BM2 Love Angel: Press Release

Dell Intel Extreme Gaming Tour Rolls into Town

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:56:24 GMT

Test Drive Alienware and XPS Desktops and Notebooks and Play the Hottest Games on the Dell Intel Extreme Gaming Tour

Last update: 10:04 a.m. EDT July 30, 2008

MIAMI, Jul 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- You've waited all summer, and finally, you can hear it - the familiar rumble of 18 wheels of smack talk, frags and pwnage that can mean only one thing: once again, the Dell(R) Intel(R) Extreme Gaming Tour is coming to town. And, just like last time, the tour truck is loaded down with all of the latest award-winning Dell Gaming gear for you to play with. This is your chance to step aboard the tour truck and test drive Dell Gaming's premier Alienware Area-51(R) ALX and Alienware Area-51(R) desktops as well as the Area-51 m15x and Area-51 m17x notebooks. You'll also have the opportunity to take the Dell XPS(TM) 630, XPS 730, XPS M1730 and XPS M1730 World of Warcraft edition for a whirl.

Getting your hands on these killer Dell Gaming systems should be enough to cure your summertime blues, but if you're hungry for more (and of course you are), you can also check out the PMS Clan, which will be representing Alienware at Quakecon, Penny Arcade Expo and BlizzCon. Watch in awe as they show the n00bs what an Alienware can do in the hands of a professional. Step up and test your skills against members of PMS Clan, Alienware's officially-sponsored gaming clan, in some of today's most popular titles.

And since it's impossible to talk about "extreme gaming" without mentioning modding, check out the Extreme Gaming Tour Modding Contest, which offers a fully-loaded Alienware Area-51 desktop as 1st Prize.

"When it comes to high-end PC gaming rigs, Dell Gaming is known for 'bringing it,'" says Claudina Lopez, Marketing Manager at Alienware, "and, with the Dell Intel Extreme Gaming Tour truck, we're bringing it straight to you. Not only are we showing off some amazing, award-winning systems, this marks the first joint appearance between Alienware and PMS Clan. It's going to be a lot of fun for all the fans out there."

"Intel and Dell Gaming have always worked closely to provide gamers with the highest-performing equipment possible," Doug Parker, Director of Marketing for America's Sales and Marketing Group. "The Extreme Gaming Tour gives users a chance to experience first-hand the raw performance of Alienware and XPS systems powered by Intel processors."

For more information on the Extreme Gaming Tour including tour dates, locations and information on the Extreme Gaming Tour Modding Contest, visit http://www.extremegamingtour.com.

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Soltrio Solitaire

Tue, 15 May 2007 06:24:03 GMT

Monday 14^th May 2007

Solitaire Games of Every Imaginable Type Arrive

on Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday

This Wednesday 16^th May get ready for solitaire mania on Xbox LIVE^® Arcade for Xbox 360™! “Soltrio Solitaire” from Silver Creek Entertainment offers players a chance to shuffle through a collection of 18 compelling solitaire games.

Additionally, a brand new Voyage Adventure mode provides a new twist on classic solitaire game play: in this mode, players travel around a map completing different solitaire games in order to unlock custom card designs. Co-op and competitive two-player game modes further enhance the “Soltrio Solitaire” experience.

Game Features

· Two-player multiplayer via system link or over Xbox LIVE

· In two-player mode, two games take place at the same time, and both players share the same foundation piles, prompting a fight over the piles in the race to win the game

· In co-op mode, players work together to attempt to finish the game with the best score possible, and players also have the ability to pass cards to each other

· Create new cards when you unlock card elements, show them off to your friends and customise your own decks!

Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where can I get “Soltrio Solitaire” from?

You can download “Soltrio Solitaire” beginning Wednesday 16^th May from 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Soltrio Solitaire” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft^® Points.

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

# # #

* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires an Xbox Live Gold Membership.

Catan, Centipede and Millipede

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:12:51 GMT

Monday 30^th April 2007
Triple threat! “Catan,” “Centipede” and “Millipede” invade
Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday
Three great games will become available this Wednesday 2^nd May from 09:00 GMT/10:00 CET on Xbox LIVE^® Arcade for Xbox 360™: “Catan” and the two-for-one Atari combo of “Centipede” and “Millipede.”
Legendary board game “Catan” arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Brush up on your plans for expansion and hone your trading strategies because “Catan” is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade. “Catan” from Big Huge Games is the Xbox LIVE Arcade edition of the legendary multiplayer board game Settlers of Catan. With over 10 million units sold, Settlers of Catan is one of the most popular board games to hail from Europe, and has been translated into twenty-five languages from the original German.
“Catan” for Xbox LIVE Arcade puts players in the role of colonists on a newly discovered island, where they vie for control of valuable territory and resources through strategy and trading. The game can be learned in just minutes, but will challenge players of all skill levels, even the experts!
Klaus Teuber, creator of the original Settlers of Catan board game, had this to say about the collaboration with Big Huge Games: "I had no doubts that Brian Reynolds would do a great job, and the first version of the game exceeded my highest expectations. The AI is so clever that I even lost several games in a row! Hands down, this game for Xbox LIVE Arcade is an amazing achievement.
“Catan” Game Features:

Learn As You Play tutorial, making the game instantly accessible even to players who have never played “Settlers of Catan” before

All New 3D "Living World" Board

Play against any combination of 13 historical personalities such as Alexander, Cleopatra and Tokugawa, which provide a range of play styles and difficulty levels that will test players’ wits and strategy

Fans of the board game will enjoy the inclusion of popular house rules like Friendly Robber and Friendly Resources

Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox LIVE for up to 4 players

The ability to taunt opponents with engaging animations and use emotes to compliment (or belittle!) the opposition over Xbox LIVE

Voice Chat enabled

Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Arthropods Attack! “Centipede” and “Millipede” Invade Xbox LIVE Arcade

Two of Atari’s best loved coin-op classics, “Centipede” and “Millipede,” will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday 2^nd May 2 at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET.
The classic version of “Centipede” challenges gamers to defend their villages against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more. Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers will also have access to an “Evolved” version which features pre-rendered, high definition graphics, special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosions that make this classic as enjoyable today as it was in the arcade decades ago.
In “Millipede,” the primary challenge is to obliterate chains of arthropods that creep down from the top of the screen. Scattered mushrooms are the gamers’ main tool to shoot, destroy and redirect the menacing millipedes. “Millipede” also offers Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers an “Evolved” version of this coin-op classic.
“Centipede” and “Millipede” Game Features

Two games in one! Enjoy both classic and evolved versions of both “Centipede” and “Millipede”

Dolby Digital surround sound

Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where can I get “Catan,” “Centipede” and “Millipede” from?
You can download “Catan,” “Centipede” and “Millipede” beginning Wednesday 2^nd May from 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade.
“Catan” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft^® Points.
“Centipede” and “Millipede” will be available worldwide as a joint download for 400 Microsoft Points.
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade and http://www.catanlive.com.

Technorati tags: Catan, Centipede, Milipede, Marketplace, Press Release

EndWar

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:01:23 GMT

UBISOFT INTRODUCES TOM CLANCY’S ENDWAR™ VIDEO GAME

Paris, FRANCE — April 24, 2007 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it is creating Tom Clancy’s EndWar™, a new brand in the Tom Clancy series of video games. Led by strategy veteran and Ubisoft creative director Michael de Plater, Tom Clancy’s EndWar™ is being developed by a world-class team at Ubisoft’s Shanghai studio whose members have experience developing Ubisoft’s hit franchises including Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell®. Tom Clancy’s EndWar™ is scheduled for release on next-generation consoles in fiscal year 2007/2008.

Set on the battlefields of World War III, Tom Clancy’s EndWar will push the envelope of technology, showcasing artificial intelligence, graphics, physics and animations that were not possible prior to the launch of the new hardware systems. Tom Clancy’s EndWar has been built from the ground up as a revolutionary war strategy game solely for next-generation consoles.

“Our development teams are invigorated to be creating the first 100 percent next-generation Tom Clancy brand,” said Serge Hascoët, chief creative officer at Ubisoft.

“Our success with Tom Clancy franchises is unparalleled in the next-generation and Tom Clancy’s EndWar will be a marvelous addition to the already critically acclaimed library of games. A strategy game like no other, EndWar will allow gamers to lead their own armies against hundreds of others online in real global locations on the massive battlefields of World War III.”

Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy video games are consistently among the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed video game series in the industry. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® games have collectively sold more than 45 million units worldwide to date. In 2006, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas was named Best First Person Action Game of the Year by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™ took home the Best Video Game of the Year award from the prestigious BAFTA awards.

Tom Clancy’s EndWar is featured in a world-exclusive first look in the June issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, available on newsstands in North America on May 8, 2007.

Link to Ubisoft

Technorati tags: Ubisoft, EndWar, games, Press Release

Xbox LIVE Arcade Double Header this Wednesday! Eets: Chowdown and Pinball FX

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:31:17 GMT

Two additional games will become available this Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday: “Eets: Chowdown” and “Pinball FX.”

“Eets: Chowdown” Chomps Its Way Onto Xbox LIVE Arcade

Get your thinking cap on and your sweet tooth in shape, as “Eets: Chowdown” becomes available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, Apr. 25 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).

“Eets: Chowdown” from Klei Entertainment Inc. is a visual feast for the eyes and a treat for the brain, combining 2D puzzle game elements with a surreal sense of humor. Gamers must use colorful and wacky items like spouting Prankster Whales, vengeful Marshomechs, Radioactive Ginseng and more to manipulate Eets’ emotions and safely guide it through myriad hazards to each level's exit.

“Eets: Chowdown” offers a slew of new items, 120 levels and the exclusive debut of Marsho Madness, a high-adrenaline action game in which players must keep the impending evil marshmallows at bay.

“Eets: Chowdown” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

120 new levels in gorgeous high definition graphics
Tons of crazy characters, including Marshomechs, Radioactive Ginseng, and Exploding Superpigs.
Marsho Madness: the crazy, adrenaline-rushing “Eets” action game, where players can play co-op to keep the impending evil marshmallows at bay
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Flip for “Pinball FX” on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Gamers will soon be able to bump and flip in high-definition, as “Pinball FX” will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, Apr. 25 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).

Zen Studios’ new “Pinball FX” offers a unique pinball experience for novice and expert gamers. It combines the arcade thrills of traditional pinball with enhanced gameplay and exciting, innovative features not found in any other pinball game. Gamers may control the flippers with their hand or arm motions using the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or simply use the standard Xbox 360 controller. Pinball FX sets a new standard for realistic ball physics and graphical detail in pinball video games.

“Pinball FX” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

Real-time head-to-head mode for online multiplayer competition for up to 4 players
Three vibrant, 3D pinball tables
Tables start out simple, but new challenges open up as a player’s skill advances
Gesture based controls and live chat via the Xbox 360 LIVE Vision Camera
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
Amazing realism that is an industry first for the genre

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Technorati tags: Marketplace, Xbox Live Arcade, games, Press Release, Pinball FX, Eets: Chowdown

WAKKA … WAKKA … WAKKA

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:35:03 GMT

Microsoft and NAMCO BANDAI Create Video Game History With First-Ever Xbox 360 “Pac-Man^®” World Championship

“Pac-Man” fans to compete on Xbox LIVE Arcade for chance to be world’s best “Pac-Man” player.

Brussels — April 20, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. and NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. today made video game history by announcing the first-ever Xbox 360™ “Pac-Man” World Championship, presented by Quiznos. From 25^th April to 9^th May, fans of one of the world’s most beloved video games of all time will compete on the classic arcade game via Xbox LIVE^® Arcade on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, evolving “Pac-Man” gameplay from the local pizza parlours and arcades of the ’80s to the Xbox 360 and its online gaming community with more than 6 million members. The top finalists from participating countries around the world will be flown to New York City for the finals on 5^th June, with the winner being crowned the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Champion by Toru Iwatani, the creator of “Pac-Man.”
Since launching in 1980 in Japan and in 1981 around the world, “Pac-Man,” its host of ghosts and the famous “wakka wakka wakka” sound have become global pop culture icons. This arcade game played an instrumental role in establishing the video game industry in the ’80s, while the launch of Xbox LIVE in 2002 was a key factor behind the rapid growth in popularity of online gaming. Today, Xbox LIVE Arcade is the premier online destination for digitally distributed, high-definition games — with more than 25 million downloads — offering fans of “Pac-Man” across the globe a great opportunity to connect, compete and enjoy the fun through the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship.
“NAMCO BANDAI Games and I are proud to partner with Microsoft on the Xbox 360 ‘Pac-Man’ World Championship, which celebrates how popular ‘Pac-Man’ remains to this day,” said Toru Iwatani, creator of “Pac-Man” and currently a professor at Tokyo Polytechnic University. “The success of “Pac-Man” stems from its fun gameplay and host of characters that have been enjoyed by families for generations. It will be exciting to see ‘Pac-Man’ fans from around the world compete on Xbox LIVE Arcade to become the first-ever ‘Pac-Man’ World Champion.”
“‘Pac-Man’ reached an iconic status in the ’80s across multiple generations and cultures, so the Xbox 360 ‘Pac-Man’ World Championship provides a great incentive for fans old and new to fall in love with the game all over again,” added Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. “We are thrilled to be partnering with NAMCO BANDAI Games and our sponsor, Quiznos, to invite ‘Pac-Man’ players from around the globe to join in the fun.”
A total of nine finalists in the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship will advance to the finals based upon the highest Xbox LIVE Arcade leaderboard scores. There will be one finalist from each of the following countries and geographic areas: Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Mexico; and two finalists from Europe and the United States. This group will also be joined by the winner of the “Pac-Man” FANatic contest, a competition that will encourage “Pac-Man” fans from the United States and Canada to submit a video that demonstrates why they are the ultimate “Pac-Man” fan. The winning entry will be flown to New York as a wildcard entrant in the final round of the tournament. Details are available online at http://www.xboxlivetournament.com starting 25^th April 2007.
The Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Champion will receive worldwide acclaim from being the first-ever Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Champion and gain a place in gaming history. The winner of the finals will also receive other great prizes, including 26 years of free Quiznos toasted subs (one sandwich a week for 26 years, a $13,520 (U.S.) value), 100,000 Microsoft Points for games, movies and other fun content available on Xbox LIVE, and a one-of-a-kind Xbox 360 featuring a special design inspired by “Pac-Man.”
“Great food and entertainment go hand in hand, and we expect international gamers to connect with Quiznos food with the same passion that they bring to their gaming,” said Steve Provost, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Quiznos. “The Xbox 360 ‘Pac-Man’ World Championship promises to be a milestone moment in video game history, and we’re thrilled that we can help make it into a reality.”
Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship, Presented by Quiznos
Participation Information and Timeline:
· Gamers who want to start practicing can download “Pac-Man” (400 Microsoft Points) now from Xbox LIVE Arcade on the Xbox 360.
· Starting 25^th April 2007, at 00:01GMT/ 01:01 CET, gamers can visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com to register and review full eligibility criteria, regulations and rules.
· Also on 25^th April 2007, at 00:01 GMT / 01:01 CET, the worldwide competition will officially kick off on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
· Previous leaderboard scores for “Pac-Man” will be deleted to provide a clean and fair slate for all gamers participating in the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship.
· Concurrently, “Pac-Man” fans in the United States and Canada can also enter the “Pac-Man” FANatic contest and receive an invitation to compete in the finals in New York City. Starting 25^th April 2007, they can visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com for more information on how to submit a creative video that best illustrates their love for “Pac-Man.”
· On 9^th May 2007, at 23:59 GMT / 00:59 CET, the competition will officially cease and nine finalists from the identified regions, based on the top leaderboard scores,* will advance to the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship.
· Before 1^st June 2007, the top nine finalists will be announced.
· The nine finalists will also be joined in New York City by the winner of the “Pac-Man” FANatic contest, and compete for the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship title on 5^th June 2007, in New York City.
For a complete list of participating countries and country-specific eligibility criteria, rules and regulations and to sign up for the Xbox 360 “Pac-Man” World Championship, gamers can visit http://www.xboxlivetournament.com starting 25^th April, 2007.
About Pac-Man
As the story goes, one day in 1979, Namco developer Toru Iwatani removed a single slice of pizza and, after looking down upon the rest of the pie, saw what was to become one of the most popular characters in gaming history. The release of Pac-Man to arcades a year later (1980) lead to the beginning of “Pac-Mania,” in which over the next few years would yield everything from character-based board games and breakfast cereal to a top 40 song and popular Saturday-morning cartoon. Namco Bandai Games estimates that the original Pac-Man arcade title has been played more than ten billion times in its 27-year history.
PAC-MAN^® & © 1980 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.
About Toru Iwatani
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1955, Toru Iwatani joined Namco in 1977. As a game designer, he created Pac-Man in 1980. Among its many achievements, Pac-Man was recognized in the Guinness Books of Records in 2005. As of April 2007, Iwatani serves as a professor of a game course in the Faculty of Arts at the Tokyo Polytechnic University. Iwatani also acts as a fellow (special advisor) for NAMCO BANDAI Games, Inc.
About Quiznos
Celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2007, Denver-based Quiznos is a national chain designed for today’s busy consumers who are looking for a tasty, fresher alternative to traditional fast food restaurants. Using only premium quality, real ingredients, Quiznos restaurants offer creative, chef-inspired recipes for sandwiches, soups and salads. With more than 5,000 franchise restaurants, Quiznos is one of the fastest-growing quick service restaurant chains.
In June 2006, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Quiznos in its Top 100 Restaurant Chains as the #1 restaurant chain in growth in number of units – five years in a row. Entrepreneur magazine in January 2006 ranked Quiznos in its annual Top Franchise 500 as the #2 Best Overall Franchise and QSR magazine ranked the chain in its Top 50 Chains in August 2005 as #3 by change in system wide sales. For more information, visit http://www.quiznos.com.
About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with more than 25 million game downloads and a diverse library of original development and classic titles from the world’s best independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free** trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer — from casual to hard-core — to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/livearcade.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
#########
* Each eligible country/continent representative must, at minimum, finish in the top 1,000 of the global Xbox LIVE leaderboard to qualify to advance to the finals.
** Connect-time charges may apply.

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Technorati tags: Press Release, Pac Man, Xbox 360 “Pac-Man®” World Championship, Microsoft, NAMCO BANDAI

Microsoft Silverlight

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:08:29 GMT

Microsoft Unveils Silverlight to Power the Next Generation of Media Experiences on the Web

Leading media companies and solution providers announce support for new solution for video and interactivity on Mac- and Windows-based Web browsers.

LAS VEGAS — April 15, 2007 — Today at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference (NAB2007), Microsoft Corp. unveiled Microsoft^® Silverlight™, a new cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web. Early supporters of the new platform include Akamai Technologies Inc., Brightcove Inc., Eyeblaster Inc., Limelight Networks, Major League Baseball and Netflix Inc.
Microsoft Silverlight, previously called Windows^® Presentation Foundation Everywhere (WPF/E), integrates with existing Web technologies and assets to provide higher-quality experiences with lower costs for media delivery. Delivered to end users through a seamless, fast installation, Silverlight offers consistent experiences to both Macintosh and Windows users on a variety of browsers including Internet Explorer^®, Firefox and Safari.
“Content providers are seeking a way to deliver rich interactive applications using the tools and skills they already have. They want an end-to-end solution that enables them to rapidly reach multiple platforms with reasonable deployment costs,” said Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft. “Microsoft Silverlight delivers on this need and marks a real step forward for the industry. Silverlight is the only solution in the market today that enables content creators to tap into the broad ecosystem for Windows Media^® technologies while taking the Web’s rich interactive application experience to new levels.”
Leading media companies and solution providers have announced support for Silverlight including Akamai Technologies, Brightcove, Eyeblaster, Limelight Networks, Major League Baseball, NaviSite Inc., Netflix, Pinnacle Systems Inc., Rhozet Corp., Skinkers, Sonic Solutions, Tarari Inc., Telestream Inc. and Winnov. All have indicated plans to deliver Silverlight-based experiences for their viewers and customers.
“We’ve consistently heard from the media companies that they want the ability to easily implement key technologies for Internet video and rich broadband experiences,” said Bob Mason, chief technology officer at Brightcove. “With the release of Silverlight, Microsoft is bringing rich interactive experiences coupled with the VC-1 video standard into the browser, and we’re excited to announce plans to support this technology and continue to give our customers access to the cutting-edge technologies that will drive the growth of Internet TV.”
Silverlight Scales From HD to Mobile, With Peace of Mind for Content Owners
Silverlight uses Windows Media Video (WMV), Microsoft’s implementation of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) VC-1 video standard, enabling immediate compatibility with the millions of hours of content already available on the Web, and adds support for interactive video experiences that scale from full-screen high-definition (HD) to mobile scenarios.
“Netflix is leading the way for people to rent movies for instant viewing over the Internet,” said Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt. “With 6.3 million members now and millions more in the next few years, Netflix needs rapid and reliable scalability so all members can enjoy DVD-quality movies immediately on our instant-viewing feature. We depend on Microsoft Windows Media technologies, and we’re excited about Microsoft Silverlight as a platform to enable instant watching of great content for all our members, on multiple platforms.”
Silverlight customers will also enjoy compatibility with the broad ecosystem of Windows Media-enabled tools and solutions, and the proven scalability and reliability of the Emmy Award-winning Windows Media technologies. At the discretion of content providers, Silverlight will also deliver digital rights management support built on the recently announced Microsoft PlayReady™ content access technology — with feature parity on Windows and Mac.
Microsoft Expands Reach of .NET Framework
Based on the Microsoft .NET Framework, Silverlight enables developers and designers to easily use existing skills and tools to deliver media experiences and RIAs for the Web with role-specific tools: for designers, Microsoft Expression^® Studio, and for developers, Visual Studio^®. New tool and server investments for media professionals include the following:
•Expression Media Encoder. Microsoft Expression Media Encoder, which will be a feature of Microsoft Expression Media, enables rapid import, compression and Web publishing of digital video imported from a variety of popular formats, including AVI and QuickTime, into WMV. Capable of running on the desktop or Windows Server^®, Expression Media Encoder is a template-driven system that integrates seamlessly into existing Web publishing workflows for both live and on-demand content delivery. Expression Media Encoder will be a free download for customers of Expression Media when it is shipped later this year.
•Hardware-accelerated video publishing. When paired with a Tarari Encoder Accelerator, Expression Media Encoder reduces encode times by up to 15 times over software alone, a significant capabilities and cost advantage for publishing Web video today.
•Even greater scalability with Windows Server, code-named “Longhorn.” Building on the industry-leading streaming and Web server platform, Windows Server “Longhorn” will enable customers to experience up to twice the scalability on the same hardware when compared with Windows Server 2003. Also being announced today is the Internet Information Services 7 (IIS7) Media Pack, which adds new cost-saving features such as bit-rate throttling and other advanced features designed to help further reduce the cost of media distribution. The IIS7 Media Pack will be a free download for customers of Windows Server “Longhorn” when it ships.
Microsoft Silverlight, Expression Media Encoder and Tarari Encoder Accelerator will be shown in Microsoft Booth SL3213, in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Microsoft’s broader development platform and additional details about Silverlight will be shared in the keynote presentation at Microsoft’s upcoming Mix07 conference, April 30 in Las Vegas. Microsoft will also release the beta for Silverlight during the Mix07 conference. More information about the Mix07 event can be found at http://www.mix07.com.

Amazing, isn't it?

Link to Microsoft Silverlight.

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Technorati tags: Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft, Press Release

GC 2007 set to expand: bigger area, more trade fair, more fun & games

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:15:34 GMT

GC takes up new topics: education, training and careers, art and culture

Only a few months to go till the start of the GC, Europe’s summer experience of the year. All the industry’s leading companies have already announced their participation at the GC. 390 exhibitors (2006: 368 exhibitors) are expected to be at Europe’s leading fair for interactive entertainment, info and edutainment. The GC’s area is expected to expand by 28 per cent to 115,000 square metres (gross). "The GC has grown steadily in recent years, both in its area and in exhibitor and visitor numbers. The current level of trade visitor and exhibitor registrations confirms our assumption that we will achieve considerable increases again at the next fair. We have responded to this with a change in our hall concept", says Josef Rahmen, managing director at Leipziger Messe GmbH.
Adding to the gaming fun, the outdoor area is being actively included for the first time as a display and event space. The opening hours are also changing this year. The exhibition halls are open on Thursday (23 August) and Sunday (26 August) from 9.00 to 18.00, and on the Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 20.00.
GC Games + Entertainment is on show in the exhibition halls 2, 3 and 4. Visitors can again try out and experience fantastic innovations and numerous German, European and world premieres from the world of interactive entertainment. Hall 5 is a little quieter with GC family and GC art.
This year, furthermore, the Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) and Hall 1 together with the GC Business Center provide the meeting place for national and international exhibitors, retailers, developers and journalists. Businesses have ideal facilities and enough space to offer information on their own products and to make new business contacts.

Tickets now on sale for computer game music concert

Fans of computer game music can look forward to 90 minutes non-stop music this year. The concert will not be part of the official GC opening, but a public performance to be given at 20.00 on 22 August in the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Conducted by Maestro Andy Brick, the FILMharmonic Orchestra Prague is this time including soundtracks from StarCraft, Final Fantasy IX, Ragnorak 2, Stranglehold, Metal Gear Solid 2: Snake Eater, Secret of Mana, The Abbey, Turrican 2, as well as popular classics in a Commodore 64 and Commodore Amiga medley.
The absolute highlight: appearances by the Japanese star opera singer Izumi Masuda and singer Conny Kollet from Germany. Tickets at prices from 14.50 euros to 41.50 euros are available at www.gewandhaus.de and www.gc-germany.com.

GC family: playing to learn made easy

Interactive experience together with play, fun and information all about media literacy are at the heart of the GC family, the forum for entertainment, learning and know-how for the whole family.
The exhibition’s key subject sections "Children/Family Games", "Learning and Knowledge" as well as "Media Literacy" are brought together in the "Family Entertainment" area. New features are the sections on "Multimedial Education", "Art and Culture" and "Training and Careers".
"We want this new concept to link together more strongly our target groups and educational contents. The new section "Multimedial Education" includes training events, discussions and information material on subjects such as classroom and learning software", explains project director Peggy Schönbeck. "Art and Culture" builds on the special "GC Art" exhibition introduced in 2006, aiming in various events to show the "digital game" as a modern cultural asset. Finally, "Training and Careers" will introduce job opportunities in the games and multimedia industry.
As in 2006, visitors to the "Family Entertainment" section can again expect a 5,000 square metre 3D board game with themselves as the pieces in the game. The individual exhibitors’ stands act as "playing courts", games and educational software can be tested on 50 PCs in six play zones, the "Family LAN" is again networked for games played together and in competition.
Once again, the central feature is the stage, presenting many game shows, talks on protection of the young as well as informative entertainment and edutainment. Several times a day, an interactive show introduces different game genres and their development.
For teachers from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, attendance at the GC family 2007 is once again officially recognised as a careers training measure and comes with a special certificate. Last year saw many teachers make use of this different kind of post-entry careers training event.

The train now departing: Deutsche Bahn to the GC Special trains for exhibitors and visitors

For the Games Convention 2007, the German rail company Deutsche Bahn is offering a special service for exhibitors and trade visitors to Leipzig. It’s easy and affordable to get to the trade fair city from any DB station in Germany. And at a one-off special price: return fare to Leipzig is 89 euros 2nd class and 139 euros 1st class.
The Deutsche Bahn offer has been available since 1 March on the hotline 01805 311153 taking the keyword "Games Convention". Payment is simply part of the same process by direct debit or by credit card. The ticket can then be obtained at a ticket machine or sent by post to a home address. The special feature: tickets are valid between 19 and 28 August 2007, giving exhibitors and trade visitors flexibility to plan their stay in Leipzig without depending on specific trains.
The Deutsche Bahn is again providing special trains for visitors. On 23 August, a train takes GC fans quickly and easily from Munich to Leipzig and on 25 August, a special train is added from Cologne and Wiesbaden respectively for the journey to Leipzig. Tickets including admission vouchers start at 56 euros for the Munich-Leipzig route, and at 53 euros for Cologne – or Wiesbaden - to Leipzig.

GC Developers Conference – the international developer industry meets again in Leipzig

From 20 to 22 August 2007, the internationally leading experts from the publisher and developer industry get together at Europe’s most important and biggest developer conference, the GC Developers Conference (GCDC). Last year’s GCDC was attended by 650 conference delegates from 20 countries.
International keynote addresses, workshops, panel discussions and well-known speakers from the computer, console and mobile device sectors provide insider know-how on the current trends, together with information on future issues. The three days of the GCDC are dedicated to the programme streams "Development", "Business" and "Science" and also give attendees many opportunities for networking. The key topics include "Mobile Gaming", "Server Technology" "Expert Meets Students", "Made in Europe" and the premiere of "Games Meet Movies". Developers, publishers and service providers also introduce themselves at the conference, providing a wide-ranging overview of the industry and direct contact opportunities.
"The specialisation of GCDC is consistently subject to development. This means that this year for the first time, the conference offers extended business solutions such as workshops and concepts on start-up opportunities on the European and North American market", explains project director Frank Sliwka. Registration for the conference is available as of now at www.gcdc.eu.

Exclusive day for the media and trade visitors

On 22 August, a day before the exhibition halls open to the general public, representatives of the media and the industry discover all the innovations and try out all the products in peace and quiet.

Technorati tags: Press Release, GC, Leipzig, 2007, Games Convention

3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:22:47 GMT

“3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” Tees Up on Xbox Live Arcade
Monday, 16^th April 2007
Busting out the putter in ghost towns, outer space or at the carnival from the comfort of your sofa has never been so much fun. “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” from Sierra Online will be available for download on Xbox Live^® Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday 18^th April at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET.
From the creators of the popular Xbox Live Arcade game “Assault Heroes,” Wanako Games delivers the ultimate mini-golf experience with clever mind-bending, imaginative courses and animated stylish 3-D characters. In “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures,” gamers collect over-the-top power-ups and avoid clever traps across three major theme courses including Classic Carnival, Old West and Outer Space.
“3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” also includes a customisable course editor that allows gamers to build their own course design by mixing and matching combinations of tees, straights, corners, cups, junctions and ramps.
Game Features

36 challenging holes

Up to four players may compete in multiplayer competitions over Xbox Live

Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where Can I Get It?
You can download “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” beginning Wednesday 18^th April at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade.
It will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and has a PEGI rating of +3.
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade and at www.3DUltraMinigolf.com.
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* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires an Xbox Live Gold Membership.

And there are female characters! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am already loving it! ;)

*happy golfing*

Angel

Technorati tags: Press Release, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures, Xbox Live Arcade, games

Gyruss

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:18:47 GMT

Defend the Galaxy with “Gyruss” on Xbox Live Arcade
Monday 16th April 2007
Nearly a quarter century ago, gamers who wanted to travel throughout the galaxy needed only to plunk a few coins into an arcade machine. This week, gamers will be able to travel through space from the comfort of their own living room when “Gyruss,” the classic tube-shooter from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. launches on Xbox Live^® Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday 18^th April at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET.
In “Gyruss,” gamers fly a space ship from Neptune to Earth while battling enemies, satellites, asteroids and laser beam generators. Along the way the player’s ship can be upgraded to better tackle the ever-increasing enemies that attack during the journey to Earth.
Game Features

Enhanced for Xbox Live Arcade – includes voice support, new graphics, digitally enhanced sound, and leaderboards

Play the original game or an enhanced version which includes 3D rendered graphics

Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live includes split-screen cooperative and versus modes

23 levels to clear

Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where can I get it from?
You can download “Gyruss” beginning Wednesday 18^th April from 09:00 GMT/10:00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade and will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft^® Points.
The title is rated “E” for Everyone
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.
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* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires an Xbox Live Gold Membership.

Technorati tags: Press Release, Xbox Live Arcade, games, Gyruss

Boom Boom Rocket

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:02:30 GMT

11^th April 2007

“Boom Boom Rocket” Brings Rhythm to the Night on Xbox Live Arcade

A new original title rockets onto Xbox Live Arcade from Bizarre Creations (the creators of the critically acclaimed “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved”) and publisher Electronic Arts. “Boom Boom Rocket” will be available for download on Xbox Live^® Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday 11th April, at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 CET.

The addictive and original “Boom Boom Rocket” is the first music-rhythm game to appear on Xbox Live Arcade. Players trigger rockets to the beat of the music while travelling through a 3D cityscape. The better the player times, the more spectacular the explosions and firework effects are. The fireworks are choreographed to 10 original tracks created by Ian Livingstone, who recently scored “Batman Returns” and “Project Gotham Racing 2.”

“Boom Boom Rocket” will be available for 800 Microsoft Points and will first launch in the U.S. Canada, and Europe. The game also will be available in the near future in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore Australia, and New Zealand.

Game Features

Two single player gameplay modes – Normal and Speed
Two single console multiplayer head-to-head modes – Battle and Endurance
Practice Mode
Freestyle mode – No target line or scoring, just mash buttons to create cool fireworks shows
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where can I get it?

You can download “Boom Boom Rocket” beginning Wednesday 11^th April from 09.00 GMT/10.00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Boom Boom Rocket” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft^® Points.

The title is rated “E” for Everyone (except in Germany, where it currently is unrated).

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Technorati tags: Press Release, games, Boom Boom Rocket, Xbox Live Arcade

LUXOR 2

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:55:11 GMT

Hi everyone,

Even though the game has been out since some days ago, I want to share the official press release with you all:

2^nd April 2007
Shoot Like an Egyptian with “LUXOR 2” on Xbox Live Arcade
Why just walk like an Egyptian when you have a mystical winged scarab at your disposal? The smash-hit action puzzler, LUXOR 2 will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade^® for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday 4^th April, at 09.00 GMT / 10.00 CET.
In the second installment of the No. 1 casual game of 2005, “LUXOR 2” from MumboJumbo, players travel through 88 exquisitely detailed and explosive levels shooting and destroying the magical balls that threaten the pyramids at the end of their paths. Players can earn up to 15 exciting power-ups, play through four distinct levels of difficulty, challenge themselves to a total of 13 bonus rounds and work their way up through the new 100-level player ranking system. Also, unique to the Xbox Live Arcade version is a new arcade-style mode of play called the Pharaoh’s Challenge.
“LUXOR 2” also is the recent winner of the Zeeby’s Craft Awards for Best Audio 2006 and Best Visual Arts 2006.

Game Features:

88 explosive levels with 13 new bonus rounds
4 levels of difficulty, including the mind-bending Challenge of Horus
4 modes of play; Adventure, Practice, Survival and Pharaoh’s Challenge
15 power-ups including the new Lightning Storm and Pharaoh’s Dagger
Player ranking system with 100 levels from Farm Hand to Pharaoh of the Two Lands
Pharaoh’s Challenge: A fast-paced arcade-style version of the game, where the user employs the Pharaoh’s Dagger exclusively to eliminate the approaching spheres
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where Can I Get It?
You can download “Luxor 2” beginning Wednesday 4^th April at 09.00 GMT / 10.00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade.
It will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points.
It’s rated:
PEGI - PEGI_3
USK - USK_ALL_AGES
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade
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* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires an Xbox Live Gold Membership.

Have you got the game already? What are your general impressions?

*happy gaming everyone*

Angel

Technorati tags: games, Press Release, Luxor 2, Xbox Live Arcade

Instant Messaging Comes to Xbox 360, Expanding the Largest Social Network on Television

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 08:41:21 GMT

Xbox 360 owners can connect with more than 260 million Windows Live Messenger users on Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices beginning the week of May 7.

REDMOND, Wash. — April 8, 2007 — Your Xbox LIVE^® friends list is about to get a whole lot bigger. Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of Windows Live™ Messenger on Xbox 360™, connecting friends across Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft^® Windows^®-based PCs and Windows Mobile^®-powered devices. With this update to Xbox 360, friends and families can easily connect and chat directly from their television using Windows Live Messenger, a network of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts.
Beginning the week of May 7, 2007, the Xbox 360 Spring Update will provide Xbox 360 owners worldwide with access to Windows Live Messenger features, broadening the communication options on the Xbox LIVE social network. Members of the 6 million-strong Xbox LIVE community currently send more than 2 million text and voice messages a day and can now use Windows Live Messenger to text chat with up to six people on their contact list at one time, while playing games, listening to music or watching movies. Text chat adds to the variety of options friends and families already have to communicate with on Xbox LIVE, including voice and video chat.
Current relationships on Windows Live Messenger and Xbox LIVE will be unified on Xbox 360 and users will see at a glance if their existing friends on Windows Live Messenger have gamertags, instantly expanding the breadth of connected experiences they can share online.
“Bringing the largest IM community in the world, Windows Live Messenger, to Xbox 360 makes sense, as Xbox LIVE has really become the largest social network on television,” said Jerry Johnson, product unit manager of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. “For our growing community of 6 million on Xbox LIVE, using Xbox 360 is a very social, connected experience. They are using Xbox 360 to play games, music and movies while simultaneously communicating with one another through video, voice and text chat. With this announcement we are simultaneously expanding the access of Xbox LIVE users to existing friends and family while introducing Windows Live Messenger users to the benefits of Xbox 360.”
Beginning the week of May 7, users of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360 will text chat using the virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360, or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console. This summer Microsoft will launch a QWERTY text-input device, a new accessory that will connect directly into the Xbox 360 controller to support text and instant messaging.
Beyond Windows Live Messenger, the Spring Update for Xbox 360 includes hundreds of new features and enhancements including the following:
· A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.
· Enhanced family settings features for Xbox LIVE communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
· A new Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade lets Xbox LIVE members access the content they seek — whether it is game content or TV shows and movies (available in the United States) — from one place on Xbox LIVE.
· Updates to Xbox LIVE Arcade allow owners to quickly see which Xbox LIVE Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox LIVE members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list. Expanded Tell a Friend capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
· A new option in Auto Downloads provides faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox LIVE Arcade games.
· New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
· Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.
The Spring Update is free beginning the week of May 7 and is easily accessible to every Xbox 360 owner through Xbox LIVE or on Xbox.com.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 25 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About MSN and Windows Live
MSN^® attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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Microsoft, Xbox LIVE, Windows Live, Xbox 360, Windows, Windows Mobile, MSN and Xbox are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Images on Gamerscore Blog

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Technorati Tags: MSN Messenger - Windows Live - Xbox 360 - Microsoft - Press Release

Journey Into the Darkness With “Castlevania: Symphony of Night” on Xbox Live Arcade

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 22:48:46 GMT

Celebrate more than two decades of the Castlevania franchise by reliving (or experiencing for the first time) one of the series’ most highly regarded games. The legendary 2D side-scrolling action adventure game from Konami Digital Entertainment “Castlevania: Symphony of Night,” will be available for download on Xbox Live^® Arcade for Xbox 360™ from Wednesday 21st March at 09.00 GMT / 10.00 CET.

The Castlevania franchise is well known for delivering exceptional quality in all elements that make a great game – story, music, level design, character development, gameplay and controls. In “Castlevania: Symphony of Night,” the 12^th iteration of the series, gamers take on the role of Alucard, the half-vampire son of the blood-drinker Dracula, as he ventures into his infamous father’s foreboding castle. Along the way, Alucard must collect items, weapons and armour to defeat the powerful boss monsters that block access to key areas of the castle.

“Castlevania: Symphony of Night” is the first full console classic to appear on Xbox Live Arcade and offers dozens of hours of non-linear action RPG gameplay.

Game Features

Play the original version of the game or experience it in enhanced mode with improved graphics and modernised sound effects
New widescreen and high-definition support
Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Where can I get it?

“Castlevania: Symphony of Night” will be available worldwide from Wednesday 21^st March for 800 Microsoft Points.

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

# # #

* Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live requires an Xbox Live Gold Membership.

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Technorati tags: Press Release, Castlevania, XLA, games

SCISSOR SISTERS TEAM UP WITH XBOX TO LAUNCH XBOX SOUNDTRACKS

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 13:50:25 GMT

Band rework mix inspired by Halo Wars to launch new European music project

5 March 2007 – Global chart toppers Scissor Sisters launched on Xbox Big Day Out the Xbox Soundtracks programme looking for new artists inspired by gaming to create music, with the release of an exclusive reworking of a version of their track “She’s My Man.” The band itself was inspired by the trailer for the much anticipated Xbox 360 title, Halo Wars from Ensemble Studios.

The Xbox Soundtracks programme is about all creating music inspired by next-generation high definition games on the Xbox 360. Xbox is working with artists across Europe inspired by games to create new music to help find up and coming artists who have also been moved to create new tracks by games.

The band matched the industrial electro-house remix of their upcoming single, packed with dirty beats and distorted vocals, inspired by the epic graphics and vision behind the trailer for the upcoming real time strategy game from the Halo Universe. The track was revealed at the Xbox Big Day Out - music and snowboard festival in Val D’Isère, France in front of media from across Europe.

Jake Shears, from the Scissor Sisters said “It’s such a cool project to be involved in. Babydaddy and I are massive gamers so it was a great experience reworking our mix to the Halo Wars game. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the other tracks people create. The games on the Xbox 360 are so intense and emotional that they can be just as inspiring as sitting down and watching a movie.”

The Scissor Sisters unveiled the track at a press conference and exclusive performance in Val D’Isère. Their involvement in Xbox Soundtrack sees Xbox teaming up with artists and gamers across Europe to create new music inspired by the excitement and realism of Xbox 360 high definition games.

Xbox Soundtracks is also looking for up and coming artists to create their own music to a range of Xbox 360 trailers. Entrants to this competition will be able to download and score music to a range of Xbox 360 trailers when the consumer contest goes live in May this year. Aspiring musicians then simply have to upload their track and video back to the site where anyone can view and rate their efforts. The favourite track in each country will then win time in the studio with Universal Music, to lay down their track for real with the help of a professional production team. For more information visit www.xbox.com/music.

Richard Teversham, European Director of Platform and Marketing said “It’s amazing to have such a great band as the Scissor Sisters on board to help us launch the Xbox Soundtracks project and what they have created just shows how immersive next-generation high definition gaming on the Xbox 360. People have been creating music to games footage for a while now and it’s great to give them a platform and recognition for this.”

Tracks from more artists inspired by Xbox 360 games to create new music will be revealed on www.xbox.com over the upcoming months before bedroom DJs and garage bands across Europe get their chance to take part later this year.

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Technorati Tags: Press release - Scissor Sisters - Xbox - soundtracks

UPDATE FOR ALL FORZA FANS!

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 20:40:13 GMT

Brussels, 22^rd February, 2007 - Microsoft^® Game Studios today announced some exciting new features that will be included in “Forza Motorsport 2” when the game hits stores in May.

The first of which is a feature the team at Turn 10 has dubbed the Xbox Live Auction House. Although “Forza Motorsport 2” can be a highly competitive affair over Xbox Live, the developers at Turn 10 wanted to further stoke the passion of the racing community by giving them an in-game marketplace to show off their custom creations. Just head over to Forza Motorsport 2’s Online Auction House, where – on a global scale – players will be able to buy and sell (using in-game credits) and trade one-of-a-kind vehicles with other Forza fanatics. The Online Auction House will encourage fans to share their unique whips, or complete their car collection from our roster of over 300 must-have rides. With near limitless customization options, “Forza Motorsport 2” is sure to inspire the creativity of car tuners and painters alike. For more details on the Xbox Live Auction House, be sure to check out this week’s Pitpass Report on Forzamotorsport.net.

Also, as promised, we’re happy to bring you wave two of the highly anticipated and extensive “Forza Motorsport 2” cars list. Last week, we revealed models from top manufacturers Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati. This week, we bring you models from the rest of our European carmakers: Aston Martin, Jaguar, Bentley, Lotus, TVR, Saab, Volvo, McLaren, and more. Again, for the full list, cruise on over to Forzamotorsport.net.

Finally, we wanted to alert you that upon visiting forzamotorsport.net that you’ll notice a new look and feel to the site. The purpose of the redesign is to give consumers a more useful, easier to navigate extension of “Forza Motorsport 2’s” gameplay experience from on the web, as well as provide a destination for fans to socialize and talk shop about racing, tuning, design, or just games and car culture in general. For you, Forzamotorsport.net will also be the home of all the latest news, screenshots, and videos for the game. There’s a lot more to talk about with regards to “Forza Motorsport 2” and we’ll be covering new ground every Friday for our passionate community, as well as welcoming newcomers to the world of Forza.

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Technorati tags: Forza Motorsport 2, Microsoft, games, Xbox 360, cars