Gamertag
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Xbox Live ID numbers let you choose a Gamertag that's already taken
As Microsoft makes Xbox Live an entertainment service that spreads across more platforms (including Switch, Android and iOS), it's also relaxing the naming scheme. Since it's been in operation since 2002, many commonly-requested aliases are already taken, but now users can grab pretty much any name they want, even if someone else already has it. Now, it will still let you create a new user name even if someone else has it, but it will auto-assign an ID number after it to make yours unique. Other services like Steam and Discord already use a similar setup, and it should mean an end to purging old, abandoned usernames or forcing them to expire so that new users can get a crack at them. Of course, if you've been around for a while, everyone will know you are the original CheeToMan247 given your lack of an add-on ID number.
Now Xbox Live Gamertags will expire after five years
It's always frustrating when you can't get your preferred nickname for any online service, and after nearly 14 years many of the good ones on Xbox Live are already taken. Worse, they might be tied to accounts that are no longer active, and are just waiting to go back into circulation. Microsoft freed up a cache of 1 million stale Gamertags earlier this year and back in 2011, which could become a regular occurrence. As a part of an update to its Terms of Service, the company is adding a requirement to sign in at least once in a five year period to keep an Xbox Live Gamertag associated with your account.
Microsoft will free up 1 million Xbox gamertags this week
Have you been coveting an Xbox Live gamertag that someone else happened to nab before you years ago? You may well be able to claim it yet as of May 18th, when Microsoft plans to release a million different gamertags from "abandoned" accounts.
Google Play Games ditches the Google+ log-in requirement
Your Google+ account continues to get a little less useful. The folks in Mountain View announced today that Google Play Games would not longer require the aforementioned log-in. Over the coming weeks, titles integrated with the company's gaming hub will transition to new Gamer IDs. You don't have to wait, though, as you can secure a handle with the Google Play Games app right now. Choose from over 40 avatars for your profile picture while you're at it.
PS4 allows real names online at launch
The PS4 will allow players to use their real names online at launch, Sony confirmed to Kotaku. This is an option that isn't available to Xbox One players, at least not in that console's launch window. Microsoft said its lack of real-name support stems from the need to prioritize certain features. In March, Sony showed off the PS4's ID system, which grants each player two identities: a player handle and a real name. Real names are pulled from Facebook and accessible via name search, but as a default, PS4 won't display a player's true name. Rejoice, 420brobawlsxxx, also known as Barnaby Chester Jones III.
PSA: Change your Gamertag on the cheap in this week's deal
Now, for a reading from the Book of MS, chapter eight, verse two: And lo, Microsoft had decreed the identities of the people were in peril, 'Those who wish to be renamed shall have it so and I shall not want for much,' And the people came, papers of identification in hand, They bestowed upon Microsoft goods of reduced bulk And the people rejoiced, with new monikers exclaiming their interests in Master Chiefs and blood of tigers and objects numbering four hundred and twenty This week's Xbox Live deal is 30 percent off a Gamertag name change for all Gold subscribers, bringing the cost down to a total of 560 MS Points ($7).
Microsoft resurrects dead Gamertags
Good news for any Xbox Live members that have ever wanted a dead user's name: Microsoft has "begun the process of making previously used and unavailable (dead) Xbox Live Gamertags available," according to Major Nelson. Previously, any lapsed Gamertags -- caused by changing a Gamertag or closing an account -- went to the infamous Xbox Live "graveyard," never to be used again. Now Microsoft is reanimating the "zombie" tags and offering them up for use once again. Major Nelson notes that the process "will take some time to complete," as more trashed tags are converted for reuse daily. He advises users to "check back regularly" to see if a desired tag has been resurrected. Xbox Live memebrs can change their tags in the profile section of the Xbox Dashboard (pictured). The cost of changing one's Gamertag, regardless of whether it's a revived tag or a brand new one, is 800 points ($10).
Microsoft's Major Nelson Gamercard cracked by hacker [update]
Microsoft podcaster and Xbox spokesperson Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb's Gamercard has fallen victim to a hacker (or hackers) sometime this evening. A quick check on Xbox.com reveals the account is still being affected right now (though we have to imagine someone over in Redmond is hard at work on a fix) has been fixed. Hryb's account info was altered to reflect some ... rather offensive pejoratives, and images from Kotaku reveal an odd spam statement ("ANY ACCOUNT $100 PAYPAL!!!!!!!!"). A website by the name of "LiGHTzz" has a video that proclaims responsibility for the hacking and even offers up a YouTube video advertising his services to others -- the name Yasiel Rodriguez, a resident of Miami, Fl., is registered to the domain name in question. We've contacted Microsoft regarding the matter and will keep you updated on a response (discussed a bit by Xbox's Stephen Toulouse on Twitter, in the meantime). Proceed with caution after the break to see the NSFW image if you wish -- we'd suggest against it.
Windows Phone 7 Achievements to feature up to 200 Gamerscore points per game
We just got our hands on the Windows Phone 7 during an interview at GDC, and given our unnatural obsession with bolstering our online notoriety, the most prevalent question in our mind was: just how many Gamerscore points can we crank outta this thing? The answer: A beefy 200 Gamerscore points per game, which will be added to your total Gamerscore, as displayed on your Xbox Live Gamertag profile. We'll be writing up our impressions of the platform, as well as our interview with its creators, later today. For now, rest assured knowing that when you unlock an Achievement in a Windows Phone 7 game, it totally makes that satisfying "bloop-bloop" noise.
Xbox Live Code of Conduct updated: sexual orientation terms now permitted in Gamertags and profiles
The times, they are a-changin'. In an open letter to Xbox Live members, Microsoft's Marc Whitten has announced that the Xbox Live Code of Conduct has been altered to allow members to "more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles." Looking over the updated code, it appears that the major change directly affects references to sexual orientation. Specifically, the terms "lesbian," "gay," "bi," "transgender" and "straight" are now allowed in both Gamertags and user profiles. According to Whitten, the change has been made as the result of customer feedback. Early last year, something of a controversy erupted when an Xbox Live user was allegedly banned from Xbox Live for identifying herself as a lesbian in her Xbox Live profile. The report brought to light an ongoing conversation on the matter between the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Microsoft. At the time, Microsoft claimed that it didn't allow users to express any form of sexual orientation -- including heterosexuality -- in an effort to prevent player harassment. Obviously, Microsoft's stance on the matter has changed, though the company is still wary of possible harassment. Whitten states as much in his letter, noting that the new Code of Conduct also includes "increased stringency and enforcement to prevent misuse" of the newly allowed terms. Whitten concludes his letter by stating, "I truly believe that our diversity is what makes us strong: diversity in gaming and entertainment options, and diversity in the people that make up this amazing community."
Xbox Live app for iPhone
360 Live [App Store link] certainly isn't the first Xbox 360 app to hit the iPhone, but it's definitely one of the most full-featured, offering gamertag management, complete friends list access, messaging capability, games library browsing (with achievements and all), and even a CoverFlow-style friend browser just for good measure. It is pretty darn impressive -- if there's anything you need to do with your Xbox Live account (Gold account required for messaging) while away from your actual 360, this app will let you do it. There is one issue: it's $1.99. Technically, that's not bad -- an app like this is probably worth the $2 especially if browsing your friends' games is something you do often. But the catch is that Microsoft recently stated that all apps that tag in to Xbox 360's online service must be sold for the low, low price of free. So one of two things will probably happen here -- either the app will drop down to free (in which case, you might as well save your $2), or Microsoft might end up blocking it, either on the App Store or in the actual Xbox Live connection. Hopefully, whatever happens, we'll end up with a solution
How Xbox Live tenure on your gamercard works
Wait, but we've been using Xbox Live since its inception! Shouldn't our gamercard have a little seven in the upper right corner? According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, not exactly. In fact, the first ever gamertag created ("e," for Xbox Live operations manager Eric Neustadter), won't officially turn seven until tomorrow. "Your Gold Veteran Status counts full years so if you've been a Gold member for 2 years, 11 months and 27 days; your status will display 2 years," says the Major.In fact, there's a whole handful of little caveats regarding the tiny gamercard number that have been all layed out in plain English over at his blog. Unfortunately for us, regardless of those caveats, we'll likely never be as cool in Nerdland as Eric Neustadter.[Via Xbox Gaming]
Consumerist: Self-identified lesbian banned from Xbox Live [update]
The Consumerist reports that an Xbox Live user identified only as "Teresa" was supposedly banned from Xbox Live for identifying herself as a lesbian. Teresa said that she identified her sexual orientation in her profile, which resulted in harassment from other players on Xbox Live. She stated that even after she left such Xbox Live sessions, users would follow her into other games and tell others to report her "because they didn't want to see that crap or their kids to see that crap."Teresa says that her account was later suspended because other gamers found her profile "offensive." Microsoft has informed Joystiq that it hopes Teresa will come forward, so that the company can investigate the matter directly. In a statement to Joystiq, Microsoft noted that users may not "create a gamertag or use text in other profile fields that include comments that look, sound like, stand for, hint at, abbreviate or insinuate content of a potentially sexual nature. Profiles that do are asked to change the language and suspended until changes are made." The company also stated that it does not allow Gamertags or profiles to identify any form of sexual orientation, though it is allowed in voice chat "where context is more easily explained to all players involved." Finally, Microsoft stated that harassment is "not condoned" and "taken very seriously."Find the full statement after the break.[Update: Microsoft's Stephen Toulouse -- an XBL team member -- has made a post on his personal blog regarding the situation and confirming that policy changes are being explored. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has also weighed in on the story, mentioning it is working with Toulouse with regards to Live -- and SCEA on its Home policies.]
MS 'actively working' on linking Gamertags to new Windows Live IDs
Is that Tilda Swinton in the middle? Having amassed an impressive Gamerscore by slogging through Cabela hunting games, forgettable anime beat-em-ups and the last Iron Man game, it's no surprise that Xbox Live users become agitated when their Gamertags are placed in jeopardy. Earlier this week, it was reported that Windows Live IDs linked to dormant email addresses were at risk of deletion, taking associated Gamertags with them.However, Microsoft has clarified the situation, noting, "People with dormant Windows Live IDs can continue to enjoy the benefits of their Xbox LIVE Gamertags on their Xbox 360 consoles, including earning Achievements; however, they will not be able to use their expired Windows Live IDs for activities such as account management on xbox.com." According to a company representative, "An Xbox LIVE Gamertag is unrecoverable from the system only when the associated Windows Live ID has become dormant and the Gamertag has been deleted from all Xbox 360 consoles." In other words, a dead Windows Live ID will prevent you from recovering your Gamertag online should you change consoles or attempt account management, such as renewing your Xbox Live subscription. Microsoft is "actively working" on a solution that should allow you to sever the dead weight of an expired Windows Live ID and link your Gamertag to a new one. In the meantime, Major Nelson recommends you log into your Windows Live ID (do it through xbox.com) at least once every four months. Think of it as an insincere pleasantry with long-term benefits -- like visiting your mother-in-law.
Metaplace designers seek users' advice for badge system
The developers of Metaplace are pinging the public in search of feedback and good ideas with regards to the platform's planned "badge" system. The system resembles achievements on XBox Live; users and creators of virtual worlds may accomplish certain objectives such as becoming the first Metaplace world to reach 100 simultaneous users, and a unique badge graphic representing the achievement may then be shown to other players and builders in the community.Areae is dealing with some difficult design decisions. For example: should badges have point values, so whomever has the most points is the most awesome of them all? Should users be able to give badges to one another? How should badges be displayed?Rather than tackle these questions alone, Areae is offering to everyone the chance to fill out a survey. It's not just multiple choice; participants can explain the reasoning behind their choices. If you've got two cents to share, by all means, go share them!
COD4 dev becomes most popular gamertag
Move over Major Nelson, thy reign has come to an end. According to Xbox.com, the most popular gamertag honor has been transferred to fourzerotwo, a lowly developer working on a little-known-game entitled Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. How did this underdog best the Voice of Microsoft's console? We expect a full-on popularity assault by The Major (real name Larry Hyrb). This fight isn't over, you can bet your gamerscore on it.
GTR giving away a Halo 3 Zune for 100th episode
It's time to un-cork the champagne and celebrate! Our pals over at Gamertag Radio are celebrating their 100th episode by showing listeners some love and giving away a limited edition Halo 3 Zune. And all you have to do to enter the giveaway is listen to the podcast and send in your honest opinion of the 100th episode. It's that easy! Heck, you may even hear some familiar voices while listening. So, go give the 100th episode a listen, enter the free Halo 3 Zune giveaway, and be sure to congratulate the entire GTR team for a job well done. We only hope that we can churn out 100 Fancasts without going through mandatory therapy or needing voice transplants.
Gamertag Radio marks 100th episode with Halo 3 Zune giveaway
Look at it. Admit that there's a part of you that wants that Halo 3 Zune. We don't care what you're a fanboy of, when you look at that box, that branding, that helmet (not included) your primal geek senses activate. Of course, that's when your primal wallet sense kicks in and suggests that you may want to think about paying the gas bill first. Luckily for you, Gamertag Radio is marking their 100th episode by giving away one of the beautiful things in an act of generosity certain gas companies seem to be incapable of.The best part? All you have to do is listen to their 100th episode and give your review here before Sunday. The show promises to be a good listen too, with a new interview with Robert Khoo of Penny Arcade about PAX '07. After you let them know what you think, it's a simple matter of waiting to find out which of your senses (geek or wallet) will have to be repressed when a winner is announced next week. Two sense enter! One sense leave!%Gallery-3162%
Twitter your Xbox 360 gamertag
Are you caught up in the Twitter craze? It's a program akin to an away message or status update, telling people what you are doing (or, at least, what you want people to think you are doing). Self-proclaimed code / tea / etc. man Duncan Mackenzie has found a way to tie in his love of Twitter with his Xbox 360 gamertag.With just a few quick installs and a computer left on, the Xbox Twitter will check your gamertag status every few minutes and update your Twitter account to reflect any updates. Last time we checked, Mackenzie was playing Crackdown.The program is still in early stages and many customizable options are promised in the future. Still, if you're the kind of Xbox 360 player that just has to tell the world what you're up to, this is for you.
Live ID lameness rears ugly head once more
If your gamertag is saddled with a Hotmail or MSN email address, you may know of the unbreakable bond between them. Discovered long ago, it is impossible to associate your gamertag with a new email address if your Windows Live ID was automatically created by a Microsoft site like Hotmail or MSN. Before, it was a minor annoyance, as it forced many to maintain an email address they had long since abandoned. Now, with the release of Live Messenger integration on the 360, it's become a serious nuisance.
