February 2005 - Posts
Last week
I posted about the cool new Major Nelson .com headsets that Plantronics sent me to give away to the community. Well, after going through the over 300 emails I got, I found some real gems.
Congratulations to all of the the winners...and thanks for the amazing amount of email I got! If you did NOT win...don't worry, I have plenty more to give away soon, in various ways :)
Here they are in no specific order. If you were one of the lucky winners, keep an eye on your email box for instructions on how to get your headset.
From Rocker23:
From Jeremy:
From Sonicfreak:
And a favorite of the entire Xbox team from The Rebel7642:
And this one from Josh...who actually will get TWO headsets since he was so creative. (hey it's my contest...I can do what I want)
Again, thanks to all that entered!
Topics discussed:
Thursdays announcement
Games out this week
MajorNelson.com headset contest
Update on friends list on My Live and MSN Messenger
GDC
And much more...
Major Nelson Radio Episode 8 in MP3 Format 11:49 (2.71Mb)
Topics discussed:
Thursdays announcement
Games out this week
MajorNelson.com headset contest
Update on friends list on My Live and MSN Messenger
GDC
And much more...
Major Nelson Radio Episode 8 in WMA Format 11:49 (2.82Mb)
I just realized I forgot to post this on Friday..
1 Halo 2
2 Tom Clancy`s Ghost Recon 2
3 Rainbow Six: Black Arrow
4 Madden NFL 2005
5 Counter-Strike
6 ESPN NFL 2K5
7 MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf
8 Project Gotham Racing 2
9 Rainbow Six 3
10 ESPN NBA 2K5
11 MVP Baseball 2005
12 Dead or Alive Ultimate
13 Need for Speed: Underground 2
14 Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
15 Pro Evolution Soccer 4
16 NBA Live 2005
17 Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
18 World Championship Poker
19 Greg Hastings` Tournament Paintball
20 Unreal Championship 2 Live Demo
21 Star Wars: Battlefront
22 FIFA 2005
23 Burnout 3
24 Call of Duty: Finest Hour
25 Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
I am thinking of putting my blogcasts up on BitTorrent. Anyone know how to do that? Drop me a line.
Wow...that was fast for a Saturday!
Thanks to readers Will and Mark who both sent me the screenshots I was looking for (see below story.) You guys are the best.
Here are the images. Yea, if I was Sony, I'd be pretty ticked off if my arch rival was getting some free national exposure like this..right next to one of my executives. Ahhh.. don't you love competition!
Yea...both Will and Mark scored MajorNelson headsets for completing this task ;)
Did anyone see this last week? I have been getting a lot of mail from people who saw Gran Turismo 4 on the show (following the Xbox appearance on the show last season.) I guess there is a part where there is a meeting with Sony execs, with a big Samsung logo right behind the Sony exec. It's right at the beginning of the show...does anyone have a screen shot they can
send me and I can post it? In case you were wondering, Sony and Samsung are fierce competitors. It would be like J Allard having a Ps2 logo behind him during an interview?.you get the idea. I am sure some Sony marketing exec is now looking for work after that blunder. (I am not going for the cheap and easy "you're fired" joke on this one.)
Here is your task: Find the 2/24 ?oThe Apprentice? episode, and send me the screen shot with the Sony exec standing in front of the Samsung logo.
I just finalized it...I am going to attend the Game Developers Conference in two weeks in San Francisco. What's that mean to you? It means I'll be able to post all the cool things I see here on this blog. I am also going to to a blogcast from down there, so now would be a good time to subscribe to my blogcasts so you don't miss anything.
Subscribe to the Mp3 version of my blogcast :
http://feeds.feedburner.com/MajorNelsonblogcast Subscribe to the WMA version of my blogcast:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/MajorNelsonblogcast-wma
Check this press release out.
Read it.
Good....Now read it again.
Cool huh?
[begin press release]
Video Game Legend Hironobu Sakaguchi Joins Microsoft Game Studios as a Developer for Next-Generation Xbox PlatformFather of ?oFinal Fantasy? Series and AIAS Hall of Fame Inductee Will Develop Role-Playing GamesREDMOND, Wash. ?" Feb. 24, 2005 ?" Microsoft Corp. today announced that Hironobu Sakaguchi, video game legend and president of Mistwalker game studio, has joined with Microsoft® Game Studios to develop role-playing game (RPG) video games exclusively for the next-generation Xbox® video game platform. Sakaguchi is best known as the creator of the ?oFinal Fantasy? franchise, which has sold more than 60 million units worldwide, and was executive vice president in charge of game development at Square Enix Co., Ltd. until February 2001.
Citing a shared vision with Microsoft for the next generation of video games, Sakaguchi will lead the creation of two upcoming Xbox-exclusive RPG titles to be published by Microsoft Game Studios.
?oSakaguchi-san has taken role-playing games ?" traditionally a niche market ?" and introduced them to a broad and diverse audience across the globe,? said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing at Microsoft. ?oWe are ecstatic to work with Sakaguchi-san and celebrate what this news means not only for Xbox, but for gamers worldwide.?
?oI'm excited about the two epic game titles we will be developing,? Sakaguchi said. ?oA number of talented creators have signed on to help develop these games, and I'm confident we will be able to create games that provide gamers with a new kind of thrill.
?oMicrosoft's cutting-edge technologies in the next-generation platform will allow me to bring to life an array of ideas that I have had for many years,? Sakaguchi said. ?oI want these games to be alive with a new vision for gaming and vividly depict new characters that will transcend the game, find a place in the hearts of gamers, and make time spent with my games a fond and long-lasting memory.?
Sakaguchi started his career at Square Co. Ltd. in 1986 as director of planning and development. He was promoted to executive vice president in 1991 and eventually ascended to president of Square LA Inc. (now Square USA Inc.) in 1995. In 2000, Sakaguchi was inducted into the coveted Academy of Interactive Arts & Science (AIAS) Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking work on the ?oFinal Fantasy? series. In 2004, Sakaguchi announced that he had started his own development studio, called Mistwalker.
Xbox is coming off a blockbuster year as the only video game console to show year-to-year growth in 2004, while competitors declined*. Driven by epic, platform-exclusive content ?" including ?oHalo® 2? by Microsoft Game Studios, ?oFable? by Microsoft Game Studios., ?oNinja Gaiden? by Tecmo Ltd., and Xbox Live", the only unified online video game console service ?" gamers worldwide continue to flock to Xbox for an unparalleled digital entertainment experience.
About Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The tag line, ?oIt's good to play together,? captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
The cool cats over at Gamertag.com just hit a major milestone- they just passed 50k members! In case you don't know, this is a user created database of Xbox Live members and their interests. Check it out.
Here are the details they sent over:
Gamertag.com celebrates it's 50,000th member and announces that all Xbox Live users should ?oGather and Game!? With a beta test of the new free Halo 2 technology that will soon make Halo 2 and Gamertag.com linked forever!
Gamertag.com is the largest and most respected Xbox Live community site on the web, hosting a worldwide and searchable database of gamertags accented with locations, personal information and photographs! Gamertag.com also provides weekly gaming events, community gatherings and Xbox Live tournaments! Gamertag.com features are free to anyone with an Xbox Live account.
?oGamertag.com is, and will always be free for our users. We're simply here to enhance your Xbox Live experience. If you take your gaming way too seriously or do it just to relax, we have a place for you.? ?" Cynn Smith, Owner of Gamertag.com
Gamertag.com is proud to be the launch point for the new and amazing projects from the g33x team! These tools will allow gamers to view and share their Halo 2 stats updated in real time right from their Gamertag.com profile. Users will also be able to form clans and set up their own tournaments with results delivered to them right from their Gamertag.com account! The best part is, this is only the first game that these new permanent additions will support!
These features and more are being beta tested with the Gamertag.com community right now! To get into the first wave, make a Gamertag.com account and join (here)!
Some cool features in 2005 include:
-ACC tools (Advanced Community Communication) including XBL game challenges, XBL tournament challenges, Clash tournament challenges, friend list grouping allowing gamers to ally with the Community Gaming Night program, Clash tournaments, Clans and more, creating better search conditions for your perfect teammate or rival!
-Clan tools that will allow you to create a clan, invite members, communicate with them on a large scale and chronicle your winning streak right on site with live stat feeds for select games! Clans can set up tournaments, chat rooms, and chat in private forums to plan their next attack.
?oWe provide a great set of tools for all your gaming needs. But most importantly, we provide a top notch community of people. Want the best? Join the best!? ?" Brandon Chamness, Director of Operations,Gamertag.com
Gamertag.com forges full steam ahead in 2005 and invites everyone to join them! Gather and Game!
This press release just went out this morning:
\paste press release\
Xbox Live Gamers to Race with NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch It's time for Xbox® gamers to rev up their engines and get ready to take on NASCAR driver Kyle Busch in the latest Xbox Live" "Game with Fame" event. Busch will challenge racing fans in Electronic Arts' racing game, NASCAR® 2005: Chase for the Cup", on Wednesday, March 2 from 2-3 p.m. EST. Players looking to chase the checkered flag with Kyle Busch, a NASCAR Nextel® Cup Series Rookie of the Year candidate, should watch for the Gamertag ?oKB5Grrreeat? and head to the official "Game with Fame" site (http://www.xbox.com/gamewithfame) for more details.
NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup challenges you to battle through a groundbreaking new story mode to achieve NASCAR stardom. Start from humble beginnings by earning NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck and Featherlite Modified series rides before grabbing million-dollar purses in the NEXTEL Cup Series. Develop your racing skills and intimidate your rivals on the track with all-new controls. Off the track, force the action with post-race confrontations and settle disputes by racing America's top production cars through city streets. Fans react to the drama, idolizing both NASCAR heroes and villains, while owners and sponsors recognize talent and reward success. It's up to you to show 'em what you've got. For more information please visit http://www.easports.com/games/nascar2005/.
Xbox Live's "Game with Fame" gives game fans the opportunity to play on Xbox Live against some of today's hottest stars. Past "Game with Fame" celebrity players include The Strokes, Hoobastank and Buffalo Bills' Running Back Willis McGahee. For further information on other Xbox Live events, be sure to visit the "Game with Fame" Web site at http://www.xbox.com/gamewithfame.
A new frontier in imagination and extraordinary interaction, no one else offers the richness of online gameplay found on Xbox Live. The world's only unified global online console games service, Xbox Live is continuously innovating to provide members with unparalleled experiences. This unique service unites gamers together in a dynamic community where they can experience the best online games, exclusive programming and continuous downloadable content. Xbox Live launched in the United States in November 2002 and is available in 24 countries. Please visit http://www.xbox.com/live for more information.
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful games experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy
To follow up on the wildly successful 'Myster Gamer' idea...we are launching a new feature called 'Guest Gamer.' This program will allow you to play various semi-famous people in the biz. The first one is coming up this week. Details at the link below
Link
I am not sure if people know this, but Xbox Live has a free certification program for router manufactures. We have a team here that will test routers in our connectivity lab to ensure that they'll work out of the box with Xbox Live. We then work with the manufactures to make sure everything ?~just works.? We do all the testing...all you need to do is look for this logo on your router :
When you see that, you'll know you can spend more time playing Halo 2 (or whatever game flips your switch) and less time tinkering with your routers ports etc.
You can read about the
certification program here.
Anyway, I spoke to that team, and they are going to let me know when new routers are certified, so I can let you guys know as well (in addition to updating the page on Xbox.com)
So, two new (Dlink) routers that just got approved are:
DLink DGL 4100 with firmware version 1.2
DLink DGL 4300 with firmware version 1.2
Product details are here? http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=371
(and as a bonus, those routers are Xbox black!)
The guys at Plantronics are great. They make great stuff (like the Halo 2 headset...AND the regular Xbox Live headset that comes in the starter kit) and they are really nice people. Well they out did themselves this time. I came back from vacation to open my office door to this :
Look closley. Yup..that says "
Xbox Major Nelson headset."
My own headsets to give away to the Xbox Live community!
That's right, no domestic stuff here. These are high end imported headsets. Direct from China it's the very special, very limited edition Major Nelson headsets!
Here are some photos of these bad boys:
Yea, they look good
Note the rich faux corinthin leather detailing around the headband.
Not one, but TWO full earpieces. They cover your ears completey AND they can double as ear muffs if your gaming room is cold.
If these headsets were a car, they'd be a Lexus.
I am sure you are wondering...'just how do I get my hands one of these?" As you can see I have a BUNCH to give away...the first way I am going to do it is simple: Send me a photo of your current headset, along with a reason why YOU should have your own MN headset. Send me a digital photo and your plea for headset to
Major@Xbox.com Then I'll pull a winner. Don't worry...I'll be doing a lot more contests so they'll be plenty of chances to win these ultra comfy headsets.
Thanks Plantronics...you guys are the
best!
Edit: PLEASE don't send attachments that are over 500k! Many of you have sent 2, 3 and 4 MB attachments and they are filling up my inbox. No need to resend, but if you have not sent any photos yet?PLEASE make sure they are less then 500k. No, please don't send MULITPLE emails with different photos attached. One email, with the total attachment(s) less then 500k.
Here is this weeks blogcast.
Some of the things in this blogcast:
Xbox Powercord replacement program
Events this week
World of Warcraft
New games I have played this week
GDC
And much more...
Major Nelson Radio Episode 7 in WMA Format 11:25 (2.73Mb)
Here is this weeks blogcast.
Some of the things in this blogcast:
Xbox Powercord replacement program
Events this week
World of Warcraft
New games I have played this week
GDC
And much more...
Major Nelson Radio Episode 7 in MP3 Format 11:25 (3.92Mb)
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