Living LIVE News Report 11.28.11
Posted by Trace Aber on 11.28.2011
News and thoughts on the latest Final Fantasy XIII-2 trailer, the possibility of two Xbox 720 models and their dramatic differences, a UK tabloid reporting irresponsibly about people hacking for Microsoft Points and more!
REPLY POSTED
Last week's topic of the next Microsoft console potentially going full-Cloud sparked some debate among our readers. Let's see what you have to say!
Cloud-based gaming will be the norm at some point. The 720 will just be an extension of MSFT cross platform plan for your entertainment, extending to phones, laptops, and tablets. Sony is adopting a similar "4 screen format" and the cloud will be critical to this success. It has more to do with user profile access and system management than games at this point, but if they get the plumbing right, the games will follow. I'm ok with it as long as they have the ability to play offline as well. Not being connected for achievements is one thing, not being to play the entire game is another. They can't abandon the physical medium just yet, still not there at this point. But soon...
Here's what I am interested in what the 720 will or won't do
Blu-ray? Will they, won't they
TV? Apple and Sony are both doing things around this, MSFT needs to be doing more than just partnering with cable companies.
Streaming? Make it easier to use
Better content partners? Spotify anyone?
Posted By: Wii60 (Guest) on November 22, 2011 at 05:02 PM
I'm afraid if we have to choose between the cloud and all digital, I think the 360 (or possibly the 720) might be my last console. I don't mind some digital (kinda like the 360 now) but all or in a stupid cloud? Nah, I like my discs. I don't mind dieing with them.
Posted By: Kedrix (Guest) on November 23, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Two opposing views, yet two that seem to realize eventually the cloud will take over (also, I hope they change the name by then. I hate that term). I agree with Wii60 that we really can't escape it long-term, but it's simply not there yet. I think he's right though – the cloud is going to be used to connect multiple devices without wires in the short run, then eventually become the full console long term. I wouldn't give up on consoles if they go strictly cloud though, Kedrix. Hopefully by that point they'll have ironed out all the details about ownership of downloadable items, and perhaps even offer refunds at some point! Of course, if it's like the current Games on Demand scheme with little changes, I might be with you on the 360/720 being my last console.
As for Wii60's questions, I'll give them a shot. I can see Microsoft moving to Blu-Ray, because by the time the new consoles come out it'd be foolish not to. I understand their hesitation when the 360 released as the Blu-ray was still unproven, but it's looking like it's here to stay for the time being. As for TV, Microsoft's deal with the cable companies are just the beginning if they are to be believed. Their ultimate goal is to do away with cable boxes entirely, meaning it's highly likely by the time the 720 rolls out they'll have accomplished that goal. I actually find streaming easy to use now, but I guess I wouldn't complain if it was even easier. And I think over time, including throughout the current generation's lifespan, you'll continually see more and more content partners added to their console(s). It goes in line with being the ultimate media center, though I sometimes wonder what would happen if the consoles got powerful (and accessible) enough to where people quit buying computers and stick with consoles that allow full internet browsing, access to their favorite streaming sites, and the ability to play most types of media. Not saying it will happen, but it'll be interesting to see if the console makers even go that far.
"The saving grace might be the alternating release schedule between studios, which allows for the games to be similar yet different enough for consumers to feel the need to purchase each iteration."
Kinda like Guitar Hero and Rock Band? They really never learn...
Posted By: Guest#1002 (Guest) on November 22, 2011 at 06:28 PM
While I understand your point in principle, I don't think Call of Duty applies to this situation. Music games are fun distractions, mostly used for parties and whatnot. After somebody purchases two or three versions of the game (and hell, sometimes even one), they have enough content for their needs of the game. Even though who play the game by themselves realize there's only so many ways to press buttons on a guitar, and move on. With Call of Duty, however, you have millions of people playing against one another competitively at any time, with each game at the very least including new maps, weapons, and game modes. Even though people mock the games for being rehashes, the general public seems to disagree for now.
Welcome everyone to another issue of the Living LIVE News Report, and as always, I'm your host for the evening, Trace Aber. With this last week being the American Thanksgiving, most of the internet has been relatively dead and as such very little news has been made – or at least reported. This has worked out for me, as it allows me more type to rotate through Skyrim, WWE ‘12, and DC Universe Online. It's a hell of a rotation, let me tell you. Also, I think I need to put Skyrim down because last night I had a dream in which I saw the world through the Skyrim interface, and to pick up any object I had to press A. At least the prompt showed up every time to remind me.
The Sun, a British daily tabloid, had an "exclusive" article about how con artists are going after gamers, directing people to websites that steal their information in lieu of free Microsoft Points! Oh, the horror! "Victims then enter personal details which let criminals access accounts and get hold of credit card information," wrote The Sun. "Crooks take small amounts from credit cards over several weeks—making them hard to detect." Some of these evildoers are so bold to even directly ask for the information – and then people are shocked to discover their account information has been stolen!
Microsoft I'm sure was flooded with e-mails and complaints about the article – I mean, it's Microsoft's responsibility to make sure people don't give their information out to these crooks, right? Well, no, it's not. Still, Microsoft did release a statement saying that, "Yeah, phishing scams are happening." What they didn't point out is that, "Hey, this happens anywhere the internet is involved, and isn't that special." The release reads as follows;
The online safety of Xbox LIVE members remains of the utmost importance, which is why we consistently take measures to protect Xbox LIVE against ever-changing threats. As a result, we are currently:
- Working closely with affected members who have been in touch with us to investigate and/or resolve any unauthorized changes to their accounts resulting from phishing scams.
- Warning people against opening unsolicited e-mails which may contain spyware and other malware that can access personal information contained on their computer without their knowledge or permission.
- Reminding all customers that they should be very careful to keep all personal information secure whenever online and never supply e-mail addresses, passwords or credit card information to strangers.
Microsoft remains vigilant at all times regarding the security of Xbox LIVE customers. As always, Xbox LIVE customers who have any queries or concerns should contact Xbox LIVE Customer Service on 0800 587 1102 or visit www.xbox.com/security.
Shortly after Microsoft released the statement, The Sun realized that they blew things out of proportion and decided to come clean. Oh, wait, they ran this instead;
"...dozens of angry readers contacted The Sun to tell how crooks bought Microsoft Points on their accounts to trade on to users in countries like China, Nigeria and Russia - even though they didn't pass on any personal details or visit phishing websites.Many victims of the scam exposed by The Sun have been hit for multiple purchases of £42.50 - just under the limit that most banks check.
The points, the currency of Microsoft games, have then been sold on to other players abroad."
The Sun mentions that the "hacks" were related to FIFA, which happened last month.. Still, Microsoft once again commented on the issue;
"As we commented on Tuesday, the Xbox Live service has not been hacked. However, we are investigating a number of recent customer complaints relating to Xbox Live customer service—particularly in the way that we have processed refunds to customers that have been victims of phishing related fraud.
Consequently, we are taking several steps to address and resolve these particular issues as soon as possible and working closely with our affected customers to investigate and resolve any unauthorized charges made to their accounts resulting from recent phishing scams.
Finally we would like to apologise to any customers who have not experienced a good service from us."
Look, I'm not denying that people are having their info stolen and used to purchase points – it's the idea that this is only happening on Xbox bothers me. It's simply spreading false information to people who already seem to know little about how the internet work, which only makes it more likely to happen in the future. If you're surprised that sending some random person on Xbox LIVE your account information leads to your account getting messed up, then you don't deserve to be the internet. I'm sure more of this ridiculous story will unravel over the next few days, and I'll keep you posted.
Next Console to Feature Two Models
One thing that Microsoft seems to enjoy doing is releasing different versions of their console. Be it a special video-gamed themed console, a complete redesign, or different features being added/taken out, Microsoft just seems to get a kick out of it. Perhaps they have ADD and just can't quite stay content, or maybe they're just trying to make sure everybody can get the Xbox 360 of their dreams. Well, we can't be for sure if Microsoft is going to continue that trend with the 720, but it looks like there'll be two separate models at release.
According to a report from Digital Foundry, "it's believed that Microsoft will continue its successful two SKU strategy." But the two SKUs would be dramatically different. Microsoft will "indeed take it much further with its new platform: a pared down machine is to be released as cheaply as possible, and positioned more along the lines of a set-top box (the use of 360 as a Netflix viewing platform in the US is colossal) and perhaps as a Kinect-themed gaming portal, while a more fully-featured machine with optical drive, hard disk and backward compatibility aimed at the hardcore would be released at a higher price-point."
I don't know how I feel about this one. I like the idea on one console being Kinect and Xbox Live-downloadable games only, with the main feature being the entertainment center package. It would have to come with a respectable built-in-hard drive though, or at least some good cloud storage. The expensive version could come with an optical drive and backward compatibility (hopefully with continued LIVE support) and feature the big blockbuster titles. It would be a fair way to separate the, and I hate these terms, "casual" and "hardcore" gamers.
Should the Xbox 720 ship with two SKUs, or will this just create a further divide and spread resources thin? I'm personally intrigued, and who knows, maybe by then Kinect won't suck!
New Dashboard Coming December 6
It's that time once again for your Xbox to get a makeover. While some people still lament the loss of the Blades systems, Microsoft is once against switching things up by changing things to look like the current PC and mobile phone interfaces – i.e. a lot of squares.
Outside of the redesign, the new TV and movie apps will be released, alongside deeper Kinect voice recognition. Many people in the ongoing beta seem to be enjoying the redesign, stating that it runs smoother and loads quicker than before. Haven't heard much about the Kinect integration, however. Sadly, it appears that current premium themes will be useless, as the props that stood behind those in your Friend's List no longer appears. I hope this is just a horrible lie. A horrible, filthy, stinky lie. Awful.
The Digital Downloads Games on Demand
Mortal Kombat ($59.99)
IL 2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey ($19.99)
Karaoke Revolution ($19.99)
Demos
Michael Phelps: Push the Limit
RAGE
Twister Mania
Signing Out
That does it for me this week. Be sure to check back next week as we discuss all of the latest Xbox 360 news, including releases, rumors and reviews! Also, don't forget to bookmark 411Mania! And a note to all of the Indie Game developers out there – if you have an upcoming title that's going to be released soon drop me a line at traceaber@gmail.com and let me know. I'll write a full review of your game to be posted on 411Mania.com, which is a great way to get your game promoted!
The only way the two SKU's would work is if the lower model could be upgraded to the higher model.
I work at Eb Games and the amount of parents that buy the 4gb 360 from a department store, than come to my store and complain that Forza 4 and other games don't work properly.
Posted By: Dynomite (Guest) on November 28, 2011 at 02:02 AM
The 2 skus options works. They just further differentiated it. Price point is a huge factor for casual gamers so selling them a device that is essentially a casual machine at a low price is smart.
I like the idea that the lower model could eventually be converted into the higher model via additional add-ons. have USB optical drives or an expandable harddrive. Sure it would cost more long term (like the current xbox scheme) but short-sighted consumers won't think about it when they initially purchase.
Posted By: Shio (Guest) on November 28, 2011 at 03:04 PM
So, what are your thoughts on the FF13-2 trailer?
Posted By: Jamal (Guest) on November 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Sounds like the low-end SKU might just be a kinect TV portal and play games made just for it - like XBLA style games. People are already used to that differentiation thanks to the iFamily, where games might run on the iPad but not the iPhone or the iPhone 3GS but not the 3.
That would let them do a low-cost version for the people who want simple games and workout stuff, while putting out a high-end version that's aimed at the hardcore.
The real problem with the FIFA hack is that the 360 version allows you to trade those coins. On the PS3 you can't so there's no way to monetize the hack.
Posted By: lol (Guest) on November 30, 2011 at 03:03 PM
The Sun is owned by News Corp, the same people that own Fox News in the states. They are known for their ill thought and poor journalism that frankly extends no further than your average idiotic white van tradesman. You think News Corp would be more careful in their stories considering the parliamentary review that's going on now.
Posted By: PdM (Guest) on December 01, 2011 at 01:51 AM
MSFT has to use two SKUs in order to compete with what Apple and Sony are doing. They need to cultivate their ecosystem and try to build their closed network like iOS. TV, Phone, Tablet, and PC will offer an experience that syncs across all screens and a lighter box that fosters this for TV makes sense.
They can continue to produce a dedicated game console for gamers but a dumbed down box that mostly focuses on media with some games makes sense as well.
Posted By: Wii60 (Guest) on December 02, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Um...arent there like 6 DIFFERENT models of the 360 already?! PS3 as well! Hell, some 360 dont even have the same A/V inputs, like the one with the stand alone HD port or even the power cords, the metal tipped ones will not work with the plastic tipped "arcade" models....
Point is, there WILL be more than one model to choose from.
Posted By: Guest#0850 (Guest) on December 12, 2011 at 12:45 AM
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