Tag Archives: xbox wire

Xbox One

Halo: The Master Chief Collection goes Golden

halo master chief collection

Dan Ayoub Studio Head from the Halo External Development team  at 343 Industries today headed over to Xbox Wire to post an updated on Halo: The Master Chief Collection. We’ve summarised some of the key points or you can read the full post below.

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection has gone gold and is now available for Pre-Order & Pre-Download today.
  • November 11th remains the release date for the US and majority of other territories. However delays are to be expected in Belgium, France and Japan.
  • The 45GB Blu-Ray Halo:  The Master Chief Collection will ship on is near to full. Therefore a Day One update is required and will be 20GB in size.
  • You can immediately play the Campaign whilst the update is downloading and installing.
  •  Spartan Ops Halo 4, will now release in December via a secondary update.
  • Only 26 more sleeps to go.

Keep your eyes  on ThisisXbox.com for a full review shortly after release day.

Source.

“Hey there Halo fans!

It’s been a long, crazy, exciting road, and we’re finally getting close to launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection in November. I wanted to personally share some big status updates with you. Let’s start with the biggest:

Halo: The Master Chief Collection has gone GOLD!

This is a massive milestone for the team and also means that the game will be available for Pre-Order and Pre-Download later today. I couldn’t be more excited to start having fans grab this game online so everyone can hit the ground running on release day! The team has been working incredibly hard to make this happen, so we’re all eager for you to play this labor of love.

One of the questions we get asked most is about worldwide release plans. The reality of worldwide sales and retail processes always makes simultaneous launches challenging. Some fans expressed disappointment in our original planned release date of November 11 in North America and November 14 in several other territories around the world. We heard you loud and clear, and I am happy to announce that Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be released on November 11 for the majority of our fans around world!

There are still a few countries that will see a slight delay due to public holidays. In Europe, Belgium will release on November 12 and France will release on November 14 as part of their typical Friday release schedule. Our fans in Japan will see a release of November 13. Given the social aspects of the experience, we were really happy to get it as close to a simultaneous worldwide release as possible so that we can all celebrate on November 11 and start playing together.

This is literally going to be the biggest Halo experience so far

That is to say, the sheer size and scope of the content. To recap, Halo: The Master Chief Collection contains four complete Halo games, every multiplayer map ever released (including DLC from console and PC) across each game, a complete remaster of Halo 2 with all-new audio and Blur’s mind-blowing cinematics, and all of this is tied together with (and enhanced by) a revolutionary user interface.

From the start, our philosophy has been to give Halo fans the best possible experience and not compromise the quality or features of the collection. The result is that Halo: The Master Chief Collection will take up almost all of the usable space of a single Blu-ray (45 GB), and we will also issue a content update at launch that is estimated to be 20 GB. You’ll be able to start playing Campaign and more as the content is installing, with some features and multiplayer content being added via the update. Yes, the update is large, but we weren’t about to cut corners to save disc space. This ensures that you are getting every bit of Halo goodness we can fit in. Our work is not done, however, as we continue to tune, tweak and optimize the online experience to ensure a smooth multiplayer launch. This will continue right up until launch day.

One caveat we wanted to share is that Spartan Ops, our episodic co-op experience from Halo 4, will now release in December. In the meantime, we’re making some technical enhancements to that experience to make sure it’s smoother and even better than before. All ten episodes will be available at the same time, so we’re working to make an event out of it with our Community teams.

26 more sleeps!

Lastly, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, our fans. Development of a game is always hard, but Halo: The Master Chief Collection has been the most challenging of my career. No team has really attempted a project like this, and the number of moving pieces has been staggering. The development team at 343 Industries has been working hard alongside our partners to make this happen and, at every step, you have been there for us. Whether it’s with encouraging words at events, or via messages on Twitter, I can tell you that your feedback is crucial and fuels our drive to make Halo: The Master Chief Collection the best it can be.

I’d like to thank you all for your continued enthusiasm, excitement and support for this game. See you on Xbox Live!”

Xbox One

Xbox One – System Update to go Live February 11th

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The first system update for the Xbox One has been revealed as going LIVE on February 11th, and Microsoft are focusing on user feedback for this update. Xbox Wire, the news site for all things Xbox has given details as to what the update will bring to users:

It features many new improvements – including lots of behind-the-scenes updates for developers building apps and games for Xbox One, several new features we believe Xbox fans will love, stability and product updates to improve the customer experience, and continuous improvements to the quality of Kinect voice so commands become more fluid and responsive over time.  While we won’t be going into all of the details of the product updates today, we will be sharing more information soon.

Some of the features you can expect to see on February 11 include:

The ability to see and manage your storage space. With this update, you will find it easy to find how much space your content takes up and better manage your content. You can also control your install lineup and more easily manage your download queue. We’ve separated My Games and My Apps into separate lists, so you can easily create separate queues for both. Now you can pick the order in which you want your content to load and we’ve added a boot progress indicator so you can better track updates while they load.

The battery power indicator is back! You can see it right on the home screen, so you can easily track how much battery life is left on your controller.

And, you will be able to use your USB keyboard with your Xbox One.

These are just a few of the many updates we will be shipping on February 11. We’ll share more details on these and other upcoming features in the coming weeks. We have several surprises in store that we think you’ll love.

March 4 system updates – countdown to “Titanfall”  

On March 4, in advance of what is expected to be the biggest game launch of the year, we will be delivering another system update to prepare your Xbox One for “Titanfall.”  This update will contain  many new features and improvements, most significantly to our party and multiplayer systems.

Via Xbox Wire

Media, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Xbox One

Xbox Live Gold on Xbox One Shares Gold Features to Others at No Extra Cost

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Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer for Xbox via the Xbox Wire website has announced more explanation into the sharing features on Xbox One with Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions.

Now, everyone in your home can share digital games with each other as it was detailed that “Your Xbox One can become your virtual game library filled with digital games that different people in the home bought. Anyone can pick any digital game on your Xbox One, sign in with their own gamertag and play – even if the owner is not signed in.” Further confirming that when you purchase a digital game, you can start playing even before the entire game downloads. Which is a really cool feature since games are expected to exceed the current 7GB limit on Xbox 360. Games purchased digitally can also be shared on other consoles when you sign in to Xbox LIVE.

You can also share the benefits of Xbox LIVE Gold as Xbox Live Gold members can extend Gold benefits including multiplayer gaming, Game DVR, SmartMatch and access to entertainment apps and experiences, including The NFL on Xbox, Skype, Internet Explorer:

At home. You can set up your console at home so that anyone who uses that console will enjoy multiplayer gaming and access to entertainment apps – even if you are not home or logged in.

On the go. You can log in at a friend’s house and everyone there can enjoy multiplayer gaming and access to entertainment apps while you are logged in.

Xbox One will allow everyone in your home to have their own personalised account, as part of Home Gold. You don’t have to share your gamertag for multiplayer gaming with anyone in your home, or see recommendations not related to your gaming habits because you have shared your account. It means that when you buy one Xbox Live Gold membership, multiple people can enjoy the best benefits of Xbox Live Gold on your Xbox One at no additional charge.

Read more via Xbox Wire

Xbox LIVE, Xbox One

Matchmaking on Xbox One – Top Three Things You Need To Know

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Microsoft via XboxWire has given a run down of the top three things that Xbox One gamers will need to know about the all-new-improved Smart Match Matchmaking feature for Xbox One.

First of all it is a revolutionary multi-tasking feature that can let you do other things whilst waiting for a game to start, such as watch TV, check-out Apps and anything else that might be on offer. Just “How Long” will gamers be waiting to start a match? It does seem a little concerning that we could need to be occupied in the time it may take to start a new multiplayer game. Microsoft are touting the idea that Smart Match frees up your time somehow!

“With Smart Match, you can do whatever you want while Xbox One finds your perfect match. This means that less popular multiplayer modes and maps that have traditionally taken a long time to find players suddenly become playable. Because Snap mode is a core feature of Xbox One that lets you do two things at once, you no longer have to wait in lobbies while Xbox Live is matchmaking for you. One friend can even set up matches for your whole party.”

Next up is finding the perfect players for the perfect game – we know the Xbox One uses a new Rep’ System which up until proven otherwise feels like a flawed function if you are to believe the word of those reporting players and their gaming behaviour – how can this be trusted?

“Smart Match on Xbox One is completely reengineered for a new generation of gaming – using advanced algorithms to pair players based on skill, language, and now reputation. It’s smarter, faster and optimized to help you play with exactly the people you want, when you want. The advanced party system goes far beyond the beacons of Xbox 360, which was limited to people you already knew. Helping you discover and connect easily with players is now central to the experience. In addition, for the first time, games will be able to share player stats with Xbox Live and each other; to learn, evolve, and provide you with the best possible matchmaking available.”

Finally, letting you know when your game is ready – perhaps like waiting for a readymeal in the microwave?

“After you or a party member inputs the criteria for your perfect game, do something more fun than waiting; it’s up to you. Play another game, find some new downloadable content, or jump on Reddit. Take yourself as many touch points away from the matchmaking process as you can and you still don’t need to worry about finding your way back. Once Xbox One is done finding your perfect match, it will prompt you with a simple toast—no matter where you are or what you’re doing—so you can jump straight into playing.”

Source: XboxWire

E3, Xbox One

Register for the Xbox One Project Spark BETA

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Over on Xbox Wire, the Creative Director on the upcoming Xbox One Free to Play “Project Spark,” Henry Sterchi answered a few questions on the title and detailed how to join the BETA Program for the multi-evolving-do-what-you-want-as-you-please-creative-thingy-me-bob that looks a whole heap of fun when it launches.

Below are a few excerpts from the Q&A, ending with details on where to sign up for the Project Spark BETA. You can read the whole Q&A on Xbox Wire.

“Project Spark” will be available to download for free on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows 8. What opportunities do free-to-download offer that aren’t available in conventional retail games?

Henry Sterchi: “Project Spark” was conceived around letting everyone bring their imagination to life, so we wanted as many people as possible to play it and share their creations with the world. With the community being a central part of the experience, the more people that get involved playing, creating, inspiring each other, and even showing off their skills, the better.

User creation is the cornerstone of “Project Spark.” What are some of the coolest things players can create, and what are some of the crazier possibilities that you envision the community will explore?

At the highest level, the coolest thing people can and have been creating is the unexpected. We just continue to find new things and possibilities and it’s such a fresh experience where you never know what people will make next and it’s basically endless.

When we first got the touch controls running, one of the testers showed up with a fully functional synthesizer that recorded back your play. But, one of the coolest things I’ve seen is that we had a team member build a game they always wanted to make since they were a kid. It was this awesome early 90’s style RPG where you’d go around a town and talk to NPCs that would give you new quests and such. They had tons of dialogue to tell a story they’ve always wanted to tell. You could acquire a sword and find this cool hidden land filled with bad guys below the town. Seeing someone really pour their passion into something and make their once impossible dream come true was really inspiring.

The craziest thing I’ve seen so far was a nearly full length “buddy cop” style movie with stunts and boat chases and action scenes. I kept watching it laughing, it was so off the wall.

I just don’t know where the community will take things, but I know there will be so many new things and unexpected things – and that’s super exciting to me.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We just can’t wait to see what people will make and create. You can go towww.joinprojectspark.com and sign up for a chance to get into our upcoming beta or join the discussions on Facebook at project-spark or Twitter with #projectspark. We look forward to hearing from everyone and hope you all give it a try!

Xbox One

Microsoft Xbox One Requires Daily Internet Connection, Used Games Only For Friends List?

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Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One console will require a daily internet connection if you want to keep playing your games library; the DRM requirements are that you will not be able to play the Xbox One after 24 hours of non internet connectivity. You are not forced into having to turn the console on every day, as if you are not home, or just want to leave the system turned off for a few days, then it will need an internet connection as verification before you can play any games.

Quoted by Xbox Wire:

With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library. Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.

Better yet, whilst it has been claimed the Xbox One will play used games or that you can resell your discs Xbox Wire quotes:

Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.

Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers. Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but Microsoft are exploring the possibilities in the future.

Via Xbox Wire

E3, Events, Xbox One

Xbox One Reveal Broke Online Streaming Records

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Xbox has revealed that last weeks Xbox One reveal via live stream was a huge hit, so much so that it was more popular than events such as the 2010 World Cup, Royal Wedding in 2011, and 2012 election night.” As well as announcing the record-setting viewing figures, the Xbox Wire has additionally acknowledged viewers reactions – “we know there are unanswered questions and a desire for more information on Xbox One. We have many exciting weeks ahead where we will provide more information”

Quoted by Xbox Wire:

The Xbox team has been working for years for this big day, with great anticipation for fan’s reaction to our big reveal. The Xbox Reveal event drove record-breaking viewership – with over 8.45 million people watching the Xbox Reveal event in the first 24 hours, rivaling one of the top-most concurrent streamed events of all time.

On Xbox.com, we nearly tripled our previous concurrency record – with almost three times as many people watching the livestream at the same time, versus any other major event in Xbox.com history. According to our friends at Akamai, our streaming partner, the Xbox Reveal event was among the most watched live broadcasts delivered by Akamai in their history, nearly doubling peak traffic records and eclipsing concurrent viewership high-water marks set by events such as the 2010 World Cup, Royal Wedding in 2011, and 2012 election night.

The Xbox One from Microsoft has yet to have its pricing and release date revealed which is expected during the E3 conference in the coming weeks. As soon as more information is revealed, expect to read here on thisisxbox.com.

Via Xbox Wire