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 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]