I’ve received quite a few emails and messages throughout the existence of Xbox Live and the introduction of gamer cards concerning inappropriate mottos as well as inappropriate gamertags. I’ve had a few shows in fact with many of you voicing your concerns about using the report system and how effective it really is.
Well the system has been updated to deal with these complaints a lot faster. So if you come across a disturbing motto or an offensive gamertag, use the in-console complaint system. I expect everyone to help police Xbox Live so that we can all enjoy a better online environment.
Here’s what you do for those unaware:
- go to your recent players list (previous players)
- select the gamer card you wish to file a complaint on
- go to File Complaint > File Complaint > Profile & Content > Gamertag or Motto > File Complaint
- when you see the little gavel icon, you’re finished
As you’ve all no doubt read around the interweb, NPD Group numbers for September have the Xbox 360 pushing the most hardware with a little over 527,000 consoles sold. I suppose having a game that sells over 3 million units helps.
“Halo 3 had a very big and significant impact on 360 hardware sales. Consumers always tell us that the availability of the games they want to play is the #1 reason why they purchase any given hardware system, and when you have a game of this magnitude, the effect of compelling content on driving hardware acquisition is evident,” says NPD industry analyst, Anita Frazier.
Ok, so I was wrong about the Halo effect. Halo 3 did appear to have helped just a tiny bit in hardware sales. I think it’s safe to assume that at some point Halo 4 will be made.
The days of consoles coming with a game inside are back! Well, at least for the holiday season those days are back. Xbox is making sure that holiday buyers have something to play when they purchase an Xbox 360 Pro or Elite. Both Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance are being included for free inside the Pro and Elite this holiday.
Get ready because the bundles are set to be available by the end of this month. For $349.99 and $449.99, respectively, the Pro and Elite are a lot of bang for your buck.
Sometimes I marvel at how I get these things right when the interweb starts spinning with rumors. In my recent article, Bungie Leaving Microsoft - So What, I predicted that this was nothing more than the usual “we want to explore our creativity” type of thing. I submit to you the following quote from my article.
“They may have a case of the “big head” disease and want to all form their own little independent company that allows them to better showcase their creativity etc…” said Deacon.
And now I present to you the words from Bungie Studios in today’s press release detailing the Bungie and Microsoft separation.
“This exciting evolution of our relationship with Microsoft will enable us to expand both creatively and organizationally in our mission to create world-class games,” said Harold Ryan, studio head for Bungie.
Sound like something you’ve already heard? I simply say good luck to them but if you read the rest of my original article, you’ll understand where this all might lead.
I’ve heard the rumors and I’ve gotten all the messages asking me about this ridiculous chain scam going around on Xbox Live. The craziness suggests that if a certain amount of people put “Make Xbox Live Free” or some variation of that in their motto, Microsoft will make Xbox Live free. I’d like to personally strip the person who started this of their Xbox 360 console for good!. Oh how the interweb rumors spread like wildfire eh?
Xbox Live will not be free no matter what you change your motto to. You may now continue to wait for Halo 3 tonight. Have a nice launch!
I come across several people asking about the return process when their Xbox 360 needs repair. Since I’ve had to experience the process returning my own, I figured I’d make this step-by-step article for those of you who have questions about the process.
After you call Xbox Support or initiate the repair online, they’ll send you a box to ship your console in. It generally takes 2-3 days to get the box but it may take longer. I received my box on the third day after placing the call to Xbox Support. This article picks up after I had received the box.
Step 1 - Removing. No cables, hard drive, or faceplate. Remove everything. Only send in a naked Xbox 360 console.
The World Cyber Games 2007 Southern Regional Finals came to Dallas and brought a fancy bus with them. I wanted to share some pictures of the WCG Circuit City Bus for all the geeks out there. It had nothing to do with Trixie hinting at bodily harm if I didn’t get some shots of the bus. Bodily harm would’ve been okay compared to all the heat that Dallas was throwing at me.
I’ll have some video coverage of the event up soon featuring the bus crew themselves along with some WCG Dallas attendees including Athena Twin from the PMS Clan and H2O. She was in the house coaching the H2O Clan during the Gears of War battle. I wanted to give a special thanks to Abby from Circuit City for taking care of me and being great for the camera!
The WCG Circuit City Bus was equipped with flat panel monitors and Xbox 360 Elite consoles making it a mobile gamer’s paradise. I left the event wanting a bus of my own! The crew from Circuit City was awesome in letting me get my dirty little hands on just about everything in the bus. Abby, who works with Circuit City Sports & Event Marketing, gave me an excellent tour. She even agreed to some camera time for the crowd. (you’ll see that video soon)
I enjoyed hanging out in the bus more than I did the competition. Yes, I will admit to wanting to somehow take those amazing Samsung flat panels with me along with an Xbox 360 Elite. Who can blame me right? Well, I hope you all enjoy the photos. I’ll have more from the WCG 2007 competition in Dallas soon. Stay tuned!
Yes, that’s right. Our friends up North also get a tasty treat in the form of a price drop tomorrow. I didn’t want to forget about you all in Canada. (not that you’d let me forget considering the emails)
Microsoft sent word out of Toronto today about a $100 decrease on the Xbox 360 in Canada beginning August 8.
Price Drop Adjustments Canada
Xbox 360 Core - $299.99
Xbox 360 Pro - $399.99
Xbox 360 Elite - $499.99
Also, the Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with an ERP of $449.99 (CDN).
The word came down just moments ago of what most already knew…the Xbox 360 price drop. Beginning Aug. 8, you’ll notice a change in pricing for everyone’s favorite console, the Xbox 360. That price will be $349.99 U.S. for an Xbox 360 Pro.
For those looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customize their console as they see fit, Xbox 360 Core System now has an ERP of $279.99 U.S. Dressed in black and equipped with a 120GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Elite will be priced at an ERP of $449.99 U.S. for those who want the premium games and entertainment experience.
In anticipation of this year’s largest blockbuster game launch, the Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with an ERP of $399.99 U.S. Featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console will include a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, and more.
“The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360,” said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
“On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever and the launch of Madden NFL 08, there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360.”
Price Drop Adjustments
Xbox 360 Core - $279.99 US
Xbox 360 Pro - $349.99 US
Xbox 360 Elite - $449.99 US
THIS IS SPARTA ELITE! If you were fighting for a reason to justify entering the realm of geek by attending Comic-Con 2007 in San Diego, then you can thank Deacon for giving you that reason.
It must be the year of the “themed 360″ as 300 fans who are attending Comic-con this year are in for two special treats. Warner Bros. will be hosting a special screening of the movie at Petco field for 6,000 conference attendees, all of whom will be entered to win one of ten (10) custom limited edition 300-themed Xbox 360 Elite consoles! Move over Homer and Master Chief because the men of Sparta are gracing the sides of the Xbox 360.
I really want to get my hands on one of these. Damn u Warner Bros. and Microsoft for limiting this to Comic-Con!
