December 2007 - Posts
You may have noticed that the LIVE service has been having a few issues over the past few days. This includes things like signing in, matchmaking and account recovery. Not everyone has had problems, but I know some of you have and I wanted to give you and update. While the service was never completely offline, problems like this are not acceptable. The entire LIVE team has been working day and night to ensure that you can have a great LIVE experience. While we’re not done yet, I wanted to let you know that things are getting better each hour and that no one on the team is going anywhere until the job is done. Thanks for your patience.
Edit: As people have noticed, we have made good progress. We have a bit more work to do, but we’re doing much better now. I know some of you still may be having issues, and we’re working on those. Oh, and Happy New Year to those that are celebrating.
Kick off the New Year with Metal Slug 3 on Xbox LIVE Arcade. It will be available Wednesday, January 2, 2008 for 800 points.
Content: KUF:COD Playable Demo
Price: Free
Availability: Asia, Australia, Canada. Mexico, New Zealand, and US
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,SUGGESTIVE THEMES,VIOLENCE] Battle through 2 stages of Act 1 as Kendal or Leinhart with enhanced level and abilities against a unique set of monsters. Coming this Winter, Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom is a dark and twisted Action RPG filled with demented monsters to battle using nearly infinite combos of weapons, abilities and spells.
Size: 1.2 GB
Edit: I have confirmed that this demo is coming to European Xbox LIVE regions in mid-January, prior to the game shipping in those regions.
Typically, this is a slow week around the office as many folks are off for the Holidays and spending time with the Family. After a few days off from work, I have returned to the office to kick off my annual post-Christmas, pre-New Years ritual. It consists of a few things which revolve, for the most part, around tidying up and preparing for the new calendar year:
- Backing up my office computers (both my Dell and Mac) and preparing them for a reformat and reinstall of their OS’s to start the year off fresh
- This year I am installing Leopard on my office Mac, so let’s see how that goes. (I think I need more memory for it though.)
- My Windows machine will see Vista Enterprise and Office 2007 (no surprise there huh?)
- Burning all the 2007 shows onto DVD for back up
- Cleaning my office (mental note: way to many boxes and cables)
- A random trip to Fry’s with e to take advantage of any post Holiday bargains
- Organizing my games library which became slightly disorganized over the year
- Taking all of the holiday cards I got this year and copying names and addresses to my contacts file
- Preparing for CES as best I can, as there is no good way I have found to prepare for it…it just happens
- This year, I think I am going to build a WHS so I can start backing up my home media collection
Do you have any yearly customs that you perform between the Holidays to prepare yourself for the New Year?
There are only a few days left in voting for the Xbox 2007 Community Choice Awards over at Xbox.com. This is your chance let the editors at Xbox.com know what your top gaming choices are for 2007. Here are some of the categories:
Best Game
Best Game Add-on
Best New IP
Best Role-Playing Game
Best Racing Game
Best Family Game
Best Arcade Game
Best Sports Game
Best Co-op Game
Best Weapon
Best Vehicle
Best Xbox LIVE Event
Toughest Achievement
Coolest Xbox 360 Accessory
Best Sequel
Best Movie Download
Best TV Download
Best Game You May Have Missed
The voting is done directly in the Xbox forums and open to anyone with a Gamertag.
I have received a few questions as to why Xbox LIVE members under 18 cannot access game demos or trailers on Xbox LIVE. The answer lies with video game ratings organizations, like the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Game demos and trailers distributed over Xbox LIVE are considered advertising and in accordance with the ESRB’s Principles and Guidelines for Responsible Advertising Practices Xbox LIVE members under 18 do not have access to demos or trailers for a title rated M (Mature) or RP (Rating Pending.) ESRB Guidelines are industry wide and are not unique to Xbox LIVE. In other words, these are the rules that all online console stores, like the Wii Shop Channel and the Playstation Store, need to adhere to in order to in be in line with the ESRB’s Guidlines.
Content: SpongeBob Underpants!Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada & United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (EVERYONE) COMIC MISCHIEF, MILD CARTOON VIOLENCE] Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 2-4, Local Multiplayer 2-4, HD (High Definition). SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam! is a fast-paced, side-scrolling multiplayer slapstick collect ‘em-up set deep in the sea. A Royal Laundry shipment of Neptune, Lord of the Sea's undergarments, has been spread across the sea bottom by an incredibly powerful storm current! Neptune has called upon the commonfish to collect his lost undergarments and fix this ‘delicate’ situation. He’s offered a bounteous reward to the sea creature who collects the most bloomers! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/Live/accounts.
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles ( based on UU’s)
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty 4
3 Gears of War
4 Guitar Hero III
5 Burnout Paradise Demo
6 Assassin's Creed
7 Madden NFL 08
8 Mass Effect
9 Kane & Lynch (Demo)
10 Guitar Hero II
Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 Sensible World of Soccer
2 Arkadian Warriors
3 Tempest
4 Sonic The Hedgehog 2
5 UNO
6 Marble Blast Ultra
7 Bomberman LIVE
8 Bankshot Billiards 2
9 Worms
10 Geometry Wars Evolved
The arcade list is based on full versions purchased.
Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
4 Fable
5 Counter-Strike
6 Madden NFL 08
7 Call of Duty 3
8 Crimson Skies
9 Rainbow Six 3
10 Ghost Recon 2
These lists are based on global unique users connected to Xbox Live or in the case of Arcade, full versions purchased that week.
Content: "Song With a Mission"*
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: *"Song With a Mission" is a cover of a song made famous by The Sounds. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Move Along"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Move Along"--All-American Rejects. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Dirty Little Secret"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Dirty Little Secret"--All-American Rejects. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "The Kill"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "The Kill"--30 Seconds to Mars. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: "Attack"
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Canada and United States
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) MILD LYRICS,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Attack"--30 Seconds to Mars. PLEASE NOTE: Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
I just wanted to let you guys know that LIVE has been having some issues over the past few hours, specifically when trying to connect to the service. The Operations team is tracking the issue and is working on resolving it as quickly as possible.
When I get more details I will let you know.
Update: I just heard from the Operations team that they have tracked down the issue and addressed it. You should no longer be experiencing any issues. Thanks for your patience.
Update: (Friday, Dec. 28 @ 4:50p PT) Problems have resurfaced. The engineers are fully engaged and actively working on this. Again, we appreciate your patience. I am providing more frequent updates via Twitter.
Update: (Saturday, Dec 29 @ 3:15p PT) As you may have noticed, over the last few days we have experienced record numbers of new members signing up for Xbox Live and record numbers of players online. This has contributed to some Xbox Live consumers experiencing difficulties signing onto the service. Our engineering teams have been working as quickly as possible to remedy the situation and have already made a number of improvements to the service. We are continuing to monitor service levels around the clock to insure optimal performance. We appreciate your patience during this time period and thank you for their ongoing support of Xbox Live.
I am still providing regular updates via Twitter.
I am locking comments on this post since I have made a new one
If you are looking for a last minute gift idea, why not give the gift of Points? The Microsoft Points team made the little gadget below to do just that. Assuming your browser settings are properly configured, you should see a little Xbox LIVE points card logo below that when you click on it will pop open the Microsoft Points site to sign in with your Windows LIVE ID. Once you do that, it will return you to this page where you will see your current points balance. You can then click on it to to purchase additional points OR (and this is new) you can gift points to someone else. Currently, this is available for US accounts only. You do need to know the persons Windows LIVE ID for the gifting. I have asked the team to add the ability to gift points based on Gamertag, and they said they'll work on that for the future, but for now…you'll need to know the recipients Windows LIVE ID. Anyway, I thought you guys may want to try if you have someone on your list you want to send some Points to this Holiday season.
Edit: Added that it is US only for now.
In addition to the PvP theme, I thought it would be good to point out that there are six
free BioShock HD video strategy guides now available on the Marketplace. Edit: this are now 50 points each. Not sure what happend, I’ll see if I can find out.
Theme
Title: Blind Ferret Entertainment
Content: PvP Theme 2
Price: 150 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: The 2nd Theme from Player vs. Player! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Video
Title: BradyGames Strategy
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 6 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Achievements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 5 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Achievements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 4 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Acheivements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 3 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Achievements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 2 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Achievements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Content: Bioshock Audio Diary Locations Part 1 Video HD
Price: 50 Points
Availability: Not availabla in India
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE) Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language] BradyGames brings you Audio Diary Location videos for Bioshock. Locate the Audio Diaries hidden throughout the game to unlock Acheivements. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
It is short sweet and to the point. It’s good to see our good friend the Companion Cube with a Santa hat on, as well as the Holiday (Fruit?) cake.
If you have any links to any other game related online greeting cards, feel free to link to them in the comments.
If you downloaded a version prior to today, please delete that version from your storage device and redownload it (at no charge if you purchased it.) Here is my original post on the game
Thanks again for your patience while this was sorted out. Have a great Holiday.
(How happy am I to not have this post in my Drafts folder any longer)
You can slam your underpants starting next Wednesday for 800 points.
[Game details on Xbox.com]
Content: Dark Messiah: Elements DEMO
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD,INTENSE VIOLENCE,PARTIAL NUDITY] Play Dark Messiah Elements Xbox360 Exclusive DEMO with Single Player and Multiplayer campaigns.
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