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Internal Microsoft email claims Durango (Next Xbox) won’t require internet

May 072013

If you like Durango rumors, here’s a new one for you, and it could just be good news. Alleged internal email was sent out to all full time employees of Microsoft explaining the next generation Xbox’s goals including not requiring an always on connection.

You can read the Microsoft message below…

“Durango [the codename for the next Xbox] is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today’s Internet.” It continues, “There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should ‘just work’ regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game.”

If this were true it could change a lot of gamer’s mind about which console to purchase. However, it doesn’t mean there won’t be necessary internet activation for games similar to Steam or the current Xbox 360. Regardless, that type of product activation is a far stretch from the next Xbox requiring an always on connection. Again, these are sourceless rumors which will hopefully be clarified later this month when Microsoft reveals their next generation Xbox console.

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Rumors: Xbox Next to Block Used Games & Require Internet

Gaming, Tech No Responses »

Feb 102013

This is an old rumor that has started making the rounds again. There’s no real founding to it other than “sources.” If blocking used games is something that’s done on the next Xbox, that would mean no more buying games a couple weeks after they come out, used. No more browsing the used bin in a few years finding some goodies for 5 or 10 bucks.

Video game retailer Gamestop thinks its a bad idea too. GameStop spokesman Matt Hodges said, “We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability or not play new physical games.“ When asked to comment on the issue, Microsoft said they don’t comment on rumors.

Another interesting rumor about “Xbox 720” is that it will require an always on internet connection. This is similar to some games on the PC market such as Diablo 3. While it’s true that almost everyone has internet at home, it doesn’t mean everyone has a properly networked home. Furthermore, there are people who simply don’t want to play online and be connected, and there are instances where a parent won’t want that either. Another downside would be, what if your internet service went out? Or you just moved into a new place and haven’t gotten the utilities up yet. I guess that means no Xbox for you. We think this is also a bad idea.

Microsoft’s next Xbox is said to be announced sometime this year, likely in March. The console as of yet, doesn’t have an official name, although it is codenamed Durango internally at Microsoft. Rumored names so far include Xbox Next, Xbox 720 & Xbox 3. The rumored next gen Xbox specs are an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.

No matter what decisions are made with the console, at the end of the day consumers will decide with their wallets. What do you think of the rumor about Microsoft forcing you to only buy new games for the next Xbox?

Gambling Virtually in Video Games

Action Adventure, FPS, Gaming No Responses »

Feb 042013

Video games often simulate parts of real life. Some of these parts are action packed things we may never do… like defeat 100 ninjas… or drive 10 different Lamborghini’s. It can simulate things that we enjoy but can’t afford to do all the time. Like gambling. Gambling in video games has existed for a very long time. Poker and other games have appeared in numerous titles. We’ve compiled a short list of video games that make gambling a useful and fun component of the game.

Shenmue II by Sega (Xbox, Dreamcast)
In Shenmue II, you play Ryo Hazuki. He’s a Japanese dude trying to get revenge for the death of his father. This adventure takes him all the way to China. Just like in the first game, Ryo can make cash by selling toy capsules to pawn shops or by getting a job (yeah right). The other way he can make money is by gambling (in the first Shenmue you only won prizes). There are various modes of gambling in Shenmue II, ranging from street fights and arm wrestling, to slot machines, darts, and pachinko. Learn more about gambling in Shenmue II.

Red Dead Redemption by Rockstar (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
Red Dead Redemption follows the story of an ex-outlaw, John Marston, who’s family is kidnapped by the government. In order to save his family, he must act as a bounty hunter and bring his former gang members to justice. In the game, there are casinos which you can play at and win. This gets more interesting with the DLC pack Liars and Cheats, which includes multiplayer poker and even poker tournaments in the game. Learn more about poker in Red Dead Redemption.

Rage by id Software (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)
Id Software may be known for mindless, yet addictive FPS games but with Rage they switched up their style. In the game, you play a Marine who was cryogenically stowed away in an arc while the Earth was smashed by an asteroid. When you get out, you realize shit has really hit the fan. During the game, you need to fund your ammo and supplies. Besides doing odd jobs around town and looking for loot in the sewers, another way to profit in the game is by gambling in town. The games range from a collectible card game, to hand stab, to a dice rolling game. Learn more about gambling in Rage.

What’s your favorite video game to include gambling?

Possible Quantic Dream Next Generation Playstation 4 Game

E3, Game Development, Gaming No Responses »

Jan 222013

Quantic Dream is the amazing developer behind some hit games such as OMIKRON: The Nomad Soul for the PC and the Sega Dreamcast, Fahrenheit (also known as Indigo Prophecy in the US) for the PC, X-box, and Playstation 2, Heavy Rain for the Playstation 3, and the upcoming Beyond: Two Souls also for the Playstation 3. We had heard that the French developer Quantic Dream may be making a new game for the Playstation 4, called Singularity. Quantic Dream founder and president David Cage also has ties to Singularity. Cage had recently explained that Ray Kurzweil’s novel The Singularity is Near was a huge influence for Quantic Dream’s “Kara” tech demo from the 2012 Game Developers Conference. Back in November of 2012, Quantic Dream registered the domain ‘singularityps4.com‘ which matches past domains ( heavyrainps3.com and beyondps3.com) that were also bought by Quantic Dream. This domain could also be hinting towards the Playstation 4 not being named Orbis. Well, we shouldn’t be waiting long to find out though since Sony will be holding a press conference un March of 2013 to unveil the new system. Although Quantic Dream’s possible next generation hit for the PS4 may not be called Singularity at all. Since Raven Software’s 2010 shooter ‘Singularity’ already has it and Activision holds the trademark for such name.