According to the senior director at Microsoft, the Azure-based cloud technology being used for the Xbox One could be expanded in the future to also include support for backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games.

Would follow the same route of Sony using Gaikai for possible PS3 backwards compatibility in the future for their PS4 console.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/azure-cloud-technology-could-potentially-allow-backwards-compatibility-on-xbox-one/

[Emperor Smeat]

Microsoft's Phil Spencer says he hopes Epic Games will continue the Gears of War series on the Xbox One although they won't push Epic to make one if they don't want to.
http://www.destructoid.com/gears-of-war-on-xbox-one-microsoft-hopes-so-262062.phtml


According to DICE, they are currently considering adding in head tracking features for the Xbox One version of Battlefield 4.
“Through SmartGlass, Xbox players will be able to view the overhead map during multiplayer matches and take advantage of the second screen,” Battlefield executive producer Patrick Bach told Xbox Wire. ”Also, with Kinect, we’re looking into features that enhance the controls including peeking and leaning and tracking head movement as well as incorporating voice commands.”
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/dice-looking-into-kinect-head-tracking-for-battlefield-4-xbox-one/


Microsoft states the Xbox One will be launched in Japan next year although no date has been set as of yet.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/xbox-one-set-for-a-2014-launch-in-japan/


Also stated they are currently in the planning stage with several Japanese developers to create some exclusives games for the console in Japan.
http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-a-few-japanese-exclusives-coming-to-xbox-one-262029.phtml


Capcom reveals some new details for Dead Rising 3 which includes online co-op similar in style to Dead Rising 2 and stats/progress gained in co-op can be carried over to single player.
http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/dead-rising-3-will-feature-online-co-op-progress-transfers-over-to-single-player/
http://www.destructoid.com/capcom-details-dead-rising-3-s-co-op-system-262041.phtml

[Kalyx triaD]

http://assets2.ignimgs.com/2013/09/24/092313marcprofileavatarpng-e94cbf_610w.png

[Tom Guycott]

Well they missed a totally gimmick date.

Sorta. While they didn't go for a marketing gimmick, they went for a sales gimmick: being able to lump sales into Black Friday figures.

People fudge that number as it is now with retailers opting to open "before midnight" on Thanksgiving night, so the 22nd falls into the alleged 3 day window- which is already skewed; it's technically a week long window, depending who you ask, since some take the three days before, some take the weekend, and others now include the sales of Cyber Monday into their numbers.

Anyhow, as it stands, a company that may have x amount of excess systems after fulfilling pre-orders can pretty much sell them immediately (instead of being mandated to hold some back for that Friday, mainly to help drive sales) without it hurting their retail numbers for the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and can pad in some bragging rights, such as some asanine "biggest electronic item of the year/most requested"(etc.) to MS for total sales because of WHEN it launched- namely, with the blessing of Black Friday and before the PS4.

Those kind of projected stats are like corporate shareholders versions of Gamerscore.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Microsoft, the Xbox One automatically records gameplay when achievements are earned as a way to make it easy to show and upload as help guides for others.

In an interview with YouTuber ChampChong at the EB Games Expo in Australia, Xbox Australia executive Adam Pollington revealed that Xbox One would automatically record and save all Achievements that you unlock. From there, these videos can be shared, or if you don't care, presumably deleted.
http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-will-record-all-the-achievements-you-unlock-263145.phtml


In another instance of Microsoft sending out contradictory messages, the company stated last week privacy is still a top priority for the Xbox One and while on paper it is possible to sell Kinect data to advertisers, they are not actively considering that as an option.

Within a few days later, the company hinted they are currently considering selling off that data for "market research" purposes.

Xbox's Albert Penello, a marketing executive, talked to NeoGAF about this touchy subject. "Some of the new Xbox One Kinect features *could* be used in advertising - since we can see expressions, engagement, etc. and how that might be used to target advertising. This is the point that seems to draw some controversy. First - nobody is working on that. I'm not aware of any active work in this space. Second - if something like that ever happened, you can be sure it wouldn't happen without the user having control over it. Period," Penello emphasized.

He further accentuated the company's stance on privacy by explaining that the Skype app will stop streaming and will be rendered unusable whenever it's moved to the background. This is its way of ensuring that nobody will accidentally broadcast something when they didn't know that the application was active.
http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-promises-that-privacy-is-paramount-with-kinect-263040.phtml

As reported by Advertising Age, Yusuf Mehdi held a talk on Saturday morning at the Association of National Advertisers' annual convention that was titled "Winning the Game: Xbox Marketing." In his presentation, he touched on ways in which Xbox One could revolutionize advertising, such as increased production values attributed to imaging technology, taking advantage of the gamification movement, and most importantly, the possibility of making data available for market research.

"We are trying to bridge some of the world between online and offline," Mehdi said. "We have a pretty unique position at Microsoft because of what we do with digital, as well as more and more with television because of Xbox. It's early days, but we're starting to put that together in more of a unifying way, and hopefully at some point we can start to offer that to advertisers broadly,"
http://www.destructoid.com/never-mind-microsoft-actually-wants-to-sell-kinect-data-263119.phtml

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Guy who works for Insomniac is annoyed with XBone pranks

http://i.imgur.com/7nPDBZa.png

http://i.imgur.com/s0rg9fW.png

[Kalyx triaD]

Tell the game developer they can turn that off.

[Kalyx triaD]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ktpqoJfTR3g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Kane Knight]

So Titanfall: Malibu Stacy's New Hat The Game is now a Microsoft exclusive permanently, which evidently surprised not only a lot of customers, but also Sony and...Respawn themselves, who didn't find out about the exclusivity until everyone else did.

:lol:

Well played, Microsoft.