XNA News from Microsoft

As part of its publicity campaign for the November 19 release, Microsoft has confirmed that the XNA Games service would launch integrating the Xbox Live Experience. There will be more information available and options related to getting games, plus an improved visual experience for the Xbox 360 user.

XNA Games will be getting its very own channel on the new Xbox Live Experience interface, separate from that of Xbox Live Arcade. Kathleen Sanders, XNA community manager at Microsoft, told Larry Hryb (also known as Major Nelson), that the approval process for XNA produced games would be far quicker than that for XBLA games.

Kathleen Sanders stated that “We're a little bit nervous, because we don't know what people are going to create -- we're leaving it all in their hands. What we've provided them is just a tool, a way to get out there to all the millions of Xbox Live subscribers”.

Microsoft is not establishing any benchmark at this point in time for the new service and says that it all depends on how interested Xbox Live fans are in creating games and how much creativity they can showcase.

In order to create and then distribute a game via Xbox Live, you will need to become a premium member of the XNA Creators Club. This means that you have to give Microsoft either 49 dollars for a four month membership or 99 $ for a yearly membership. The idea is that you can make those sums up by choosing to bill those interested in the game you have created 200, 400 or 800 Microsoft Points and you will receive 70% of the price paid by them. The bad news is that you cannot choose to release an XNA game as free, so the program might not attract a lot of attention from players.

Emotional Ad Video : Global Warming

The concept behind this video is to bring awareness about Global Warming. This is very emotional..

Get Ready for some Tarzan Action

One of the most classic heroes and many people’s favorite, Tarzan, is set to make a comeback in the world of games. After being cast in arcade or children oriented titles, the famous man from the jungle is set to have a proper game made after his adventures. European developer Twelve has recently announced that it has struck a deal with Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. to commence development of a new title that will feature Tarzan as the main character, and which will be made for the all the major platforms, like the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii.

"Developing Tarzan, one of the most enduringly popular characters of all time, for the video game market, will be Twelve's biggest challenge to date," said Giuseppe Crugliano, founder and managing director of Twelve. "We are extremely happy that our vision of Tarzan for this millennium met with the same enthusiasm from Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. It will be a huge but inspiring task, a timeless character, timeless ideals, further enhanced by the sheer quality of next-gen technology. Tarzan has been a hero for generations, irrespective of age, and we can't wait to get to work on what we're sure will be truly captivating gameplay."

President James J. Sullos Jr. spoke for Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., and he was very excited about bringing back the classic character. "Over the years, Tarzan has represented human survival against all odds, rugged individualism, and a protector of the natural habitat – he is the First Conservationist. His physical prowess and complex personality lends itself to a myriad of possibilities in developing high powered next-gen console games, and we are pleased that Twelve shares our enthusiasm."

And don't think that this game won't be serious, as the developers have announced that they will be employing the Gamebryo engine which was also used by Bethesda for their hit title The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, or for their upcoming Fallout 3 game.

Burnout Paradise Features Barrack Obama Ads

In-game ads are a pretty interesting thing. It sure is weird to see the ads you would find on the street or on billboards across the city in your game while you race or shoot another character. It certainly is one of the biggest less exploited areas of advertising, which is why big companies like Activision sign contracts to display ads in their games, or why big industry companies like Google enter this market. But the end results are sometimes a bit funny.

GamePolitics reports that a gamer, while playing the racing title Burnout: Paradise, saw a billboard advertising for the United States Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama. The gamer in question, who goes by the nickname Dragunov765, posted pictures of this billboard on his blog and expressed his opinion about them. Don't go thinking that he's just a kid who knows how to Photoshop an image, because he definitely has credibility and the pictures look real enough.

"Here's the photos I took while playing Burnout: Paradise on the Xbox 360. I don't know how often they rotate the in-game advertising, but I imagine they are still up. I gotta give Obama credit for covering all the bases. I also think this is an interesting endorsement for adults as gamers (or maybe he's planting the seeds for a re-election bid in 4 years)." he wrote on his blog.

The billboard, which expresses the early voting initiatives, references Obama's campaign site and states that it was paid for by "Obama for America." While it does seem interesting he would approach such a delicate market, the presidential candidate has always been close with the younger voting audience and with such attempts he can only get an even bigger boost in popularity.

Electronic Arts, the publisher of this game and the company that holds the advertisement rights, has yet to offer an official statement about this particular ad.

Guide to Wii Accessories

The fun console has gotten funnier. Some of the accessories are out of this world and you have to wonder what the heck were those guys thinking when they came up with some of the ideas; maybe is too much tequila or maybe the console is forcing people to think out the box. In any case, the add-ons from for the Wii are by far the funniest ones. Have a look!

Wii Soft Sport Kit from dreamGear
Wii Soft Sport Kit from dreamGear
Baseball, Tennis and Golf can now be played with the feeling of a real bat, racket and club. Includes a bonus Wii cooling fan to keep your system cool and prevent your console from overheating.



FrontMan from Nyko
The FrontMan is compatible with Guitar Hero III and works with your existing Wii remote. Designed for the inner rocks star in everyone, the FrontMan features a unique hard rock styling with a custom body shape, with your choice of two rocking color schemes, interchangeable pick guards and durable design.



Silicone Skin Case for Controller & Nunchuk from BargainCell
Keep your Nintendo Wii controller & nunchuk safe and protected with a high quality silicone skin case.



Airplane Navigator from CTA Digital
Navigate through the friendly skies with this Airplane Controller Stand. Its flexible and diverse design allows you to play your airplane games as if you were right in the cockpit. The angle of the sand swivels from front to back and side to side, allowing you to maneuver with the slightest of ease. Both the nunchuk and the controller are placed on both sides of the stand.



Boxing Gloves from CTA Digital
The Boxer Gloves for Wii are perfect for gamers that want to add a touch of reality to their gaming experience. With these gloves, you get the actual feel and work out of being inside of the ring. The gloves have a pouch on the backside of the hand that houses two-foam cushions that are designed specifically for the controllers to rest in; this way you can punch away like a real boxer and not have to worry about clenching bulky objects.



Cooking Mother Kit from CTA Digital
This dual set of controller holders is a virtual chef's dream. One holder is shaped in the mold of a frying pan, while the other is a combination of a spatula, a knife and tongs, so you can fry, flip, cut and stab any one of your favorite dishes.


Dance Mat from CTA Digital
Compatible with Wii dancing games such as Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party, you can experience those dancing games through this genuine interactive feel



Mobile Home Theater Video Eyewear from CTA Digital
With this eyewear, your video footage is projected on a 50 inch virtual screen at a 2 meter distance. Line controller that you plug into the left side of the frame; it houses a 1,000mAh Lithium-ion batter that lasts up to 8 hours, which is more than enough time to out last any movie that you may be viewing. You can power the glasses on/off and adjust the volume with this. Also included is a set of earbuds that you plug into the frame and it enables you to listen to audio of the video that is being shown



Camouflage Blue WraptorSkinz from Matrix Productions
WraptorSkinz provide thin and tough scratch protection for your Nintendo Wii Controllers & Nunchucks without adding bulk.



Fighting Stick from Hori
This is basically an arcade style stick for Nintendo Wii that acts as a Wii remote extension. Anyone can guess what is designed to do, right?



The WiiHelm
This is the ultimate tool for lazy dudes or girls for that matter. Unlike all the overweight gamers that feel this is the break they were waiting for, I think this will make a lovely gadget for physically impaired gamers that are entitled to some fun just like the rest of us. We know it was meant as an April Fools Day prank, but the idea is not half bad.



Vertical Stand and Cradle
Your Wii console will never be happier. This 7-in-1 Pro Gamer's Kit includes a vertical stand and remote cradle to secure your Wii console, two Remotes and two Nunchuks; two remote faceplates with matching straps, so you can customize and protect each of you Wii remotes in style; one remote grip to ensure total comfort during those long-fought classic gaming sessions; a Wii game case to protect and organize all your games, memory cards & memory card cases.



This pretty much covers it. There is a bunch of other stuff like different nunchuks and remotes, in various colors and a trillion adaptors for fishing rods, guns and pool cue thingies. Wii may not be leading in graphics, but they sure do hold the throne when it comes to sheer and pure entertainment.

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION

A couple of pencil-outlined birds escape from a little girl´s drawing, leading us through the life she dreams of. Created by Carlos Lascano.


A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Gallery of Hot Girl Gamer

Girls with Guns

Girls with Their (X)boxes

Girls and Guitar Hero

Girls with Old School Games

[more pics [at Destructoid(partial nudity) and GamerGirls]

Spore Cheats - Tips & Tricks

You need to press the following buttons on your keyboard to open the Spore console screen while playing the game: press Ctrl + Shift + C at the same time. Once you’ve done that, the console screen allows you to type the below cheat codes, after which you hit the Enter or Esc button or the red X to close the console.

The code is followed by its effect on the game.

* Type: capturePlanetGIF - To capture a spinning GIF picture of the planet you are on, which is then saved to the AnimatedAvatars directory on your computer.

* Type: setConsequenceTrait (trait) - Where you see the text "(trait)" instead you type out one of the following traits that you want: cell_carnivore, cell_herbivore, cell_omnivore, creature_aggressive, creature_social, creature_mixed, tribe_aggressive, tribe_social, tribe_mixed, civ_military, civ_economic, civ_religious, space_bard, space_ecologist, space_zealot, space_diplomat, space_scientist, space_trader, space_shaman, space_warrior, space_wanderer, or space_knight

* Type: help (command) -This explains the actions and usages of a command. Where you see the text "(command)" instead you type the cheat code you want explained.

* Type: addDNA - To increase how much DNA you have to spend by 150 points.

* Type: moreMoney - This increases your money in the Civilization or Space stages.

* Type: help - This lists all cheats and debug commands.

* Type: killallhints - To remove all hints from the game.

* Type: refillMotives - Where needed, this replenishes your health and other motives.

* Type: SetTime (hour, minute) - This sets the time of day at the Avatar’s position, and optionally can give you a speed multiplier. Where you see the text "(hour, minute)" instead you type the time of day you want.

* Type: freeCam - To toggle free camera mode.

* Type: unlockSuperWeapons - This unlocks all superweapons for your Civilization type.

Florida Man ordered to Pay $415,900 for Selling Pirated Video Game Systems

Kifah Maswadi, 24, of Oakland, Fla., was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for selling pirated video game systems.

In addition to the prison sentence, Maswadi was ordered to pay $415,900 in restitution for criminal copyright infringement by U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis III in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Maswadi previously pleaded guilty on June 3, 2008, to a one-count indictment for criminal copyright infringement, after being indicted on Jan. 24, 2008. Maswadi admitted to selling “Power Player” handheld game consoles that were pre-loaded with at least 76 pirated copies of copyright protected video games, most of which were owned by Nintendo and Nintendo’s licensees. Maswadi also admitted that from 2006 through 2007, he sold the game consoles and pirated games to customers in the Eastern District of Virginia and elsewhere through several Web sites he operated. Records showed that Maswadi’s sales of the pirated game units exceeded $390,000.

First Core i7-Ready Triple-Channel DDR3 Kits

After the latest news of Corsair planning to release its first triple-channel DDR3 memory kits, it looks like A-Data stepped ahead of the game in being the first to announce the Core i7-ready triple-channel DDR3 kits, with almost 5-6 weeks before Intel is expected to officially unveil its next-generation desktop processors. Despite the fact that no specific release date has been made public, it’s a good thing to know that even memory manufacturers are getting ready for Intel's next-generation desktop platform.

Just recently A-Data has introduced a new cooling solution, specifically designed to meet the requirements of the company's performance X series of memory modules. However, with the latest development, A-Data has made one a step further towards its goal of claiming the supremacy in the high-end computer memory market. The announcement of the very first Core i7-ready triple-channel DDR3 kits also comes to confirm that we are getting close to the official unveiling of Intel's Nehalem-based Core i7 processors and its next-generation X58 chipset.



A-Data Vitesta DDR3 triple-channel memory modules

Regarding the specific technical details, the upcoming Vitesta-series kits will be available in both 3GB and 6GB capacities working at 1333MHz and 1600MHz. According to the company, the new Vitesta DDR3-1333MHz and DDR3-1600MHz memory modules have been designed to deliver impressive performance rates, working at latencies of 7-7-7-20 and 8-8-8-24, respectively. They will be offered with a lifetime warranty, and are said to become available later this quarter, although, as noted before, there's no specific date available for the time being.

As mentioned above, A-Data's upcoming Vitesta memory kits have been designed for the next-generation X58-enabled motherboards, which means that they will probably end up in one of those new Core i7 gaming rigs that should become available soon.

Guide to Xbox 360 Accessories

You've just bought your first (or second, for that matter) Xbox and, after unpacking it, you feel like there is something missing and you cannot quite figure it out. Maybe it's just a cable or maybe is the second controller. On the other hand, it might not go with your girlfriend's last dress and you could use a custom plate to appease her mind whenever you tend more to the needs of Marcus Fenix than to hers. I've put together a list of almost every accessory i could think of.

Hard Drive (20 GB)
Save your games, Xbox LIVE gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. The Xbox 360 Hard Drive also lets you play an array of original Xbox games and even comes preloaded with an Xbox LIVE Arcade game, music, and videos.



Hard Drive (120 GB)
The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive is the best option for media enthusiasts who game on Xbox 360. It is the largest storage option for available. The Hard Drive includes a data transfer kit to easily migrate all of your saved data from your 20GB HDD to your 120GB HDD. It comes preloaded with great HD game demos, videos, and an assortment of Xbox LIVE Arcade game trials.



HD DVD Player
HD DVD Player is the most affordable way to jump into the next generation of DVD technology, along with the flexibility to enter when you are ready. Just plug Xbox 360 HD DVD Player into Xbox 360 and enjoy the ultimate home theater experience, with more clarity and detail than broadcast, cable or satellite HD.



HDMI Cable
Experience digital high definition of your video and audio all in one cable and enjoy movies and games at up to 1080p resolution with superior audio via the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound output. Utilize the Optical/RCA Audio adapter for enhanced sound in non-HDMI supported stereo systems.



Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable
Showcase stunning Xbox 360 high-definition graphics with the component connection on your HDTV. Play high-quality audio with the included stereo connection, or use the optical audio port for digital sound. The eight-foot shielded cable also includes the more traditional composite connections for use with standard-definition televisions.



Wireless Controller (various colors)
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on the two included AA batteries-and when they run low, you're given ample warning so you can connect a Play & Charge Kit for uninterrupted play. Plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for full two-way voice communication: a wireless first. The device comes in the following colors: black, blue and pink.



Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controller Brute
Really get into the game with this Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controller.



Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controller Spartan
The same like the one above, but with a different theme.



Wireless Headset
Designed specifically to work seamlessly on your Xbox 360, this hands-free, wire-free headset employs the same technology as the award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Pair up both accessories for superior performance, freedom and comfort, and you can even use up to four Wireless Controllers and Wireless Headsets simultaneously.



Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset
For the Halo fanatic who is looking for an undeterred and immersive gaming experience, the ergonomically designed wireless headset sports a Halo 3 logo with a visor gold power button, all in Master Chief green.



Messenger Kit
Chatting with friends and family on Xbox LIVE and Windows-based PCs is easy using the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. This device easily connects to any Xbox 360 controller and provides easy to use chat capabilities, while maintaining gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. The Messenger Kit includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 Headset.



Play & Charge Kit (also comes in Black)
Complete with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit is all you need to juice up your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller-even in the midst of battle.



Quick Charge Kit
Quickly recharge up to two battery packs at the same time. Your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller needs a new battery? Swap in a fresh pack from the Quick Charge Kit. Multiple wireless controllers? Pick up a couple of extras, so you'll always be ready with a fully charged battery that's ready to go.



Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
Featuring sleek design and cutting edge technology, like dual Rumble motors and powerful Force Feedback, the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel is a masterpiece of form and function.



Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows
The Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows lets you take your quality, wireless gaming experiences that you enjoy on your console and experience them on your Windows gaming platform.



Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies, music, and games library, and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater.



Faceplates
Unlike any console before, Xbox 360 puts gamers at the center and gives them the freedom to personalize their gaming experience, however they see fit. Xbox 360 Faces make it easy and fun to change the face of the Xbox 360 console. Change your Faces whenever you like to match your personality, your mood, or your wild side. So flip it, switch it, or leave it be, and express your unique sense of style.



You have to keep in mind that there are tons of other accessories on the market produced by third party companies. Not all of them are interesting, but we've gathered a few of the most prominent ones:


Harmony Advanced Universal Remote from Logitech
Touch just one button to power on everything you need to play a game. Navigate Xbox menus with X, Y, A and B buttons. And of course, for the rest of the family, you can add up to 11 other components.



Controller Cradles from Intec
New 360 Controller Cradles secure your controller in a vertical position, while displaying it and keeping it safe from bumps and scratches.



Vantage USB Microphone from Logitech
The Logitech Vantage USB Microphone enhances your favorite Xbox 360 singing games with high-quality audio input.



The latest console from Microsoft has a long life ahead of it, and I'm sure we're going to do another piece in a couple of years with crazier and more interesting accessories.

Source: Google, Softpedia, xboxforum