gamerscoreblog
Latest
Joystiq Interview: Chris Paladino, Promethium Marketing
In late January, Microsoft decided to trim its community outreach staff by letting go the team responsible for the GamerScore Blog. Among those let go was Chris Paladino, a familiar face to many hardcore Xbox 360 fans. Soon after, Paladino -- along with former Microsoft employees Nelson Rodriguez and Tony Hynes -- formed Promethium Marketing, a company focused on only marketing products they themselves are fans of.In an interview with Joystiq, Chris Paladino discussed forming the new company, its plans for world domination, Microsoft's decision to dismantle his team and the overuse of Twitter.
World at War DLC sets first week sales record on Xbox Live [Update]
Update: Shacknews reports World at War's Map Pack 1 DLC has sold over 1 million downloads across both the Xbox 360 and PS3 since launch.According to a press release, DLC for Call of Duty: World at War has set a first week sales record on Xbox Live Marketplace. Proving you don't need a marketing team to dream up whimsical names to sell product, Map Pack 1 has been downloaded ... well, the exact number is unclear, but it's apparently a lot. In fact, since the DLC's release, over 150 million multiplayer sessions have been played. The Call of Duty franchise isn't new to the Xbox DLC record book, as Modern Warfare's Variety Map Pack previously shattered records with over 1 million downloads within the first 9 days of release. World at War - Map Pack 1 (which leads us to believe more is on the way) is available now for the Xbox 360 and PS3 for 800 / $9.99.
Molyneux: Fable II online co-op patch may make launch
Lionhead CEO Peter Molyneux is saying that Fable 2's online co-op could be available on launch day. Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog announced over the weekend that the feature would not be available at launch, but should be auto-patched in later, hopefully within a week.Speaking at a video game festival in Paris yesterday, Molyneux allegedly said that Fable 2 would include online co-op at launch, though clarified today that he could not confirm the timing, saying the team had an "ambition" for a day one patch. Having that wiggle room of a week would probably be best for Lionhead, but we're happy to take the online patch at launch too.
New Xbox Experience: 'Games Played' changes detailed
click to enlarge Microsoft's own Gamerscore Blog is kicking off what it hopes will be a weekly series of New Xbox Experience primers leading up to the new dash's "late fall" release. For the first installment, the crew chose to focus on the newly revamped Games Played tracker, and what exactly makes it worthy of being part of a new experience.As it's explained, selecting your Gamercard now displays a series of subsequent Games Played "slides" behind it, which you can fan through. The first card focuses on every game you've ever fired up on your console. It displays your current Gamerscore and the maximum possible Gamerscore you could hope to earn by unlocking every Achievement in every game you've played. Similarly, it displays the current number of Achievements you've unlocked out of the total number available in all the games you've played.Subsequent slides focus specifically on single games, with similar Gamerscore and Achievement tallies just for them. Your most recent Achievements in each game are also displayed. The Gamerscore team says that if you've played 500 games, there will be 500 individual Games Played slides; let's hope there's an equally clever system for quickly sorting through them all.%Gallery-27601%
Gears of War getting price drop, special edition emerges June 24
With Emergence Day: Part Deux on the horizon, Gears of War on Xbox 360 and PC will experience a pricing curb stomp on June 4th, with the Xbox 360 version going down to $40 and the PC version dipping to $30.If you haven't jumped into the Gears of War emulsion pool yet, it might be worth waiting a couple more weeks until June 24, when the special two-disc version of Gears is released for $40. The special edition contains the multiplayer map packs, along with several other extras (listed after the break). This new Xbox 360 version will not have the PC-exclusive Brumak battle, but we can wait until this holiday for GoW2, when the longing for a Brumak showdown on our Xbox will become but a distant memory.
Gray 360 appears in Microsoft E3 rehearsal photos
We don't know exactly what this means ... heck, we don't know what it means at all, but we thought it was too cool to not pass along to you. Eagle-eyed (and quick screen-grabbing) reader Rickard Gudbrand sent us a screen capture he took while looking through Gamerscore Blog's flickr photos of Microsoft's E3 rehearsal. The image shows the three Xbox 360 SKUs we all know and love, in addition to a mysterious fourth wheel that appears to be a gray 360. Making the whole thing even weirder, after Gudbrand commented on the photos' four boxes, the pic (and others showing the stage) appear to have been removed.So ... what is it? As you can see in the image, the box seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Elite, which maybe indicates that it's at the opposite end of the pricing spectrum too. We heard about some new, cheaper production methods for the 360, could this be a low-priced model taking advantage of that? We'll hopefully find out tonight.[Update: There's at least one image (right here) on GSB's flickr site that's showing four 360 models. But when zoomed in, the far left console appears to be white. So, is it gray or white? And what is it? We just don't know. Thanks for the heads up, Cyrus.]
The best way to manage your XBL friends list
Our good friend Chris Paladino over at the Gamerscore Blog decided to write up an article explaining how he handles his ever bloating Xbox Live friends list. Chris, being a high status celeb, receives numerous friend requests which constantly pushes him towards the 100 friends limit and so often he has to remove people to keep it around 95. But how does Chris choose who he boots off his sacred friends list? With a spreadsheet, of course! He keeps track of EVERY time he plays with a friend, what game, random notes, and all kinds of other stats. Then, when it's time to remove some friends, he uses his spreadsheet proof to nix those who he hasn't played with and sends them a message stating that they no longer can fit on his list. Props to you Chris, you have quite the organized system.Our friends lists requires weeding from time to time and we can safely say our list management is far from as organized as Chris'. But what about you? Do you have a hard time keeping your XBL friends list below 100 or are you rocking an exclusive list with 10 or so? Please, share your friends list strategies, etiquette and how you trim the fat when the fat needs trimming.
Microsoft defends Pac-Man CE pricing
During the Gamerscore Blog's Lunchtime Conversation, Xbox group product manager Aaron Greenberg defended the pricing for Pac-Man Championship Edition. Greenberg went on to say that Pac-Man CE is not a simple port of the old game, but is almost a sequel in it's own right with new gameplay, artwork, music and HD implementation added. So, he feels that the 800 Microsoft points that the game costs is more than reasonable for what you're getting.And if you're a regular Fancast listener, you'll know that we were all impressed by the new Championship Edition and most of us were happy to plop down our Microsoft points. We also agree that it's more of a sequel than anything else, but it's ultimately up to you if you think 800 points is worth a new (and extremely fun) Pac-Man experience. So, is the pricing overkill or is it in line with other Arcade offerings?
Pac-Man community event in NYC
To celebrate the Pac-Man World Championship the Gamerscore Blog crew is hosting an exclusive 80's party in NYC this Tuesday, June 5th. The event will run from 2-5:00PM with some of the Gamerscore Blog crew, Trixie, Major Nelson, and other community members attending to play Pac-Man, mingle, and have a drink or two. And did we mention there will be prizes too? If you live near NYC and want to attend, head on over to the Gamerscore Blog to RSVP for the event. It's free, but tickets are limited.Have fun everyone who attends and be sure to wear your favorite 80's clothing. Hypercolor tshirts anyone?
Gamerscore Blog's Road Tour stops in Miami
The other day the Gamerscore Blog gang rolled into Miami as part of their road tour to spread Xbox 360 love around the world ... or at least in North America . Their pregame show involved such activities as visiting the beach, playing in the sand, and spying on the police from their hotel window. But they finally decided to make their way to the event and as you can see from their pictures, they had plenty of fun. Even more exciting is that, for the first time ever, we have video proof that these events actually occur and are not part of a staged Microsoft PR campaign. The embedded video above is courtesy of Gamertag Radio as Godfree goes deep within' the bowels of the Miami event to show everyone the fun that we aren't privelaged enough to have. Sidenote: Anyone thinking they could pwn all the attendees at Guitar Hero II?
Gamerscore Blog's Road Tour stops in DC [update 1]
The Gamerscore Blog crew is still on their road tour across North American and still having fun. Today they set up shop in Washington DC with the official event kicking off this evening. And to pass the time between now and tonight they've been seeing the sights, visiting the White House, and getting a feel for what DC has to offer even getting a look at Mr. Lincoln himself. We're sure we'll be seeing more photos trickle in from their DC festivities later on tonight, so keep an eye out for secret XBLA clues or peripheral appearances. We hope everyone who RSVP'ed has a blast at the GSB event tonight, we're with you all in spirit.Update 1: Doh! Their blog post was from yesterday, which means the DC event already happened, which means all the photos they have up are all you're going to get. It's Friday, what can we say ...
Chatpad seen in Chicago at GSB Road Tour stop
Charles Huseman over at Gaming Nexus attended GamerscoreBlog's Road Tour event in Chicago, and got some hands-on time with the Chatpad, although not the retail version that'll hit shelves this summer. Charles said the Chatpad doesn't get in the way at all or messes up the weight balance of the controller. He also noted that the buttons are backlit for those who may be texting in the dark, with minimal impact on the wireless controller's battery life. Still no word on pricing or when we'll be getting it this summer. The special headset packed with the Chatpad has yet to be seen. Either way, exactly 1/3 of X3F staff (We bet you can't guess who) is all about the IMing whilst gaming, to the point of having a USB keyboard handy to make use of the overlay window for quick conversations. Have any of you slowly warmed up to the idea of IMing while you game? Or would an accessory like this be necessary for you to make the jump?
Gamerscore Blog's Road Tour stops in Chicago
Our good friends over at the Gamerscore Blog have officially kicked off their North American Road Tour '07 with a stop in Chicago on Sunday. And while in Chicago they got a chance to check out the silver bean, go to a Cubs game, and most importantly spent some time with the Xbox community playing some games. And if you're curious, they posted all of the Chicago fun (in picture form) on their Flickr account where we spotted a pic of XBLA game Track & Field.We didn't get a chance to attend the event, but we were wondering if any of our fellow fanboys made it to Chicago for the good times. If so, did you have a crazy amount of fun hanging out with the Gamerscore Blog crew? We hear they're cool kittens.
What more do you want from the XBLA?
Our title says it all. The Gamerscore Blog wants to know what you think the XBLA needs to do to make the overall experience better. They want to know your ideas on what games you'd like to see, what features should be included, what genres you like, and even what promotions you enjoy. They're open to hearing pretty much any ideas that you have. So, if you're a huge Arcade fan, be sure to comment on their post telling them (and the big cheeses over at Microsoft) what you think the XBLA needs. And don't forget to mention that you want more free games, because free games rock!
Traveling the US: Gamerscore Blog's Road Tour '07 [update 1]
The entire Gamerscore Blog crew (John, Tony, Chris and Sara) are packing up and hitting the road for their first ever Gamerscore Blog North American Road Tour '07. Why you ask? Well, to see new faces, mingle, and meet the Xbox 360 community. It's one of those "let's travel North America, play games and discuss gaming" adventures. They'll be stopping in five different cities around the Americas starting with Chicago on May 20th. Interested in meeting the gang? You'll have to RSVP and be somewhat active in the Xbox community either with a blog or some sort of Xbox connection. Full details on how to sign up are posted after the jump. Oh, if you're already signed up and are going to meet the Gamerscore Blog folks could you please do our dirty work and give John a hard time? Don't worry, he can take it.Update 1: Fixed the exclusive US talk. And since when is Toronto in Canada?
New gamerscore policy just makes sense
BIGVIP over at the Gamerscore Blog wrote up an article discussing what they've done for the gamerscore system on the 360. Microsoft has talked with developers and set clear rules pertaining to a game's gamerscore. All games here on out will be required to offer 1,000 gamerscore and all arcade games need 200. No part of the gamerscore can come from purchased XBLM content, but free downloadable content is fine. Also, any new expansion packs or new downloadable content can offer an additional 250 gamerscore for normal games and an additional 50 for arcade games.Most Xbox 360 games have stuck to the 1,000 gamerscore rule, but some have ventured away from it like Microsoft's yet to be released Crackdown. It only offers a 900 gamerscore ... come on Microsoft, can't you follow your own rules? But you'll be happy to know that they will offer an extra 100 gamerscore for Crackdown via a separate download or additional free content. And now to you, what do you think about this new standardization of the gamerscore?
Gamerscore Blog giving away the goods
With the announcement of the impending release of ten new XBLA titles, the Gamerscore Blog is feeling a little generous. They are giving away 100,000 Microsoft points in a trivia contest awarding 100 winners 1,000 Microsoft points. All you have to do to enter is answer the three trivia questions posed on their website and send them in. They'll select 100 winners from those who answered all three questions correctly. Brush up on your XBLA knowledge and get to answering some trivia! Oh yeah, the contest is only open to US residents who are 18 years or older ... sorry global fanboys.[Thanks, dpcough]
The last 360 accessory you'll ever need
We just spotted this on the Flickr page of Gamerscore Blog's Chris Paladino. Introducing the 360 peripheral that is sure to deliver a crippling blow to the competition: Phillipe, Disc Changing Gnome. Sure, he seems innocuous and cute, but this little guy could change the console wars forever. Phillipe's features, which are hard to make out in the small image at right, include:Fully autonomous disc changing sorting system Games DVDs Hard Drives Beer Pretzels Pornography Philippe requires no batteries, though he will need a steady supply of baguettes, brie, and wine. Seriously, we're not sure why this was posted, but it makes us feel better about 360 games potentially filling up more than one DVD.
Let's recap all that 360 CES news
Over the past day we've been churning out Xbox 360 news from CES like butter. Facts, numbers, announcements ... it's hard to keep track of everything. Those organized fellas over at Gamerscore Blog put together a complete bullet list of all the Xbox 360 news that has come from CES. IPTV, sales numbers, facts, and Live integration. It's all there. The full bullet list of tidbits is listed after the break, simply absorb the info and walk away with a smirk on your face. Ah heck, walk away from the list with a beaming smile and skip down the streets humming a happy tune!
A long distance Xbox 360 Vision X-mas
Over at the Gamerscore Blog Chris posted an account of his first Christmas spent with his family using the Xbox 360 Vision camera. Since moving to Washington our friend Chris hasn't had much interaction with his family and this was his first holiday season without them. What else could he do except purchase his family a Vision camera, get one for himself, and open presents via Xbox Live. Technology bringing together a family, now that's priceless. Have you used your Vision camera to talk with family that lives far away, or newly found friends, or to do some video conferencing? Bringing people together this holiday season, the Vision camera saves the day!
