Game for a fee hike

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Chris Morris

The cost of playing “Modern Warfare 2” with friends on the Xbox 360 is about to go up. Microsoft announced Monday it would raise annual subscription rates for its Xbox Live service from $50 to $60 starting Nov. 1.

That’s the first price increase in Xbox Live’s eight-year history — and it’s a move that will affect more than just gamers in households. Microsoft has steadily added adding non-gaming functionality to the service in a bid to lure consumers who are looking for other entertainment options, including streaming of films and music.

Is Kinect the future of Xbox?

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Chris Morris

So now we know the name of Project Natal. Andnow we know the games. Kinect is on a collision course with retailers, and with it, Microsoft is making a big gamble on the future of Xbox.

Personally, I’m a little scared.

The 360’s big show

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Chris Morris

From the Cirque du Soleil-infused unveiling of Kinect to a solid game lineup for 2010-2011 to the unexpected announcement of a redesigned Xbox, Microsoft had no shortage of surprises at June’s E3 convention. It was, in fact, something of a challenge to keep up with it all. On a macro level, though, their new Xbox 360 offerings can be broken down into four easy-to-digest categories, each with its own level of appeal and promise.

Microsoft ties Windows Phone 7 to Xbox Live

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Chris Morris

As Microsoft has leaked out details of its upcoming Windows Phone 7 series, it has been pretty obviouthat the company planned to borrow heavily from its successful Xbox Live formula. Now it’s sharing more details – and it’s looking a lot more like a semi-complete integration of the service, rather than just a few elements.

The new phones will launch with Xbox Live integration, letting owners stay connected with their gaming friends when they’re away from their consoles. They’ll also be able to access leaderboards, turn-based multiplayer games, Achievements and more.

Sony’s Trojan Horse Sneaks up on Microsoft

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft has known for a while that the trick to getting the Xbox 360 integrated into people’s living rooms is to load it with non-gaming features.

It’s a strategy that was worked well for the company. Family members that don’t like video games can still find plenty of other entertainment options on the console. Now, though, Sony is quickly following suit – and expanding on those features – which could give it an advantage as the industry prepares for a crucial holiday season.

Kinect sets its price

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft on Tuesday announced that Kinect, its new gesture-recognition controller for the Xbox 360, will retail for $150 when it hits stores Nov. 4. That is in line with what the gaming world was expecting — but it may make the launch of the long-awaited system a bit less spectacular than people were hoping.

The company says the chief goal of Kinect is to attract new users to the Xbox 360. To achieve this, Microsoft will also offer a larger bundle, which includes an Xbox 360 (with 4GB of storage), a Kinect and “Kinect Adventures” for $299.

Kinect price: $150

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Chris Morris

Looks like the rumors were pretty much spot-on when it came to Kinect pricing. Microsoft has announced that its new gesture-recognition peripheral will retail for $150 when it hits stores this November. That price will include a bundled version of the “Kinect Adventures” game.

Microsoft’s main focus with Kinect is to attract new users to the Xbox 360, so it will also offer a larger bundle, which includes an Xbox 360 (with 4GB of storage), a Kinect and “Kinect Adventures” for $299.

Microsoft Sets Kinect Price at $150

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Chris Morris

Microsoft’s gesture-recognition controller, Kinect, set to hit stores this November, will launch with a price tag of $150, the company announced Tuesday.

The peripheral, which will come with a copy of the “Kinect Adventures” game, is priced higher than many analysts and game industry executives were hoping for.

Can Sony and Microsoft Replicate Wii’s Success?

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Chris Morris

Given the success Nintendo has had with the revolutionary controller for the Wii, it was really only a matter of time before Microsoft and Sony followed the same path.

Both companies have spent millions of dollars developing their own motion control systems—and both have high hopes and expectations for their success.

Xbox Live goes dark

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Chris Morris

(Note: I do not choose the headlines on Daily Variety stories.)

Two years ago, Microsoft announced plans to compete against television programmers on their own turf. On Thursday, the company conceded the first round to the networks.

After two successful seasons, the Microsoft has cancelled “1 vs. 100,” an online adaptation of the Endemol-created NBC gameshow. The game was the centerpiece of an experiment called Xbox Live Primetime — a scheduled series of interactive games that represented the videogame industry’s first serious foray into turf dominated by TV. It was a hit, too, setting a Guinness World Record for the most simultaneous contestants in a gameshow at 114,000.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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