Microsoft confirm that 1 vs 100 will be free

I hope its free. The rumored release date is May 15th

From the Xbox product page for 1 vs 100 we can confirm that 1 vs 100 will be free to Gold Members, this is exciting news and we are looking forward to try the game and seeing how it plays. 1 vs 100 could be a revolution in video games.

“Features
1 vs 100 Live on Xbox LIVE transforms you from spectator to player in this new socially interactive game experience based upon the hit TV game show. Enjoy the fun and freshness of a television show in a massively multiplayer online game. Win real prizes not just for skills but for participation. Have fun playing with your friends and family, or compete with other LIVE Gold members in a friendly game of 1 vs 100 Live. With live events, real hosts, featured players, and fresh content it’s a new experience every time you play.

Free game: 1 vs 100 Live is included with your Gold Membership.
Fun for everyone: Enjoy Live episodes where you play the game at specified times, massively multiplayer allows you to play with friends and against the masses, with a Live host in each game.
Big prizes! You have the chance to win prizes based on skill (answering questions correctly) and participation (answering a question right or wrong).

Inside the Game
1 vs 100 Live Community Forum

Product Info
1 vs 100
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Genre: Family

Release Date: Spring 2009

Console: Xbox 360



Game Rating: T (Teen)
Drug Reference
Language
Sexual Themes
Violent ReferencesMultiplayer Versus

HDTV 1080p

Storage Device

Xbox LIVE Multiplayer

Xbox LIVE Co-op

Content Downloads

User Creatable Content

Teams

Leaderboards

Player Stats

Voice Support”



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Microsoft Introduces New Xbox 360 Platinum Hits

No more "Greatest Hits". I guess I might get "Gears of War" now.

In a bold move to make "greatest hits" console game packaging that doesn't make one want to stab oneself in the retina, Microsoft has apparently deployed new Platinum Hits box art to retail locations.

Kotaku reader Justin spied the new Platinum Hits design, which may no longer induce vomiting, at an upstate New York Target store, seen on the budget version of Gears of War. Gone is the atrocious miniature box art and old style Platinum Hits border that offended the senses, replaced by a new platinum colored banner with the distinction "Greatness Is Earned." It is noticeably less horrific to take in through the eyes than earlier efforts.

[via kotaku.com]

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New Halo Project To Be Mobile, and Everything Else?

Maybe I could be playing Halo on my HTC.

The future of the Halo franchise may not be as straight-forward as you'd imagine, if a Microsoft job advertisement is anything to go by.

The listing - for a software development engineer - suggests that Microsoft are working on a Halo project that transcends the idea of a single platform or genre, and suggests they are instead working on an all-encompassing Halo world, using Xbox, web and mobile to build a new Halo community.

We're looking to blend console, web, and mobile to create an immersive Halo world that follows the dedicated Halo fan wherever they go. We need engineers that can build connected technology while working in a startup environment.

As an engineer on this team, your responsibility will be to deliver a great out-of-game interactive experience that takes the next step beyond the systems found in Halo 3. You will work with artists, designers, developers and testers to finalize design plans, implement those plans, and help coordinate large-scale testing of the out of game Live experience by gamers across the world. Your work also will involve several external teams-including other MGS studios and the Xbox Live team-coordinating development dependencies and design considerations of experience as a whole.

[via kotaku.com]

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Xbox 360 and DS motion controllers detailed

A late post.

Motion-controlled gaming peripherals specialists Performance Design Products have unveiled two new controllers at GDC this week – a Wii Remote style stick for the Xbox 360 and a bizarre-looking chunky pen-style controller for the Nintendo DS.

TechRadar has been aware of the development of the Xbox 360's "Gametrak Freedom" ultrasonic 3D motion sensing tech for some time now, along with the first game that will work with the device, called Squeeballs.

Squeeballs is described by PDP as "a collection of over 150 unique challenges that showcases the capabilities of the controller… players can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and bounce the Squeeballs with greater accuracy than is capable with any other controller."

Xbox Gametrak Freedom

Gametrak Freedom connects to your Xbox 360 via a base unit hooked into the USB input port and is described as a "proprietary and patent-pending ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology that delivers performance, increased control and flexibility.

"Unlike other motion sensing gaming systems, Gametrak Freedom does not rely on the gamer pointing a controller at the screen, nor does it restrict the gamer to limited movements. The system accurately tracks the true 3D position and precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment. This technology provides players with total control and unrivaled game play opportunities."

TechRadar should be getting a hands on with the new Xbox 360 motion controlled peripheral in the near future.

Nintendo DS phat-pen

If that wasn't enough gaming peripherals news for one day, the company has also unveiled its new SmartStylus device for the Nintendo DS – pictured here – which features vibration feedback and "can include a variety of added features, including LEDs, sound and motion feedback."

PDP is awaiting confirmation that Nintendo is happy to license this device for use with the DS. Should that all be signed off, then the company hopes that both controllers will be on the shelves sometime later this autumn.

[via techradar.com]

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Halo Portable? Maybe

Maybe Microsoft is developing a Xbox Portable.

When we're not too busy trouncing Halo 3-developer Bungie in "humpday challenges," we fancy ourselves quite the career builders. And so it was with shock that we found ourselves colliding directly with the enormously popular franchise on CareerBuilder.com, albeit under the auspices of Halo license-owner Microsoft. Apparently the company is seeking folks who not only love Halo but also love "building scalable online infrastructure and websites for large and passionate audiences.

"What does that mean, exactly? The listing doesn't go into as much details as we'd like, but it does say the job will blend, "console, web, and mobile to create an immersive Halo world that follows the dedicated Halo fan wherever they go." Our thoughts first went to iPhone integration of Bungie.net and future Halo community endeavors but then we realized that Microsoft may want to keep whatever mobile application it may be creating on Windows Mobile-based phones. We're hoping for our future-phone having selves that this isn't the case.

[via joystiq.com]

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Blizzard in talks with Microsoft for next Xbox

I guess its ok. I got to addicted to Wow a while ago.

Blizzard's Rob Pardo has confirmed that his company has had talks with Microsoft about the successor to the Xbox 360.

Speaking at the Luminaries Lunch today during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Pardo would only state that Blizzard is actively in discussions with Microsoft, seemingly confirming the development process of new console hardware is under way.

However, other developers at the lunch have not spoken to either Microsoft or Sony about future plans, which has raised concerns that content isn't a priority for format holders as they plan the next-generation of home machines.

"How many designers in the games industry do you think they are rounding up to [talk to], because this is going to make or break them this time around," said Acclaim's David Perry.

"I'm not aware that they are putting a big amount of effort into finding out how to make the games. The people who are actually physically going to make the games are all going to get a surprise," he added.

Warren Spector, boss of Disney's Junction Point Studios and responsible for classic titles such as Deus Ex, said that he believes format holders are too concerned with the wider entertainment market to focus on games.

"I get the impression they're focusing on owning the living room," he said. "One device that lets you watch movies, television and play games and music and all that stuff.

"They're so focused on that that I'm not even sure they're thinking about the games that are going to come out. Which is kind of crazy." he added.

Pardo said that so far there's been a good reason why Blizzard titles such as World of Warcraft haven't appeared on home consoles – the hardware hasn't been specifically designed around some genres.

"There are are so many games like we make at Blizzard that we don't take to consoles because they don't support the input device and you end up with crappy ports. That's why RTS games never do well on consoles," he said.

"If I was them, I'd be sitting around trying to figure out what's a cool input device that supports all types of new kinds of games."

[via gamesindustry.biz]

Rumor: Price Cuts Coming in April For BOTH PS3 and 360

Really? I mean I can see the PS3 but the 360? its already $200. How will MS make money?

There’s been some stuff flying around in the air. No, it’s not pollen or birds; it’s a little something we’d like to call “rumors”. For some time now, there’s been rumors being thrown around about Sony’s PlayStation 3 getting a significant price cut this month. Every single analyst and their mothers have been forecasting these visions of theirs for quite some time, now. But, according to a GameStop Regional Manager in New York who wished to remain anonymous, those rumors are indeed true – and it’s coming for both systems next month.

The PS3 is indeed getting its price cut, as everyone envisioned, as per the GameStop Regional Manager who indicates that these new prices are already entered in GameStop’s systems. However, it seems that Microsoft has a little trick up their sleeves to counter Sony’s second price-cut since the PS3’s release. According to the GameStop employee, the Xbox 360 will be getting a more significant price cut than the PS3. What? Yea… that’s what I said to myself as well. What SKU is receiving the cut in price has yet to be determined, but in the case that it is the Arcade version – which is currently priced at $199.99 – that means that it might be going down to $99.99 or, in the case of the Elite, $299.99 from its current $399.99 price tag. The PS3’s two SKU’s are priced at $399.99, for the 80GB, and $499.99 for the 160GB Uncharted bundle, which gives an idea of how significant this 360 price drop has to be.

So April, guys and gals, we can supposedly expect these price cuts next month. It’s going to be one spicy 2009 if these rumors prove to be true, I’ll say that much. As much as we can all agree that Sony has been a genius in what they do with regards to consoles, we can’t rule out Microsoft’s tactics to keep themselves entrenched in second place. A surprise and a kick in the nuts if Microsoft’s price drop proves to be fact. I hope Sony is wearing a cup.


[via loot-ninja.com]

Halo Wars Reaches One Million Sales

I wasnt one of them. I didnt find the demo fun.

Microsoft announced today that Halo Wars has reached more than one million sales worldwide, making it the most sucessful real-time strategy game on any current generation console.

Full press release:

LONDON – 19th March 2009 - Microsoft today announced that sales of “Halo Wars” have reached more than one million units worldwide, making the exclusive Xbox 360 title the best selling real-time strategy game on any current generation console. With a revolutionary control scheme designed expressly for the Xbox 360 controller and a riveting story that takes “Halo” fans deeper into the “Halo” universe, “Halo Wars” is breaking new ground for the strategy genre by introducing a new wave of fans to strategy games and reminding existing fans why it’s so fun.

Set in the year 2525, “Halo Wars” takes players on a perilous journey through the famed “Halo” universe. As players take the command seat in the early, epic battles between the UNSC and Covenant, they will begin to unravel events 20 years before “Halo: Combat Evolved” that shaped the franchise into what it is today.

Since the game’s release throughout Asia on February 26 and subsequent launches in Europe and the Americas, fans around the world have been taking full advantage of “Halo Wars’” rich Xbox LIVE gameplay. To date:

· There have been more than 2.6 million multiplayer matches played

· More than 118 years of time has been spent in multiplayer matches on Xbox LIVE

· On average, more than 200,000 “Halo Wars” fans have taken up arms in battles between the UNSC and Covenant each day

· For more statistics and game information, fans can visit the official stats page at: http://www.halowars.com/stats/globalstats.aspx

But these initial explosive battles in “Halo Wars” are just beginning. Microsoft is working closely with partner and newly formed studio Robot Entertainment, which is comprised of “Halo Wars” and “Age of Empires” veterans from Ensemble Studios. More Halo Wars content is being prepared, so stay tuned.

“Halo Wars” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and 16+ PEGI and is available worldwide. “Halo Wars” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and 16+ PEGI and is available worldwide. A demo is also available on Xbox LIVE in all LIVE enabled regions worldwide. For more information, visit Xbox.com/Halo or HaloWars.com.

[via strategyinformer.com]

MS Says: Get Your Own Boxes

Even Microsoft is suffering from the recession. They arnt giving you a coffin for your broken xbox 360's, so you better find your own. I still have two of my coffins.

Reader Zach's Xbox 360 just suffered its second Red Ring of Death. He dutifully called up Microsoft customer support to get a shipping box to mail his Xbox in for repairs, and instead was told he'd need to find his own box and ship it himself.

My Xbox red-ringed for the second time this weekend. Which is almost a relief after hearing how bad my disc drive was sounding, but not so much after hearing the new policy. I was told that Xbox no longer ships out a box to you and you must find a box to ship it out in. Yeah I guess its not a big deal, but I think it gives them another thing to hold over your head; "We are sorry, Sir, but you didn't back it well enough and it appears the damage was due to shipping, we cannot help you."

[via consumerist.com]

New Xbox360 Controller On The Way?

I already ave for and they all work fine..

At yesterday’s Gamefest event in Seattle, Microsoft’s product unit manager, Robert S. Walker suggested that they might be creating an advanced version of the Xbox360 controller. The plan is to make the controller a second choice for gamers, instead of replacing the original one.

The new controller would have an improved and more precise right analog stick for games requiring higher precision, like first person shooters. The current 360 controller does a decent job in FPS games, although improving controls for console shooters is always welcome.


[via digitalbattle.com]

Windows 7 Available in September/October 2009

This early. I hope its good. I dont wont another vista.

When it comes down to the deadline for the general availability of Windows 7, Microsoft has been undeterred from its initial claims that the next iteration of the Windows client would ship within three years of Windows Vista's GA. However, this is not exactly the case, revealed a computer-industry executive from Asia. In fact, Microsoft seems keen to beat its three years from Vista GA estimate for the delivery of Windows 7. A report via Bloomberg indicates that the Redmond company is actually planning to wrap up Windows 7 well ahead of the 2009 holiday season, namely in the September – October 2009 time frame.

“According to current planning, it should be late September or early October,” revealed Ray Chen, president of Compal Electronics, a company from Taipei. And Chen is in a position to know. Microsoft is collaborating closely with its original equipment manufacturers with the development of Windows 7, emphasizing efforts superior to those made for Vista. Compal Electronics builds laptops for both Hewlett- Packard and Acer, OEMs that have undoubtedly let in at least on a vague Windows 7 product roadmap, more than can be said for the general public.

The Windows 7 delivery deadline indicated by Chen fits the roadmap leaked for the operating system at the start of this month by Lotta Bath, from the Microsoft Sweden Partner team. Bath also indicated that Windows 7 would be released to manufacturing in October 2009. However, RTM and GA are two entirely different milestones.

In fact, from Chen's report it is unclear whether or not he expects Windows 7 to RTM and to be served to OEMs in September/October 2009, or if either of the two months will mark the general availability of the platform. Because if indeed late September or early October is to witness the RTM of Windows 7, the operating system will take quite some time, up to a couple of months before it will hit the shelves.

Microsoft has released the first and only public Beta of Windows 7 on January 10, 2009, discontinuing serving the bits on February 12. At this point in time, the software giant is working on Release Candidate builds of Windows 7. The RC deadline has yet to be announced.

[via softpedia.com]

More Halo On The Way?

More halo too come? I hope so.

Halo Wars now, Orbital Drop Shock Trooper in November, and the Halo experience it seems shows no signs of letting any steam off. A plethora of job postings at our beloved Gamasutra tell many Halo fans that Microsoft is currently looking out for lead Designer(s), executive producer(s), lead environment artist(s), technical art director(s), senior concept artist(s) , animation director(s) for their upcoming unannounced Halo game. The postings also confirm a new team dedicated to the Halo universe grinding the cogs to fit in the legacy left by Bungie which now moves onto different projects. The advertisements squeal a number of changes that players might encounter, since they niftily boast of “breath(ing) a fresh vision into a new Halo experience” which aims to “drive the future of Halo.”

Since this will be a freshly coined studio at work, the question that remains poised in our minds is whether they shall actually release the next Halo project on the 360, in the view of the fact of rumors of Gearbox Studios being already hard at work building up an experience that is based on one of the most successful first person shooter franchises which somehow also translates into the world of Halo.

So guys if you think you fit the mark send in your resumes and give us an addition to the deadly and menacing Halo franchise.


[via v4vg.com]

Microsoft announces Windows 7 changes

Check out the new changes to Windows 7 beta.

Microsoft has unveiled some of the changes it will make to Windows 7 when it
moves from the popular public beta to its first release candidate.

From
the start, Microsoft has openly admitted that some features are not included in
the beta that will make the final version; and on the Engineering Windows 7
blog, the software giant has noted some of the changes it will make following
feedback.

It suggests that the 36 changes listed are just a sample of
some of the changes it will have integrated into the first release candidate of
Windows 7, when it finally arrives.

Tweaks and shifts

Some of the changes, listed by Chaitanya Sareen, are relatively minor,
including tweaks to the desktop experience like Windows Flip (Alt + Tab) with
Aero Peek, and more shortcuts using the Windows key.

Interestingly,
Microsoft has also indicated it will switch back to a more obvious 'needy
window' alert - when a program that needs attention flashed on the taskbar -
because the first iteration in Windows 7 was too subtle.

"Since the
'90s, the taskbar has always provided some type of visualisation to alert the
customer to this state such as by flashing the button," says Sareen.

"A
careful balance must be struck between providing information and not irritating
the customer.

Too subtle

"With the new taskbar,
we received feedback that Outlook reminders or a Messenger chat sometimes went
unnoticed because needy windows were too subtle," Sareen adds

"We've
made three changes that should address the issue. First, we changed the flashing
animation curve to make it more noticeable (from a sine to a sawtooth wave).

"Second, we used a bolder orange colour. Finally, we wanted to double
the number of flashes which is currently set to three. As a nod to Windows 7, we
decided to go with seven flashes instead."

The extensive changes are
detailed on the Engineering Windows 7 blog – so if you want to know what to
expect in RC1 then check out the full change list.


By Patrick Goss

[via techradar.com]

Target holds new PS3, Xbox 360 game clearance

Target Corp. stores this month began holding a new game clearance for Sony
Corp.'s Playstation 3 and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360.

Clearance titles include Tomb Raider: Underworld (Xbox 360) at $29.98 from
$59.99, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith (Xbox 360) at $19.98 from $39.99, Haze (PS3) at
$14.98 from $29.99, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf 09 (PS3) at $29.98 from
$59.99.

Sony in Nov. released the 160GB PS3 SKU. The bundle includes a
new 160GB PS3, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PAIN downloadable game voucher, and a
Dualshock 3 controller for $499.

Additionally, it sells an 80GB model
for $399.99.

Microsoft this month announced the release of a new Xbox
360 Elite Limited Edition SKU, which includes Capcom Co.'s Resident Evil 5
software.

The RE5 Xbox 360 Elite SKU includes a red color console, red
wireless controller, 120GB hard drive, and a token card including Street Fighter
II Turbo HD Remix and exclusive Resident Evil Premium Theme for $399.99.

NPD Group Inc. this month said that the Xbox 360 sold 309,000 units in
Jan. U.S. sales.

The PS3 sold 203,000 units in Jan. U.S. sales.

[via ]

Rumor Limit: Microsoft’s next “box”?

Check out this article. Next box in rumored to have virtual mapping, better games, and come out in the next 2 years. I really hope not. i have spent thousands of dollars on the 360, accessories, and games.

In the video game industry rumors are always flying. Four years into this generation of consoles rumors are starting to spread throughout the industry about Microsoft’s new console that is in the works. Rumors that Microsoft is looking to integrate a interface similar to that we saw in the 2002 Thriller Minority Report have been tearing through the industry since Microsoft announced its purchase of Caligari, a developer of 3-D Modeling Software.


Imagine the possibilities if this technology would make it way into consoles. The hands on strategy could be integrated into games in many different ways and in a sense reinvent gaming. Could this be the end of the controller? If so could this technology be the final blow to Sony in this Console war. Microsoft as you may have remembered strategically launched the 360 early to get a quick lead on Sony. If Microsoft were to launch this supposed new technology within the next 2 years before Sony’s Playstation 3 has reached it’s full potential Microsoft’s strategy could win them yet another lead in the next-generation race.

All Press releases show Microsoft’s move to buy the Company geared toward the improvement of their Virtual Earth mapping system. Could this be a cover up? All bets are that Microsoft has something huge planned for this years E3 could this be it? Are we ready to give up the controller we have had in our hands for decades? Although this is just speculation its very exciting hype as we gear up to enter the next generation.

[via gamerlimit.com]

Microsoft is buying 3DV Systems

Check out this article. It basically describes what "3dv systems" is and what it can do fot the 360.

A report surfaced last week that Microsoft was buying 3DV Systems, a company
that makes motion-detection technology, for $35 million. My sources confirm that
this is true.

Microsoft and 3DV declined to comment to me last week.

Motion-detection will be big for the future direction of Microsoft, as
it reacts to the Nintendo Wii, which revolutionized the game console industry
with its motion detection technology.

As I’ve mentioned, buying 3DV
would be the opening gambit in a next-generation user interface battle. It has
bearing on the future video game console war, but also likely involve the future
of gesture controls for the PC and TV.

The purchase price was very
small, thanks to the weak economy and the long gestation that this technology is
going through. 3DV has raised $38.5 million. 3DV’s investors include Elron, a
member of Nochi Dankner’s IDB group, Pitango, Kleiner Perkins Caufield &
Byers, and RDC Rafael Development Corp.

3DV has been working on its
ZCams for some time. These cameras function much like Sony’s EyeToy, but they’re
much more accurate at detecting motion. That’s because they’re 3-D depth
cameras, which sense how far away an object is from the camera. In the camera’s
black-and-white imaging, the closer objects are lighter and the more distant
objects are darker. The camera captures the locations of objects many times per
second, so it can detect an object and its trajectory, making it perfect for
game control purposes.

When I did a demo of the technology, I was able
to control a game just by waving my arms around. I could fly a plane by
pretending to hold a joystick and also box against a virtual fighter by throwing
punches toward the camera. The motion detection was accurate, much more so than
with the Wii, which uses relatively cheap but primitive accelerometers and
infrared technology for motion detection.

But 3DV’s cameras could also
be used to control a computer or serve as a remote control for a TV. 3DV is just
one of a bunch of companies in this area. Other 3-D depth camera makers include
Canesta and PrimeSense. Softkinetic is making software to make the technology
more usable, and GestureTek has a bunch of non-gaming gesture-based technologies
on the market. Sixense is making another kind of gesture-control interface using
magnetic fields.

Microsoft could either use 3DV Systems’ technology in a
new game that comes with a gesture-control accessory, or it could put the 3DV
technology into a brand new video game console. If it did the former, it could
very quickly introduce something better than the Wii for use with the current
Xbox 360 or the PC. The gesture-control accessory could work with just one game,
much like Activision Blizzard packages a guitar accessory with its Guitar Hero
games.

The risk of that strategy is that game developers aren’t likely
to develop games that take advantage of that accessory unless that game is a
massive hit. More ideally, Microsoft could wait until it can introduce the new
gesture-control technology with a new game console in a few years. That way,
developers can create games for it knowing that every single console sold will
have the gesture control. The risk of waiting is that the Wii is likely to clean
up in the meantime.

The Wii is the No. 1 game console, even though its
graphics aren’t as good as the Xbox 360’s or the Sony PlayStation 3’s.

[via venturebeat.com]

Windows 7 Build 7048 Labeled Release Candidate 1 (RC1)

Windows 7 is out of the beta stage.


The first Release Candidate of Windows 7 is beginning to take contour. Following the availability of Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 for the general public on January 10, 2009, and the discontinuation of all downloads on February 12, there has been nothing but complete radio silence from Microsoft on the development of the next iteration of Windows. Still, it is undeniable that the Redmond company is making consistent headway building Windows 7, and that the development process has already moved past the Beta stage to the Release Candidate branch. Leaked information from testers now reveals that Windows 7 Build 7048 carries the Release Candidate 1 (RC1) label.

Various sources, especially enthusiasts on Windows-centric forums, indicate that a select pool of Microsoft testers have received Windows 7 Build 6.1.7048.winmain_win7rc1.090211-1625. Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny that, as at just a little over one month since the public launch of Windows 7 Beta it has started compiling builds of the operating system belonging to the RC branch.

However, the version label associated with Windows 7 Build 7048 indeed suggests that the Redmond company has branched off winmain. At the same time, “090211-1625” indicates that Windows 7 Build 7048 was compiled on February 11, 2009, at 4:25 PM.

Nevertheless, the leaked details on Windows 7 Build 7048 RC have to be taken with a grain of salt, as Microsoft has yet to unveil the actual naming scheme that will be associated with RC branch builds. Before Windows 7 Build 7048, testers leaked information and screenshots on Windows 7 Build 7032 (6.1.7032.0.winmain.090129-1812).

But, for the time being, only the bits for Windows 7 Build 7022 are available for download in the wild, with the 32-bit flavor having been leaked to BitTorrent trackers. As far as Microsoft is concerned, mum's the word for the Windows 7 Release Candidate, which is reportedly planned for an April 2009 launch.

[via softpedia.com]

Xbox 360 Saves The Date For E3 2009

Microsoft is the first to announce their E3 briefing.

First out the door for this year's upcoming bigger, better, more fleshy E3 is
Microsoft.

We just received our official save the date for the Xbox 360
E3 2009 media briefing, set to take place Monday morning. It looks to be about
the same time as last year's E3 media briefing.

I'd expect to start
hearing from Sony and Nintendo soon about their press briefing plans as well.

What do you think Microsoft will be showing this time round?

[via kotaku ]

Halo 3 To Quickly Push $200m In Sales

Posted by Xbox Family:

Following a meeting with Microsoft Xbox execs, Lazard analyst Colin Sebastian has estimated Halo 3 sales could quickly reach $200 million in "one of the largest and most successful product launches in digital entertainment."

Sebastian says the launch prediction is "based on our conversations with Xbox management as well as our own industry checks," with "significant preorders and broad consumer anticipation" of the Xbox 360 title.

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