Xbox Live turns five tomorrow. To celebrate, Microsoft has confirmed what SPOnG told you yesterday, full original Xbox titles will become available with the next firmware update.
That's not all, either. For two days, all Xbox Live users will be able to download a free Xbox Live game. The offer will kick off on November 15th at 8:01am and run through to 7:59 am, November 17th. Additionally, all Xbox Live Gold subscribers will get 500 free Microsoft Points.
Update: To clarify, Microsoft's PR agency explains, "In addition to this, every active Gold member who joined the service at launch will receive 500 MS Points for free."
Microsoft also took the opportunity to let us know that over 8 million gamers are now "actively engaged in" Live. We like the idea of 'actively involved' rather than the Second Life theory of, "we've got 50-gazillion users" when it means, "50-gazillion people have logged on once".
As SPOnG reported yesterday, the full original Xbox titles will be available on December 4th, which is the confirmed date for the firmware update. Titles will cost 1200 Microsoft Points and will include the likes of Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fable.
“In just five short years Xbox Live has revolutionised the way friends and family have fun in the living room across the world”, said Microsoft executive±, Mike Newey.
There we go with the 'family' meme once again. Post-Halo 3, this is becoming Microsoft's clarion call in the face of Nintendo's dominance with the Wii.
Should be a fun platform battle this Xmas - and not something for the little 'uns to see.
No mention was made of a video on demand service, but reports suggest that the likes of Warner Bros are in talks with Microsoft.
The company's getting a bit generous with Xbox Live these days. As of next Friday Europeans will have the opportunity to get free Gold membership for a week.
So... happy birthday (for tomorrow) Xbox Live!
± Okay, here's his actual title... Europe, the Middle East and Africa group product (EMEA) marketing manager for Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. We bet he gets lots of Xmas cards...
That's not all, either. For two days, all Xbox Live users will be able to download a free Xbox Live game. The offer will kick off on November 15th at 8:01am and run through to 7:59 am, November 17th. Additionally, all Xbox Live Gold subscribers will get 500 free Microsoft Points.
Update: To clarify, Microsoft's PR agency explains, "In addition to this, every active Gold member who joined the service at launch will receive 500 MS Points for free."
Microsoft also took the opportunity to let us know that over 8 million gamers are now "actively engaged in" Live. We like the idea of 'actively involved' rather than the Second Life theory of, "we've got 50-gazillion users" when it means, "50-gazillion people have logged on once".
As SPOnG reported yesterday, the full original Xbox titles will be available on December 4th, which is the confirmed date for the firmware update. Titles will cost 1200 Microsoft Points and will include the likes of Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fable.
“In just five short years Xbox Live has revolutionised the way friends and family have fun in the living room across the world”, said Microsoft executive±, Mike Newey.
There we go with the 'family' meme once again. Post-Halo 3, this is becoming Microsoft's clarion call in the face of Nintendo's dominance with the Wii.
Should be a fun platform battle this Xmas - and not something for the little 'uns to see.
No mention was made of a video on demand service, but reports suggest that the likes of Warner Bros are in talks with Microsoft.
The company's getting a bit generous with Xbox Live these days. As of next Friday Europeans will have the opportunity to get free Gold membership for a week.
So... happy birthday (for tomorrow) Xbox Live!
± Okay, here's his actual title... Europe, the Middle East and Africa group product (EMEA) marketing manager for Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. We bet he gets lots of Xmas cards...
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Comments
SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 10:19
1/16
According to what MCV have on their site only those that had Xbox Live on the original Xbox since its 'infancy' will get 500points.
It might be an idea to perhaps clarify this with Microsoft.
It might be an idea to perhaps clarify this with Microsoft.
king skins 14 Nov 2007 12:45
2/16
Eurogamer are reporting the same thing, you'll get 500 points if you've been a member since 2002... which is a ass if true, I think I joined in early 2003 :(
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SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 13:10
3/16
Oh and again the title is misleading saying 'Free Live games tomorrow!'
Its 1 game and let me guess...Your including the fact that you're getting 500points isn't it Spong? But then again seems to only apply to old Live members.
Its 1 game and let me guess...Your including the fact that you're getting 500points isn't it Spong? But then again seems to only apply to old Live members.
TimSpong 14 Nov 2007 13:25
4/16
SuperSaiyan4 wrote:
According to what MCV have on their site only those that had Xbox Live on the original Xbox since its 'infancy' will get 500points..
Yup - that was abysmally overlooked in the finished story. Amended and updated now.
Cheers
Tim
TimSpong 14 Nov 2007 13:33
5/16
SuperSaiyan4 wrote:
Oh and again the title is misleading saying 'Free Live games tomorrow!'
Its 1 game and let me guess...Your including the fact that you're getting 500points isn't it Spong? But then again seems to only apply to old Live members.
Its 1 game and let me guess...Your including the fact that you're getting 500points isn't it Spong? But then again seems to only apply to old Live members.
Nah, that won't fly - and was made clear in the copy... what we have been told is, "all eight-million members will have the opportunity to download a free Xbox LIVE Arcade game".
That doesn't mean "a free XBLA Arcade game from a choice of one".
Tim
SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 13:41
6/16
Tim, from what I have read on other sites its only 1 free Live game called Carcassonne.
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
TimSpong 14 Nov 2007 13:55
7/16
SuperSaiyan4 wrote:
Tim, from what I have read on other sites its only 1 free Live game called Carcassonne.
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
We're still waiting for Microsoft to confirm this with us. In the event that it is just for foundation members then I'd agree it smacks of unfair.
On the other hand - if you were a foundation member, and someone who'd join three minutes ago got the same benefits as you, then you'd be p.o'd... which is why the additional points really should have gone to founder members, while the free game(s) should have gone to all. That's all IMHO, however.
Cheers - as ever -
Tim
SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 14:04
8/16
Tim Smith wrote:
SuperSaiyan4 wrote:
Tim, from what I have read on other sites its only 1 free Live game called Carcassonne.
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
So now Microsoft are saying for launch members only?? Well I find that very unfair considering I started just 6months after launch! Oh well hope this isn't true!
We're still waiting for Microsoft to confirm this with us. In the event that it is just for foundation members then I'd agree it smacks of unfair.
On the other hand - if you were a foundation member, and someone who'd join three minutes ago got the same benefits as you, then you'd be p.o'd... which is why the additional points really should have gone to founder members, while the free game(s) should have gone to all. That's all IMHO, however.
Cheers - as ever -
Tim
Actually it doesn't bother me if everyone gets 500points for free I think that would be very nice for Microsoft to do that.
Its only when some companies only offer NEW customers better deals than existing customers thats when many get upset.
In this case if someone signs up to Live today and gets free points but everyone else that signed up gets it anyways then nothing to complain about.
But when Microsoft offer 5 free HD-DVD's to new buyers of the add-on but not to existing customers thats when I get upset and say its not fair.
TimSpong 14 Nov 2007 14:08
9/16
Tim Smith wrote:
We're still waiting for Microsoft to confirm this with us. In the event that it is just for foundation members then I'd agree it smacks of unfair.
Quoting myself = urgh... anyway, to clarify - we are getting confirmation from Microsoft regarding EUROPE and Carcassonne. Because the way this news has come to Europe leaves ambiguity (and the fact that US time zones were used doesn't help) galore.
Cheers for the prodding - I'd prefer our readers to keep us on our toes rather than if they simply don't say anything when we aren't right on the Mark.
Regards
Tim
RiseFromYourGrave 14 Nov 2007 15:42
10/16
so Tim is the game this Carcassonne, which is hexic 2 i understand? might use that mandatory free month of gold if it isnt just that one ame and i have some choice
TimSpong 14 Nov 2007 15:50
11/16
RiseFromYourGrave wrote:
so Tim is the game this Carcassonne, which is hexic 2 i understand? might use that mandatory free month of gold if it isnt just that one ame and i have some choice
Right now, Rise... the European info from Microsoft does not mention a game by the name.
The US information is that the game is Carcassonne.
Confusing... so our Mark SPOnG is currently chasing Microsoft (Europe) for the definitive information.
Cheers
Tim
Spinface 14 Nov 2007 15:56
12/16
RiseFromYourGrave wrote:
so Tim is the game this Carcassonne, which is hexic 2 i understand? might use that mandatory free month of gold if it isnt just that one ame and i have some choice
Yeah, I'm chasing this. The announcement Microsoft sent out over here mentioned no specific game, the U.S. site says different. Bloody confusing.
SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 16:21
13/16
Spinface wrote:
RiseFromYourGrave wrote:
so Tim is the game this Carcassonne, which is hexic 2 i understand? might use that mandatory free month of gold if it isnt just that one ame and i have some choice
Yeah, I'm chasing this. The announcement Microsoft sent out over here mentioned no specific game, the U.S. site says different. Bloody confusing.
Just want to say Carcassonne and Hexic 2 are 2 different games.
I got a funny feeling this offer doesn't apply to Europe as there is no info on xbox.com/uk
Oh well guess its time to sign into my USA account to nab the free arcade game! muahahaha wonder if its any good.
RiseFromYourGrave 14 Nov 2007 16:47
14/16
ah, theyre one and the same in korea, according to joystiq.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/ms-confirms-downloadable-xbox-games-free-carcassonne-for-live-a/
not really into board games. if i had the option of some more genres id be all over this though
SuperSaiyan4 14 Nov 2007 16:52
15/16
RiseFromYourGrave wrote:
ah, theyre one and the same in korea, according to joystiq.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/ms-confirms-downloadable-xbox-games-free-carcassonne-for-live-a/
not really into board games. if i had the option of some more genres id be all over this though
Well Hexic 2 is not a board game...So it cannot be the same as carcassonne...
carcassonne and Hexic 2 are 2 different arcade games looks like joystick are wrong...very wrong.
RiseFromYourGrave 14 Nov 2007 17:05
16/16
maybe theyve just renamed carcassonne in korea for some reason related to the korean market or culture. any luck with finding out the deal in europe SPOnG?