Starting today, Xbox LIVE Gold members in the U.S. that are also Time Warner Cable and Bright House customers will be able to access their favorite HBO content on their console.
HBO GO on Xbox 360 includes the entire HBO catalogue of live and on demand original content – that means every episode of every show, from the latest hits like “Game of Thrones,” to older favorites like “The Sopranos.” With Kinect, you can voice search the entire HBO catalogue.
We’re excited Xbox owners that are Time Warner Cable and Bright House subscribers will have access to even more of the entertainment they want, all in one place.
Today, MLB.TV Premium on Xbox LIVE will be available in 18 new countries around the world, in addition to the U.S., Canada and Mexico (where the app launched on March 27). Here is the full list of countries where the app is now available:
Australia
Brazil
Canada (launched March 27)
Chile
Colombia
Czech Republic
France
Germany
India
Ireland
Italy
Mexico (launched March 27)
Netherlands
New Zealand
Poland
Russian Federation
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States (launched March 27)
MLB.TV Premium on Xbox LIVE transforms sports entertainment by providing live and on demand games in HD, coupled with exclusive personalization features only found on Xbox 360 – jump between the action via the Mini Guide and watch two games at once with Split Screen. International audiences are able to watch every regular season Major League Baseball game without blackout restrictions. With Kinect, you can pause and rewind live games and highlights using just your voice and motion controls.
In addition, today the CinemaNow app in the U.S. will be offer instant access to an extensive library of premium video content for rental and purchase, featuring new release movies and TV shows with no subscription required.
*MLB.TV Premium Subscription, along with an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership, is required for live and on-demand game content and other features. Kinect functionality available with select Xbox LIVE content and varies by feature and country. For additional details and availability, see http://www.xbox.com/live.
Today Spike TV announced that they’ll be carrying our 90-minute E3 Briefing ‘Xbox: Entertainment Evolved’ LIVE from LA next month. Tune in to Spike TV on Monday, June 4th at 12:30p ET/ 9:30a PT to catch all the news .
In addition, for the first time ever you’ll be able to watch the event on Xbox LIVE.
In the last 10 years, Xbox LIVE has transformed in so many amazing ways, and as a community we’ve experienced so much together. I’ve personally witnessed many changes that have helped Xbox LIVE improve and together with our members we’ve created a community we all value and rely on.
At Xbox, we are focused on making entertainment and gaming more amazing, and we must continue to invest our resources and talents wisely. Consequently, we’ve decided to discontinue production of Inside Xbox in the United States, and as a result this content will also no longer be available in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Xbox LIVE in EMEA is currently looking at its operating model for Inside Xbox. This could potentially result in some changes, but we have no news here to share yet. Xbox LIVE in Mexico and Japan will continue to produce first-party content for its members via other media outside of the Inside Xbox brand.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to all of our viewers and fans of Inside Xbox, and remain committed to providing our members with access to high-quality news and information via the console, social media channels and Xbox.com. We will be leveraging third-party news and video content available through a variety of existing and future partners, and supplementing this content with select first-party offerings. However, day-to-day news content and weekly programming currently offered though Inside Xbox will cease production in the United States. This includes shows like Major’s Minute, Featured Videos and Insider Moves packaged under the Inside Xbox brand.
This decision was not made lightly. Our teams working on Inside Xbox have done a great job connecting with our members and delivering high-quality, informative game news and tips. We thank them all for their contributions to the Xbox LIVE community and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Update: I posted this in the comments, but a few folks have missed it: I will continue to do the work I have always done, that part will not change. The weekly videos that I used to do with Inside Xbox will unfortunately not continue. I hope that clears things up.
Update on Europe:
Following the news last week that that Inside Xbox in the US was to cease production, the team in Europe has been investigating what makes most sense for them and the Xbox LIVE community as they continue to strive to deliver the latest gaming and entertainment news for users across the region.
As such, they have decided to move away from the current first-party produced content model and transition to a third-party content model, which will provide timely and locally-relevant content to users across more of the EMEA markets. Whilst this means that the Inside Xbox brand will effectively be retired in Europe, the focus remains on continuing to provide the Xbox LIVE community with the latest and best in games and entertainment news and information.
Today, IGN launched on Xbox LIVE bringing customized entertainment designed specifically for the gaming community by IGN Entertainment. The IGN app is available to Xbox LIVE Gold* members in the U.S., and includes the following features:
Game previews, reviews, guides and gameplay videos.
‘Instant access’ to game help walkthroughs and IGN’s extensive catalog of popular shows, including “The Daily Fix,” “Strategize,” “Weekly ‘Wood” and more.
Live streams of eSports events and content from the IGN Pro League, as well as inside access to events like E3.
Movie reviews and exclusive trailers.
Facebook sharing through Xbox LIVE.
*Xbox LIVE Gold membership and/or additional subscriptions/fees may be required. Kinect functionality available with select Xbox LIVE content and varies by feature and country. For additional details and availability, see http://www.xbox.com/live.
The Madden 13 Cover Vote is this week (you did vote…right?) and my friends at EA have sent me some cool autographed shirts to give away to celebrate the fun. I’ve got two autographed jerseys to give away: One from Rob Gronkowski and the other from Darrelle Revis. How do you win one? Keep reading:
Here is the scenario:
It’s 4th and Goal from the 9 yard line with 3 seconds left in the game. Gronk is matched up with Revis Island, what happens?
Now it’s up to you to tell me in the comments below what happens next. Also, don’t forget to tell me which jersey you want to win. PLUS: each winner will also snag a copy of Madden NFL 13 when it comes out later this year.
From all those that enter, I’ll choose 2 random winners (one for each jersey/copy of the game) from the comments below and notify them via email/DM by this Friday at 3p ET/12n PT. One entry per person please.
Get your hands on the all new Ghost Recon Future Soldier with the multiplayer Beta. It will give you a first glimpse at the multiplayer aspect of Ghost Recon Future Soldier, and let you play with, and compete against, your friends online.
How do you win? In the comments below let me know what your favorite Ghost Recon game has been (on any platform) over the past 11-years.
If you haven’t had the chance to check out the latest entertainment apps on Xbox 360, now is a great time because Xbox is unlocking their Xbox LIVE subscription service from Thursday, April 19 through Monday, April 23 – no Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for this time. Through this special promotion, anybody with an Xbox will be able to use and enjoy all of the customized entertainment app experiences featured on the Xbox LIVE service.1
In addition: Hulu Plus2, Netflix3 and EPIX4 will also offer free trials to new users as part of this promotion to Xbox owners in the U.S. from Thursday, April 19 through Monday, April 23. So head on over to Xbox LIVE to watch your favorite TV shows and movies from Hulu Plus, Netflix and EPIX – no Xbox LIVE Gold membership or service subscriptions required.
List of apps that are unlocked by region will vary, so check your Xbox 360 dashboard in your region for specific details. For example, here is a list of apps that will be unlocked in the U.S.: • CinemaNow • Crackle • Dailymotion • EPIX4 • ESPN • HBO GO • Hulu Plus2 • iHeartRadio • Last.fm • MSN • Netflix3 • Syfy • TMZ • TODAY • UFC • Verizon • VEVO • Vudu • Xfinity TV on Demand • YouTube
For a full list of worldwide apps unlocked1 for this promotion and for more information, please visit www.xbox.com/EntertainmentUnlocked.
Fine Print: 1No Xbox LIVE Gold membership required. Subscriptions/fees may be required. 2Customers who attempt to access Hulu Plus, will actually receive a 1 month free trial. 3 Netflix will only be “unlocked” or free for customers who have not previously used Netflix’s one month free trial. Content will be free to new customers only. 4 Subject to TV provider restrictions. Multi-player gaming will not be unlocked in this promotion
Later this month, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be getting a free update that will include Kinect support. The Kinect integration will feature 200+ voice commands that can be used throughout the game. Watch the above video for more details or head over to www.elderscrolls.com
Good news for Xbox LIVE Gold members and Netflix subscribers. Next time you access the app through Xbox LIVE, you’ll enjoy the following new features:
Skip Forward/Skip Back allows you to move through movies quickly and between TV episodes easily. And with Kinect, just use your voice or the wave of your hand to activate this function.
Zoom function lets you enlarge letterboxed video content to full screen.
Better color contrast makes content more vivid and black levels darker.
Single sign on with cloud profile makes it easier to access your Netflix account on another Xbox, wherever you are.
Also, for all members in Canada, Latin America, the UK and Ireland, you can now share TV shows and movies and discover what your friends are watching and rating too. Just connect your Netflix account to Facebook and you’re set.
Don’t have Netflix? You can easily download the application from Xbox LIVE Marketplace on your console today to begin enjoying movies and TV shows instantly.
Starting early next week, Xbox LIVE Gold members who are also Xfinity customers will be able to access their favorite HBO content on their console. Enjoy access to the HBOGO app on Xbox LIVE in addition to the HBO programming already available through Xfinity TV on Xbox 360.
To access HBOGO on Xbox 360, you can use the same username and password that you use for Xfinity TV on Xbox 360. We’re excited Xbox owners will have access to even more of the entertainment they want, all in one place. Head to Comcast’s blog for more details
The controllers will have an estimated retail price of US $54.99 each and will be available mid-May. Color availability will vary by region, so please check your local retailer for specific information or visit xbox.com/accessories for more details.
Today we’re announcing that Phil Harrison is joining Microsoft to help grow our efforts in Europe. Full text of the press release is below, but please join me in welcoming Phil to the Xbox family.
REDMOND, Wash. — March 13, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Phil Harrison, video games luminary and former Sony executive, has joined the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) leadership team as corporate vice president with an emphasis on growing the division’s European business.
As the senior IEB leader in Europe, Phil will not only lead the Microsoft Studios European organization directly, but will also influence the broader performance of IEB’s European business through strategic partnerships and by bringing culturally relevant entertainment experiences to Microsoft platforms, now and in the future.
In addition to the wealth of experience Harrison has in the console gaming space, he has immersed himself in new business models and technologies, particularly in the mobile and social space and will bring that market perspective to bear in the new role. He will also tap his deep experience in studio leadership to grow Xbox’s development efforts in Europe, including overseeing UK-based developers Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions and Rare Ltd.
"I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry,” said Harrison. “I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed."
“We are honored to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president at Microsoft Studios. “Phil is one of video gaming’s true visionaries, and his experience overseeing global studios and deep industry relationships make him the ideal person to lead our European efforts. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing cultivating the best talent and growing our business in the region.”
“Phil has played an instrumental role in shaping modern console history through his keen insights into both hardware and software strategy,” said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business. “His addition to our leadership team will impact our global business in innumerable ways, as he aligns our studio development and growing portfolio of entertainment experiences in Europe to drive our continued growth worldwide.”
Harrison brings 25 years of games industry and development experience to his new role as the senior leader for IEB Europe. He was a long-time leader at Sony Computer Entertainment, where he held various senior executive positions within the company, most recently as president of Worldwide Studios. After leaving Sony, Harrison joined the board of Infogrames, as president of Atari, where he led the company’s transition into online gaming. Most recently, Harrison is co-founder and General Partner of London Venture Partners, LLP the venture capital firm focused on the web, mobile, social and cloud game sector, where he will continue as Special Advisor.
Starting next month (April 2012) all new Xbox LIVE Arcade games will have the option to increase from 200 to 400 Gamerscore points, with the addition of up to 30 Achievements. Even better, this Gamerscore increase will be required in all new Xbox LIVE Arcade games starting in June 2012.
Regardless if you plan on playing Mass Effect as a male of female Commander Shepard, BioWare has you taken care of. If you have the standard edition of Mass Effect 3, be sure to check out the reversible cover so you can match your game cover to your in game character – if that’s your thing.
If you have Kinect, here is a handy PDF that gives you some tips on how to you voice commands in Mass Effect 3. Feel free to post in the comments and let me know what you think of the Kinect integration with the game once you’ve had a chance to play a few missions with it.
Coming October 30th and taking place during the American Revolutionary War and introduces a new hero, Ratohnaké:ton, of Native American and English heritage.
Last week in San Francisco, we held a special media event to show off some upcoming Xbox 360, Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone titles. Keep any eye on the Inside Xbox channel on the Xbox 360 dashboard for the video coverage that will go up later today. Until then, here are some of the highlights from the press release:
Xbox 360
“Halo 4” (343 Industries) – Get an exciting first look at this year’s most anticipated blockbuster, “Halo 4,” through a behind-the-scenes video on HaloWaypoint.com. Launching worldwide this Holiday, “Halo 4” takes the iconic franchise in a bold new direction with the return of Master Chief, and the beginning of a new saga.
“Forza Horizon” (Playground Games) – “Forza Horizon” is a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play racing game and the newest entry in the Forza Motorsport franchise. Available this Fall, the game is being created in partnership with acclaimed racing development studio Playground Games.
“Forza Motorsport 4” (Turn 10 Studios) – Available this Spring, the Porsche Expansion Pack for “Forza Motorsport 4” will contain 30 modern and classic Porsche vehicles fromthe iconic German manufacturer, seven of which are new to the “Forza” franchise.
“Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” (Slant Six Games, Capcom) – Program the Nemesis and unleash devastating attacks on your opposing squad in an exclusive fifth online competitive multiplayer versus battle available only for Xbox 360.
“Gears of War 3” (Epic Games) – The curb-stomping fun continues with the release of the “Forces of Nature” map pack for “Gears of War 3” on March 27. Included in the game’s Season Pass or available for 800 Microsoft Points, “Forces of Nature” will feature five maps, new characters, new weapon skins and a 250 Gamescore. Also, starting March 27, “Gears of War 3” will be available through Games on Demand.
“Dragon’s Dogma” (Capcom) – Explore the woodlands surrounding a collapsed fortress and battle against its fearsome inhabitants, including a monstrous Cyclops, a vicious Chimera and a savage Drake Dragon. Additionally, purchasers of the Xbox 360 version of “Dragon’s Dogma” will be able to redeem a token and download the “Resident Evil 6” demo globally on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace 60 days earlier than on any other platform, starting July 3.
“Darksiders II” (THQ/Vigil Games) – Explore non-playable character gameplay interaction with exclusive fiction reveals from the vast Makers Realm in “Darksiders II.” Fans who pre-order the game will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Limited Edition, or can pick up the Collector’s Edition.
Kinect on Xbox 360
“Fable: The Journey” (Lionhead Studios) – From the creative geniuses at Lionhead, “Fable: The Journey” is a whole new way to experience the deep storyline, heart-pounding action and picturesque world of Albion. “Fable: The Journey” launches this Fall on Kinect for Xbox 360.
“Mass Effect 3” (BioWare, Electronic Arts) – Step into the role of Commander Shepard and use voice controls to direct squad mates during battle and command weapon selection to quickly engage in combat. “Mass Effect 3” supports dozens of commands to interact with the world and the characters, without pausing the action.
“Kinect Star Wars” (Microsoft Studios) – In “Kinect Star Wars,” available April 3, Star Wars fans can physically hone their Jedi skills, wield the power of the Force in their hands, pilot iconic ships and vehicles, rampage as a vicious rancor monster and dance with iconic Star Wars characters.
“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13” (Electronic Arts) – Featuring a more immersive Masters Tournament experience as well as Kinect for Xbox 360 integration, the world’s number one golf video game is back with “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13.”
“Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor” (Capcom) – Launching on June 19, fight side by side with your comrades and retake Manhattan Beach from the enemy. Defend your infantry and blast every VT that crosses your path!
“Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” (Microsoft Studios) – Pixar fans will be able to scan themselves into an avatar based on their favorite character from Disney•Pixar’s "Up" and venture into the vast interior of the Spirit of Adventure. Players will also team up with characters from “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Cars” and “Toy Story” to solve puzzles and uncover secrets.
“Dance Central 2” (Harmonix)– Experience new add-on songs from electro-pop sensations LMFAO, including their hit single “Party Rock”.
“Kinect Sports: Season Two” (Rare Studios, Big Park) – Launching worldwide on April 3, the all-new basketball game add-on content puts players’ basketball skills to the test by shooting, passing, and scoring with the new activities.
Xbox LIVE Arcade
“Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” (4J Studios, Mojang) – Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in Spring 2012, “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” brings the global PC phenomenon to gamers for the first time on any console platform.
“Wreckateer” (Iron Galaxy) – “Wreckateer” uses Kinect for Xbox 360 to put players in control of a massive castle-wrecking ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, players can travel the land and destroy 60 castles infested with goblins using six magical projectiles.
“Fable Heroes” (Lionhead Studios) –“Fable Heroes” delivers a fresh spin on the “Fable” franchise with an action-packed hack-and-slash adventure on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
“Trials Evolution” (RedLynx/Ubisoft) – Coming soon are new “Trials Evolution” maps in the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning “Trials HD.”
“Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD” (Robomodo, Activision) – Activision’s “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD” for Xbox LIVE Arcade takes the best elements of “Tony Hawk Pro Skater” and “Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2” and upgrades them with sharp visuals and fresh content.
“South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge” (South Park Digital Studios, Other Ocean Interactive) – Scott Tenorman is back and he wants revenge! Play multiplayer with Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny to take on Tenorman and his army of Ginger robots before they destroy South Park!
“Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (Hidden Path Entertainment, Valve) – The all-new “Demolition” mode in “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” delivers a fast-paced game experience made up of tight small maps to get into the action quickly.
“Quantum Conundrum” (Airtight Games, Square Enix) – Enter a new dimension – the heavy dimension – in the latest environment-bending feature in the quirky, first-person puzzle game “Quantum Conundrum” from Square Enix and Airtight Games.
“Bloodforge” (Climax Studios) – “Bloodforge” combines devastating melee, ranged and magical attacks to deliver a fast-paced, bloodthirsty, brutal combat experience available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
“Deadlight” (Tequila Works) – “Deadlight,” a brand new experience for Xbox LIVE Arcade, is a narrative-driven puzzle platformer set in the post-apocalyptic 80s devastated by a zombie epidemic.
“Diabolical Pitch” (Grasshopper Manufacture) – Available beginning April 4, Kinect for Xbox 360 turns living rooms into playing fields and the “Diabolical Pitch” is the main attraction.
“Joe Danger: The Movie” (Hello Games) – Race jetpacks against hoverboards and skis against skidoos in all-new multiplayer modes in “Joe Danger: The Movie.”
Xbox 360 Hardware
Xbox 360 Kinect Family Bundle – The Xbox 360 Kinect Family Bundle features everything a family needs to get started playing together. Available globally beginning February 28 for $299, the bundle includes a limited edition all-white Xbox 360 4GB console, white Kinect sensor, white Xbox 360 wireless controller, “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Adventures,” and a three month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold—the complete Xbox 360 experience.
“Microsoft Flight” (Microsoft Studios) – Available to download for free at www.MicrosoftFlight.com, “Microsoft Flight” is a new Windows PC game that lets players jump into the thrill of flight with no special hardware or past experience. This Spring, fans will be able to purchase the Journey to Alaska Pack, the second in a series of expansion packs for the game with over 1.2 million square miles of captivating scenery, additional missions and new aircraft.
“Carcassone” (Microsoft Studios) –The award-winning tile-based board game “Carcassonne” is coming to Windows Phone! With the online multiplayer, Xbox LIVE achievements, leaderboards and more, this game never gets old.
“Civilization Revolution” (2K) – Award winning Sid Meier’s “Civilization Revolution” is coming to Windows Phone! Build, Discover, Rule the world.
“DODONPACHI” (CAVE)– An original shooter by Arcade veteran CAVE is arriving for Windows Phone. Can you handle EVAC Industries’ Maximum Bullet Simulator.
“GeoDefense Swarm” (Microsoft Studios) –The fast-paced tower defense game “GeoDefense Swarm” for Windows Phone gives the power to obliterate a horde of vibrant, vector-styled enemies with multiple weapons of choice.
“Gerbil Physics” (Microsoft Studios) – In “Gerbil Physics,” a physics-based puzzle game that blows up buildings made of gerbils for Windows Phone, it’s all about adorable destruction.
“Pinball FX2” (Microsoft Studios) – “Pinball FX2” for Windows Phone features new tables and all-new features including a state-of-the-art physics model and a connection to your Xbox 360 “Pinball FX2” scores.
“Pirates!” – Available now on Windows Phone, Sid Meier’s “Pirates!” is an exciting high-seas adventure overflowing with intense pirate action and a treasure chest of gameplay riches!
“Pro Evolution Soccer 2012” (Konami) – This spring, the unrivalled and award-winning football simulation from Konami is entering a new season on Windows Phone!
“Shoot 1UP!” (Microsoft Studios) –This Spring, an armada of ships is coming to Windows Phone in “Shoot 1UP.”
“Wordament” (Microsoft Studios) – In the world of “Wordament” for Xbox LIVE, Windows Phone word searchers across the whole Internet compete on the same board, in real-time, to get the highest score.
Last month we tried a Hangout On Air and we now have out next one on the schedule. In lieu of a podcast this week, were going to do video! Join us Monday, March 5th at 10p ET/7p PT (What time is this in your time zone) where we’ll talk about what we’re playing, take some questions and generally waste your time for about an hour. Once we are live, I’ll post a link on Twitter or you can just add me to circle and you’ll see the Hangout pop up in your feed.
Today we are announcing the Xbox 360 Special Edition 4GB Kinect Family Bundle. This limited edition bundle includes a glossy white Xbox 360 4GB console, glossy white Kinect sensor, white Xbox 360 wireless controller and a copy of two of the most popular Kinect tiles: Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures as well as a three month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold and will be available while supplies last for US $ 299.99.
Both the controller and the white Bundle begin shipping today to retailers in the US & around the world starting today, and will be available in Europe and Brazil in the next few months.
