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Xbox Live Top 10: 1 vs. 100 joins the fray
Sure, we could sit up here and do our usual Xbox Live Top 10 thing: Major Nelson posted the Xbox Live activity for last week. Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, Call of Duty: World at War and Gears of War 2 were winners, and XBLA's most-played game was Battlefield 1943. All is as we expect with the world. However, we feel the Xbox Live Top 10 has a much more notable characteristic this week: 1 vs. 100! Major confirms that Xbox Live's game show will now be incorporated into the weekly lists. We're anxious to see if it will perform better in the future -- not that seventh place is a bad debut.
1 vs. 100 open to Silver Live members this weekend
Microsoft has sent word that 1 vs. 100 will once again be accessible to Xbox Live members with Silver accounts this weekend. From July 17 until July 19, the game will be open to Silver members in the US, Canada, UK, France and Germany. Players in the US and Canada -- excluding a few states and Quebec -- will also earn entries toward the 1 vs. 100 sweepstakes for every question they answer. So, all you Silver members out there, we suggest you grab some friends and give it a try. Be sure to snag a friend that's really quick on the draw with Google, too. You know, so you can look up the phone number of the nearest pizza place.
Microsoft confirms 1 vs 100 prizes start Friday, July 10; more details about continuing beta
Microsoft has confirmed the news from Friday that the 1 vs 100 beta marches on; meanwhile, skill-based prizes for the mob and "The One" (up to 10,000 / $125) will begin this Friday, July 10, in the US and Canada. There is also a second sweepstakes going on for an HDTV and Zune, where players win an entry for "every question they answer" in the Live show and during Extended play. A company rep also informed us that the beta season is "scheduled to run for 13 weeks and began on June 1." By our Roman calendar calculations, that means the "real" season begins in September. Addendum: Once again, prizes aren't available for residents of Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Vermont, and the great province of Quebec.%Gallery-51712%
1 vs. 100 beta begins in UK this week, Germany and France on July 12
Xbox European Community Manager Graeme Boyd tweeted word that 1 vs. 100 will begin its beta in the UK on July 10, with France and Germany joining on July 12. There is currently no information about 1 contra 100, 1 contro 100, 1 tegenover 100, 1 против 100 nor any other territories.The US version is also currently still in beta, but begins offering "skill-based prizes" on July 10 (this Friday). Oh, and a word of advice for our European friends: Never trust "The Brain!" UK beta details German beta details
1 vs 100 'skill-based' prizes start July 10 'for the mob,' stays in beta [update]
What's that, Chris Cashman, host of Xbox Live's 1 vs 100? Oh yeah, "skill-based prizes" start next week, July 10, specifically. Great! Unfortunately, though, what we heard from Mr. Cashman during tonight's game of 1 vs 100 wasn't all good news.He continued, saying that while the prizes will start next week "for the mob," the game will be staying in beta. Guess that means this isn't part of the first "season" of prizes? We're not so sure, but we are sure of this -- given the whole fireworks thing going on this weekend, we're probably not going to hear more news on the subject until at least Monday. Update: Near the end of the episode, Cashman also seemed to mention that "the one" would also be eligible for "skill-based prizes." We're currently following up with Microsoft about getting more concrete information about the prizes, the new sweepstakes announced last night and how long the show plans to stay in beta. We'll be sure to update as soon as we hear back.%Gallery-51712%
WRUP: You know you're smarter than the mob edition
OK, if you have an Xbox 360 and live in a participating country, it's time to check out the 1 vs. 100 beta. Remember, Xbox Live silver members are good to check out the game now for a limited time. The live shows are definitely solid times for trivia buffs, but the real fun is watching the mob lose way more members than it should through ridiculous or easy questions. Some of the best moments so far: the 50 people knocked out who didn't know that Bell invented the telephone and the infamous question about Jessica Simpson's hair extension brand. Check out the live game tonight and tomorrow, if you can. Oh yeah, one more thing, don't take the money!!! There is none!
XBL Silver members: Play 1 vs 100 this weekend!
Here's how it works: Xbox Live Primetime's initial offering, 1 vs 100, will be free to Xbox Live Gold members (translation: the ones who lay down $50 a year for the service). We're still not sure how (or if!) free-but-limited Xbox Live Silver members will be able to play the title short of upgrading to Gold. Sure, we caught an errant "Buy Season Pass" option in the menus, so that could be one option. Also: how about free-to-play weekends? Microsoft let us know that this weekend – from Friday June 26 (that's today!) to Sunday June 28 – Silver members "can enjoy the 1 vs 100 premium entertainment experience reserved exclusively for Gold members" for a limited time only. We're going to assume that most of you on Xbox Live are Gold members so consider this an opportunity to get some gaming in with those Silver members taking up space in your friend's list. Not a Gold member? Give 1 vs 100 a shot and see if it's an effective gateway drug.
1 vs. 100 prizes unavailable in certain states and Quebec
There's going to be some drama when folks really start to catch on, so let's get it out of the way now: residents of Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, Vermont, and the great province of Quebec, are not eligible for Xbox Live Primetime's 1 vs.100 prizes. This isn't spite on Microsoft's part, because, according to the company there are laws.The statement from Microsoft's lawyers is that "due to gaming laws, which vary from state to state, '1 vs 100 skill-based prizes' cannot be offered in every state." The response neglects to provide any concrete reasoning why those four states and Quebec were unique, but does mention that players can participate through a sweepstakes.We contacted Joystiq's Law of the Game columnist, Mark Methenitis, to see if he could give us a clearer explanation regarding the exclusions. The attorney -- who just happens to have gambling law as one of his practice areas -- explained, "When you see restrictions like these, it's either because Microsoft's legal department or the contest administrator isn't comfortable with some aspect of the state law. Taking Iowa as an example, their laws are such that many scholars believe participation in a game for any property of value would be illegal gambling. There's also a provision that if, for a fee, anything of value is delivered, and given that this is limited to Xbox Live Gold members, it may be the wording of the statute that leads them to believe the paid membership plus the game may be problematic."Methenitis expresses that it's difficult to conclude why Microsoft chose those particular locales, but that it's "the direct result of the patchwork legislation among the states." If this seems unfair, then might we suggest contacting your congressman or, um, member of parliament? Something spooked Microsoft's lawyers into excluding those particular states. Find the full statements from Microsoft and Methenitis after the break.[Thanks, Justin F]
Mysterious 'Season Pass' surfaces in 1 vs. 100
We all know 1 vs. 100 is supposed to be free to Xbox Live Gold subscribers, but while cruising around the game's menus last night, one of our more observant readers spotted something out of whack. As you can see in the images he snapped in our gallery below, an odd "Season Pass" option popped up in one of the game's menus. When trying to download it, the content was oddly labeled as "1 vs. 100 Show GB," and even though our tipster could get through the download process, doing so yielded no viable results, as the content would only give an error message. But, what puzzles us more is thig "GB" business. What could it stand for? True, the seasonal approach is something we knew about 1 vs. 100 already, but it's supposed to be free. Could Microsoft be looking to monetize the upcoming Primetime Channel game a bit more? We heard the company likes money, but we put in word for clarification just in case. We'll get back to you when we get a response. [Thanks, Josh!] %Gallery-66000%
PSA: 1 vs 100 beta goes live tonight in US at 7:30PM Pacific
Just a friendly reminder that it's not just the neighbors to the north that can get in on the 1 vs. 100 beta anymore. Right in the middle of all the E3 madness, Microsoft kicks off the man vs. mob game in the land of excess (it should be called 1 vs. 1000 here, darnit) at 7:30PM Pacific.We expect full reports from people that get into the game later tonight. We're curious to see how this gaming experiment pans out as it moves south.[Thanks, Disco Ball!]
1 vs 100 beta hops the border June 1, coming to America
For those of you with stockpiles of canned goods and automatic weapons in an underground bunker, patiently waiting for a) the zombie apocalypse or b) a Canadian invasion we have goo ... well, we have news. You can prepare for both occurrences on your Xbox 360 by alternating between Left 4 Dead and the 1 vs 100 beta!Wait, let us explain ... You see, the 1 vs 100 beta has heretofore been limited to The Great Nation of Canada but, beginning June 1st (read: the day of Microsoft's press conference next Monday!), that beta will be expanded to include the US as well. You see where we're going with this: While we can't guarantee you'll be matching wits with Canadians every game, we think you'll agree that the mere potential of a mental mano-a-mano (-a-mano-a-mano-a ...) with real live Canadians presents a thrill you probably haven't experienced since firing that first round into a cardboard cutout of zombie Celine Dion.
Oops! 1 vs 100 US beta news shelved at zero hour
If you decided to sit comfortably next to your computer tonight, with a nice glass of wine waiting on 1 vs 100 US Beta information, go to bed. According to the 1 vs 100 Twitter account (verified as official by Major Nelson and in an email from Microsoft PR), the promise of news regarding a US beta for the Xbox Live Primetime game has been put on hold.A tweet earlier today doled out the bad news: "A few more things need to be in place before we can share the good news w/you." While the update promises news on the horizon for US players, as of now, the 1 vs 100 beta is reserved solely for those lucky Canadians.When asked for comment, the nearest American available, editor Alexander Sliwinski said, "Apparently free health care isn't enough for you people."
1 vs 100 US beta date announcement by tomorrow [Update]
Update: Microsoft PR has just confirmed the 1 vs 100 Twitter account referenced in this story is run by the team responsible for the game; however, no other details were shared at this time.According to a 1 vs 100 Twitter page, a US beta for the Xbox Live Primetime games service is planned and will be announced within the next 24 hours. Of course, as natural skeptics, we bothered Major Nelson to confirm the account is actually affiliated with the upcoming game. According to Major, "The 1v100 team put that up. So, yes it's real." However, when contacted for comment, Microsoft PR hastily denied the Twitter account was connected to the game and insisted no announcement was planned. Thus, the miscommunication parade from Microsoft continues. Over the last month, Microsoft's communication guns have been firing blanks, beginning with accidentally claiming a Wolverine demo was available weeks before it was actually scheduled, followed by the incorrect pricing of Lode Runner and Blazing Birds and mistakenly categorizing Bionic Commando Rearmed as this week's Xbox Live Deal. Joystiq has since contacted Microsoft again, hoping that both hands of its communication arms consult and come to some kind of mutual conclusion. [Via GameShark. Thanks, Jeff M.]
1 vs 100 to feature seasonal Achievements
1 vs 100 just became You vs Your Gamerscore, as the upcoming game will feature Achievements, Kotaku reports. The game will run in 13-week seasons, with each season allotting 200 Gamerscore in Achievements to gamers that earn them. When a new season starts, new Achievements will be available, adding incentive for players to keep coming back.This news will surely excite Achievement junkies, since the game will most likely be free to them anyway. If they're a Gold subscriber, that is. %Gallery-51712%Essential reading: Joystiq hands-on: 1 vs 100 (Xbox Live Primetime)
1 vs 100 gameplay footage previews prizes, advertisements
We can no longer keep up this thin, false veneer of hatred towards the upcoming debut of Xbox Live Primetime's inaugural title, 1 vs. 100. Yes, it's tragically Saget-free, but the gameplay footage seen above actually looks pretty fun. Hey, even if it doesn't look like your cup of tea, you could potentially nab another game just by playing this one! How can you argue with that? What's that? You're angry because they haven't brought Press Your Luck to the Primetime service? Well that's a stupid argument.
Joystiq hands-on: 1 vs. 100 (Xbox Live Primetime)
Originally announced during E3 2008, the Xbox Live Primetime channel and its flagship "program," 1 vs. 100 are finally close to going, well ... live. We recently participated in a 1 vs. 100 Live episode, competing against players locally in San Francisco, as well as Los Angeles and Redmond, Washington. While we found the core of the game very similar to other video game "gameshows" (Buzz! Quiz TV for PS3 comes to mind), the live presentation -- including the opportunity to win Microsoft Points and XBLA games -- is undeniably engaging and ambitious.Read on after the break to hear about our experience and to find out what to expect from the first "season" of the game that may very well eat your social life.%Gallery-51712%
1 vs. 100 will be free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers
Are you disappointed by the lack of perks associated with Xbox Live's "Gold member" status? We expect most membership tiers named after Au-some precious metals to include special jackets, or possibly unrestricted access to some sort of highly exclusive drinking establishment where people much cooler than us hang out. Instead, we get unrestricted access to bold new pejorative descriptors for a number of Earth's demographics.However, Xbox Live Gold subscribers will be getting more bonuses than just hate speech when the service's first Primetime title launches this spring. Yes, according to the game's official page on Xbox.com, 1 vs. 100 is going to be free for all Gold members. This is great news, as we probably wouldn't have bought it otherwise. No Saget, no sale.
New 1 vs. 100 Primetime trailer emerges (sans Saget)
Microsoft has released a new trailer for its first Xbox Live Primetime offering, 1 vs 100. For those that need a refresher on Primetime, it's essentially a scheduled Xbox Live gameshow in which players compete for real prizes. In the case of 1 vs 100, the roles of the host, contestant, mob and even the audience are filled by actual people.It's a really intriguing idea, but there's just one flaw: No Bob Saget. The Avatar hosting the game doesn't even look like Bob Saget. Still, it's hard to argue with winning fabulous prizes right from your couch, possibly in your underwear. Let's just hope the Vision camera isn't supported.
Xbox Live Primetime coming springtime
With arms raised, Xbox head Robbie Bach declared during Microsoft's CES keynote address, "This Spring we'll launch the Primetime channel on Xbox!" While the announcement didn't exactly elicit an ovation from the crowd, it does put a relative timestamp on the arrival of another, delayed piece of the NXE puzzle (we're still waiting on word about movie sharing). The Primetime channel's complete lineup remains a vague concept of "scheduled social events," but we do have 1 vs. 100 -- and its limitless chest of real prizes -- to look forward to.The game-show-turned-game-show was briefly demoed during the keynote, ostensibly confirming 102-player support (The One versus the 100-count Mob -- plus one host). Players will be represented by their Avatars and will answer questions "about really, really recent pop-culture," according to Engadget. The demonstration asked: "In 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' who plays a character that ages in reverse?" Three potential answers were offered. Clock's ticking!
Xbox Live Primetime limited to four regions at launch
Thanks to our friends at Button Bandits for noticing that the Xbox Live Primetime game show channel (revealed earlier today at Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference) will be launching only in North America, France, Germany and the U.K., according to a press release. The limited rollout could be due to licensing restrictions for Endermol's game shows, or it could be to simply try the service out in a limited release before kicking it to the larger world.
