LEGO Steampunk Walking Ship

This is what makes Lego so amazing. With a little bit of knowledge and some time, you can build some awesome things. Just like this..

Ubisoft Launches WeareData - showcasing what the world is willing to share.

Ubisoft have launched a new website dedicated to showing how we as humans in this digital world are so open to sharing data. It is amazing how much information is out there in the world, that people have freely shared.

Watch the video below, and check out the site http://wearedata.watchdogs.com

Sydney, Australia — July 1, 2013 — Ubisoft has announced the launch of Watch_Dogs’ WeareData, an experiential website designed to gather and graph the publicly available data that govern people’s lives in a single location. WeareData is initially available for the cities of Berlin, London and Paris.

In Watch_Dogs, the highly anticipated open world action game from Ubisoft, the fictionalised city of Chicago is run by a Central Operating System (CTOS), linking all of the city’s online infrastructures and public security installations to one centralised hub. Information is at the heart of the game and also at the heart ofWeareData.

With WeareData, visitors will discover that much of the hyper-connected world imagined in Watch_Dogsalready is a reality, and that everything and everyone is truly connected. The amount of and potential uses for public and personal information that is readily available online has never been more relevant, as evidenced by today’s headlines. WeareData is designed to provide a glimpse into this reality and to give visitors a new perspective on the cities in which they live.

Watch_Dogs’ WeareData allows users to access the real-time data that organise and help run the cities of Berlin, London and Paris, as well current information on their inhabitants. Via a 3D mapping system, the consolidated, openly available information that can be easily viewed includes public transport schedules (such as subways and public bicycles), telecommunications networks (including mobile antennas, WiFi spots and advertising networks), energy consumption, traffic and safety infrastructure (like CCTV cameras and traffic lights) and regionalised socioeconomic data (such as average net income, unemployment rate and crime rate).  Also available are geo-localised social media activities for the cities’ residents, including their public posts on Facebook, Foursquare, Instagram and Twitter.

To discover the website please visit: http://wearedata.watchdogs.com/ via any Internet browser, even onsmartphones and tablets.

Watch_Dogs will hit store shelves in Australia and New Zealand on November 21 on PlayStation^®3, Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo and Windows PC, and will be available around launch on PlayStation^®4 and Xbox One.

The Enchanted Tiki Room - Celebrates 50 Years

Can you imagine 50 years ago, Walt Disney created the first Audio-Animatronic show. The Enchanted Tiki Room is just that.

The Last of Us - Maxi Geek Review

The Last of Us is a strange game, one where the world and tone sets up a wonderful story and characters that are very convincing that you can’t help but feel connected to them by the end, but it suffers from some odd choices.

The story of The Last of Us takes place in the future where the world has been overrun by a plague of sorts. You play as Joel, a man who has survived for 20 years since the emergence of the plague and are now living in a quarantine zone, whilst trying to eek a living out as a smuggler of certain items. It is here that Joel is introduced to Ellie, through a series of events, which ends up with them on a road trip of sorts across the United States.

While the first few hours of the game feel like they are dragging, they are paced in a way that you are sucked into the world, and it makes you feel like there is very little hope. Over the course of the game I found my attachment to Joel growing stronger, not because of who he is, but over what he does to protect Ellie.

The game itself is a pretty standard over the shoulder game, with some survival horror moments, and some stealth segments. It’s in these moments that the game struggles to find what it wants to be. Whether you are attempting to avoid fellow humans, or the infected or worse, you are strongly advised to approach each encounter with stealth in mind. However the game fails to take into account the fact that once you’re spotted your stealth options are gone.

It then turns from stealth to shooter, just like the Uncharted games, which is not an issue, the shooting mechanics are very solid and I never had issues shooting the enemies, however the lack of ammunition and other vital supplies mean that taking the shooting route is something that is best avoided at all costs, no matter the scenario.

It is in this space that the game takes an odd approach, it allows for stealth, promotes stealth, but fails to allow full stealth. The other issue that is found in the game, is one of debate across the internet, and that is how Ellie handles in those stealth segments. Now obviously there are times where you do not want enemies seeing her, and for the most part, she does remain out of sight, however she will always try to keep up with you, causing her to run out into plain sight and yet no enemies notice her.

The game also takes a unique approach to the world design in that, as man has been forced into small camps, nature has reclaimed the cities, which is nice to see that in this post-apocalyptic world. However I did notice some very odd issues with the graphics, but they are not enough to detract from the fantastic design that Naughty Dog have done.

The sounds of the game also needs a special mention, in that while there is a musical score, it does not appear very often, even in the mix of a lot of combat, while its there, you very rarely notice it and that’s a great way for the game to work. Too many games throw a massive score in your face when the enemies are around, but thankfully ND have taken the other approach where less is more. When you do hear some of the fantastic music in cutscenes you will be blown away.

The sound design for the enemies, the non-human ones is also superbly designed. The infected people sound terrific, with the clickers and others sound just as creepy as some Hollywood classics do. The human enemies also have a great sound setup in that they will taunt if you run from the fight, you will hear fear in their voice if you take out others in their group without being seen. The only complaint with the sound, is that it was mixed for a 5.1 setup, and even if you select stereo in the options, you will get muffled voices until you’re facing the person your listen. In the 5.1 setup you hear it clear as day.

The Last of Us, as I have said has some questionable design moments, but as a whole the game is enjoyable, the story is one that has been done many times, but the characters of Joel and Ellie make you want to invest in it more than most Hollywood movies. 

Trailer Park Heroes - Nerd Machine

If you have not had the pleasure of seeing what Nerd Machine is about, then watch this 3 part series and you will know.

Alienware bring 3 new laptops to market

On Thursday night, Alienware took over a space in Sydney to present to a selected group of Australian media their new range of gaming laptops called the Alienware 14, Alienware 17 and Alienware 18. The event had multiple versions of each for people to go hands on with, and I can say that they are very well made and extremely capable machines.

Each of the laptops has a unique look to it, and it’s one that you won’t find on any other laptop from any other maker, and that’s a great thing. Because while most companies are going for the MacBook style “Ultrabook” Alienware have done the opposite and built a laptop for gaming that not only defies that sterile look but also destroys previous notions of what a laptop had to be.

The 14, being the smallest of the 3 will suit most gamers, with its overall size and power, but its lack of a traditional numerical pad on board might throw people off.

Alienware 14

The 17 and 18 are only really separated by the extra screen space, with both machines sporting some very nice specs and a numerical pad.

Alienware 17

Alienware 18

Now you might be asking yourself, well just how powerful are these laptops, well I can assure you that they are very powerful. Ubisoft were kind enough to bring Splinter Cell: Blacklist for the event, and the game ran beautifully on all 3 models of the laptops. Check back for more details about that game soon.

All the machines are using the all new haswell based i7’s from Intel and graphics from Nvidia in the form of the 700 series.  The 14 series has 3 expansion slots for more storage space, and the 17 and 18 models have 4 slots. So as a desktop replacement, there is plenty of room to grow.But if you want the best, then the 18 is the model for you, as it will come with Nvidia SLI graphics as standard, and the CPU is overclocked to 4.3GHz

To see what went into the design and creation of these impressive machines, check out this video here.

These laptops will be available online at dell.com.au with JB Hi-Fi being the retail partner for them as well.

If you are interested in these machines, the prices start at $1499 for the 14, $2499 for the 17 model and $3299 for the 18 model.

Alienware will be at PAX Australia in July, so if you’re going, check them out there and you will see just how good these laptops are. Check out some photos of the event below, you might even see me in them.

Sid Meier's Civilization V: Brave New World Launch Trailer

Finally, the long awaited expansion to a game that I never thought I would play, let alone love is out. Check out the launch trailer below.

Gran Turismo 6 gets Steelbook Anniversary Edition - Pre Order Now

 

SYDNEY, 28 June 2013 - Gran Turismo®6, the latest version of best-selling PlayStation® franchise, is now available for pre-order through select Australian retailers. Set for launch Christmas 2013, only on PlayStation®3 (PS3™), there are two options of the highly anticipated next iteration of ‘the Real Driving Simulator’ available to choose from.

Following on from the announcement of GT6™ for PlayStation 3 in May 2013 at an event celebrating 15 years of Gran Turismo held at Silverstone Circuit, the game’s legendary designer Kazunori Yamauchi released further details and a new trailer at PlayStation’s E3 press conference recently. With over 1,200 cars available at launch (including new FIA GT3 cars), new locations on a grander scale (such as a fascinating location featuring the Gemasolar solar power plant in Spain), new physics, new tyre, suspension and aerodynamic modeling, next generation 3D adaptive tessellation and an HDR dynamic range 50 times greater than GT5™, Gran Turismo 6 is an exciting prospect for the legion of GT fans as well as those new to the franchise.

Fans of the franchise now have a pre-order choice available to them that includes a Standard Edition version (AUD$99.95), and a celebratory ‘Gran Turismo® 6: Anniversary Edition’ ‘Steelbook’ version (AUD$114.95) that comes with one million in-game credits, 20 additional cars with livery and performance enhancement, as well as your own customised paint chips, race suit, helmet, avatar and a copy of Apex II.

In addition to ensuring they are the first to receive Gran Turismo 6, those pre-ordering the game will also benefit from in-game credits and/or a selection of exclusive cars that could include:

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale (2011)

Alpine   A110 1600S (1968)

Aston Martin V12 Vantage (2010)

Audi R8 LMS ultra (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) #3 (2012)

BMW Z4 GT3 (2011)

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) (2014)

Ford Focus ST (2013)

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2013)

Honda weider HSV-010 (SUPER GT) (2011)

KTM X-BOW R;

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 (2011)

Lexus IS F Racing Concept (2008)

Lotus Europa (type54) (1968)

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 (2011)

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 N24 Schulze Motorsport (2013)

Renault Sport Megane Trophy V6 Race Car (2011)

SRT Viper GTS (2013)

Tesla Motors Model S Signature Performance (2013)

TRD 86 Racing (2008)

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 Race Car (2008)

Trailers, images and further news about Gran Turismo 6 are available on www.gran-turismo.com.

Check out the new features coming soon to Windows 8

Escape Plan - Trailer

Pokémon Video Game Australian National Championships at PAX Australia

27^th June  2013 – This year, Pokémon fans from around Australia and New Zealand will have the chance to compete in the Pokémon Video Game Australian National Championships, to be held at the sold-out PAX Australia in Melbourne on the 20^th and 21^st July, 2013. 

Players will battle it out on the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 games utilising the following rulesfor a chance to win a trip to Vancouver, Canada to compete in the 2013 Pokémon Video Game World Championships to be held on 9^th -11^th August, 2013. The following age divisions will apply:

•       Junior Division: Born in 2002 or later

•       Senior Division: Born in 1998, 1999, 2000, or 2001

•       Masters Division: Born in 1997 or earlier

Players who place in the top two of their age division will win flights, accommodation and invitation to the Pokémon Video Game World Championships, hosted by The Pokémon Company International.

Hopeful competitors without a ticket to the sold-out PAX Australia will have the opportunity to battle for the chance to win flights, accommodation and entry tickets to the expo plus additional standalone tickets to PAX at a number of Pokémon Meet-ups to be held around Australia in the coming weeks. Pokémon Battle Competitions will take place at the following Pokémon Meet-ups:

•       Perth (Supanova Pop Culture Expo) Sunday 30^th June

•       Melbourne (Deakin Edge – Federation Square)  Saturday 6^th July

•       Brisbane (Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre) Sunday 7^th July

•       Adelaide (AVCon Anime and Video Game Convention) Saturday 13^th July

•       Sydney (Luna Park) Sunday 14^th July

Players should familiarise themselves with the rules before attending a Pokémon Battle Competition at a Pokémon Meet-Up.

Further information regarding the Pokémon Video Game Australian National Championships, Pokémon Meet-ups and how Pokémon fans from Australia and New Zealand can win tickets to attend PAX Australia will be released at a later date.

Disney Infinity - Toy Box World Creation

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Vengeance Replacers Gameplay

LEGO LEGENDS OF CHIMA: LAVAL'S JOURNEY‏

SYDNEY, Australia – June 26, 2013 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced LEGO® Legends of Chima™: Laval's Journey is now available for the Nintendo 3DS^TM and PlayStation® Vita handheld systems in Australia, Europe and North America from today. A Nintendo DS^TM version will follow this spring, as will a free-to-play online world, LEGO Legends of Chima™ Online. The new games all complement a line of branded products and TV content based on the LEGO Legends of Chima™ action packed world ruled by eight animal tribes that tells the classic story of good and evil, friendship and family.

“Kids will have a great time embarking on new adventures, living out a fantasy of travelling to captivating worlds and discovering new things,” said Tom Stone, Marketing Director, TT Games Publishing.  “LEGOLegends of Chima: Laval’s Journey offers an entirely new and exciting virtual playground for kids to explore, build, solve puzzles, all the while playing as their favourite Legends of Chima characters.”

In LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, players embark on an amazing adventure with Laval, the brave warrior and headstrong prince of the Lion Tribe, who is determined to fight for justice. On this epic journey, Laval races to unlock the secret of the legendary triple-CHI armour before his arch-rival, Crocodile King, Cragger, can  manipulate its awesome power to threaten the balance of Chima.

Players leap, swing, fly and fight through 15 levels of intense action and gameplay, all while exploring the vast lands of Chima, discovering and unlocking more than 60 characters, collecting and using a variety of tools, and reaching secret parts of the game to access hidden collectibles.

In addition, players earn points in LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey that can be redeemed through the Chima Vault, found online at www.lego.com/chima/the-vault, which houses an exclusive reward system. The points give players access to exclusive items that they can use to enhance their experience in LEGO Legends of Chima Online when the online world releases later this year.

Developed by TT Games, LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey is rated “PG”. For more information, please visit. LEGO.com/videogames.com.

Battlefield 4: Official Frostbite 3 Feature Video

The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot 'Open House' Announced‏

SYDNEY– June 25, 2013 – Ubisoft® has announced an opportunity for fans interested in the studio’s upcoming free-to-play PC title, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot to get a chance to get a sneak peek of the game during the recently-announced Closed Beta. Ubisoft will host a series of Open House events for the game throughout the Winter, which will allow players to jump in and experience the fun and excitement that is The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, first hand.

The first Open House event for The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot will take place from July 3^nd at12:00am AEST to July 6^th at 5:00am AEST. Players will be able to sign up for the free event from today to June 29^th at 5:00am AEST by visiting www.themightyquest.com. By playing in the Open House, participants are entered in a draw to win a Mighty Quest t-shirt or a permanent beta key. Details about additional Open House events will be announced at a later date.

Each Open House will give players a chance to play as the boastful Knight, Sir Painhammer or the enigmatic Archer, Blackeye Bogart as they attempt to create impregnable castles to protect their treasure hoard while simultaneously attempting to ransack every other player’s castle.  While the first Open House event will only last 4 days, player progress, including gold acquired, loot found, character levels advanced, monsters unlocked and castle defences constructed will be saved and can be accessed at the next Open House.  In addition, all players who register for The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot Open House events will be added to the exclusive Closed Beta list for a chance to earn permanent access to the game prior to launch later this year.

For those players that just can’t stand the wait, the Double-O founder’s program grants anyone that purchases any of the packs instant permanent access to the closed beta, along with premium currency and a plethora of epic loot!

For more information and ongoing updates about the game or to register for the Closed Beta, please visit the official website.

About The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot

Developed by Ubisoft Montréal, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a hilarious, multiplayer action game that thrusts players into the outrageous medieval fantasy world of Opulencia where wealth, status and showboating are the name of the game!

jOBS - Trailer

XBOX ONE AT PAX AUSTRALIA

PAX Aus together with Microsoft is pleased to announce that the Xbox One will be shown for the first time in Australia during the show.

Microsoft will be hosting three presentations throughout the duration of PAX in the Main Theatre where they will share their vision for the Xbox One and the future of gaming.

The presentations will be held on:

Friday 19^th July 2013. 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Saturday 20^th July 2013:  2:30pm – 3:30pm

Sunday 21^st July 2013:  12:30pm – 1:30pm

Injustice: Gods Among Us- Zod Gameplay Trailer

SYSTEM UPDATE BRINGS NEW FEATURES TO StreetPass Mii Plaza for NINTENDO 3DS‏

24th June, 2013 – Nintendo has released a downloadable update for Nintendo 3DS that will add new functionality to the handheld system. Items featured in the update include: Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to change the expression of their Mii character when they meet another user’s Mii via StreetPass. Additional updates to StreetPass Mii Plaza* can now be made without requiring an update to the overall Nintendo 3DS system. Four new StreetPass-enabled games will be available for purchase through StreetPass Mii Plaza for Nintendo 3DS owners who have completed this update: StreetPass Squad, StreetPass Garden, StreetPass Battle and StreetPass Mansion.

- In StreetPass Squad players blast their way through enemies in a scrolling space shooter with the help of StreetPass characters. StreetPass Garden challenges players to grow a garden of flowers and cross-pollenate them with the plants of visitors that they meet through StreetPass. Players collect troops through StreetPass in StreetPass Battle, clashing with other warlords to take over the world. StreetPass Mansionlets players design and explore a multi-level mansion using rooms and hallways received from StreetPass characters. Completing accomplishments within these four additional games unlock new full-body outfits and hats for their Mii characters.

- Save data for most downloadable Nintendo 3DS and Virtual Console software can be backed up and restored.

Download for free the latest system update^ today on your Nintendo 3DS for expansions to StreetPass Mii Plaza and functionality of the HOME Menu.

* The latest system update allows you to update StreetPass Mii Plaza for an in-game feature that enables you to purchase four new titles as Add-On Content. These new updates will be immediately available to download within StreetPass Mii Plaza once you have installed the system update.

^ A wireless broadband Internet connection is required to perform a system update. Internet usage charges may apply. Consult with your ISP.

For further details about Nintendo 3DS:

Nintendo 3DS Guided Tour: http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-3ds-guided-tour

Nintendo Australia on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NintendoAU

PlayStation®Plus turns up the heat this July

SYDNEY, Monday 24^th June -  Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) has confirmed the July line-up for PlayStation®Plus (PS Plus) will include hit titles Battlefield 3™ for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), available to members from July 4^th in Australia.

Step into the role of an elite U.S. Marine in Battlefield 3™ on PS3 and experience heart-pounding single player missions and competitive multiplayer action across diverse locations from around the globe. Tackle combat on claustrophobic streets, metropolitan downtowns, and varied landscapes in the US, Europe, and Middle East. Powered by the innovative technology of Frostbite 2, Battlefield 3 takes the thrill of a first person shooter to a whole new level.

With PAYDAY™ The Heist, you are tasked to ‘cash in before you cash out’ in this action filled first person shooter game for the PlayStation®Network. Players take on the role of a hardened career criminal executing intense, dynamic heists in constant pursuit of the next “big score”. Navigate diverse urban settings with three partners in crime—controlled by either A.I. or your best buddies in co-op multiplayer. Load out with an array of weaponry and equipment as you embark on a spectacular crime spree through six high-stake heists, including banks robberies, prisoner extractions and armoured car hijackings.

Enter gang territory in open world action-adventure Saints Row: The Third on PS3. Years after taking Stilwater for their own, the Third Street Saints have evolved from street gang to household brand name with Saints sneakers, Saints energy drinks and Johnny Gat bobble head dolls all available at a store near you. The Syndicate, a legendary criminal fraternity with pawns in play all over the globe, has turned its eye on the Saints and demands tribute. Refusing to kneel to the Syndicate, you take the fight to a new city.

If it is gaming on-the-go you’re after, grab your PS Vita and get stuck into one of the highest rated action games of all time that is now back and better than ever. Experience a new way to play Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus with motion and touch controls, lots of content, and new challenges to test even the toughest ninja. For centuries, the Dragon Ninjas have protected the world and kept safe the most powerful weapons: the Dark Dragon Blade and the Dragon Sword, but now a powerful evil arises that will test the might of the ninjas. Take Dragon Sword in hand as the young Ryu Hayabusa, and journey to the farthest reaches of the world and beyond to cut down the malevolent fiends!

Prepare to join the ultimate special forces squad in Unit 13™ on PS Vita. Your next deployment could take you anywhere, at any time. Play through scenarios that echo real-life news headlines and infiltrate some of the most challenging war zones a soldier can ever face. Offering dual analog control, Unit 13™ delivers constant pinpoint precision in the heat of battle. With a new mission sent to your PS Vita system every single day, there’s always a fresh challenge waiting to be met head-on.

PS Plus provides members with access to top-rated games* on PS3 and PS Vita throughout the course of their subscription.  PS Plus members also receive an array of exclusive features and access, including 2GB cloud storage (1G for PS3 & 1G for PS Vita ) for game saves which will be welcomed by subscribers keen to take advantage of the Instant Game Collection. Automatic updates and beta access, as well as a huge collection of exclusive dynamic themes and PlayStation®Network avatars, makes PS Plus the place to be in 2013.

A PS Plus subscription is AUD$19.95 for a 90 day subscription or AUD$69.95 for a one-year subscription.

*Top-rated is based on a meta-critic rating of 70+

Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Z -- The Ultimate Brawl Trailer

NEW SUPER LUIGI U OUT NOW ON NINTENDO eSHOP‏

21^st June 2013 – With the Year of Luigi in full flow the spotlight is firmly on Luigi, the man in green, who takes over from Mario in New Super Luigi U, in his own platform adventure exclusively on Wii U. Luigi and friends battle their way through over 80 brand new courses all tweaked to be even more challenging and exciting! This game is now available as Add-On Content for New Super Mario Bros. U via Nintendo eShop* and will be available in stores as a standalone game in Australia and New Zealand from 27^th July.

New Super Luigi U tests the capabilities of seasoned gamers and fans of the series, with the simple act of travelling to the Goal Pole at the end of each course remixed with seemingly improbable jumps, formidably hidden Star Coins and all with just a time limit of 100 seconds to do it in! Whilst each course is challenging, they are designed with densely packed features to invite you to replay each one of your best performance.

With Mario taking a break in this twist on New Super Mario Bros. U, Luigi takes centre stage bringing a set of skills that change the way you play! For instance, Luigi can jump much higher and further than Mario, and is able to cross chasms and reach platforms that Mario never could in a single jump. Players better watch out though as Luigi finds it a lot harder to stop once he starts moving…  

Take on the challenge with friends in multiplayer in New Super Luigi U, where players can join Luigi as Yellow Toad, Blue Toad or Nabbit – a character first seen in New Super Mario Bros. U – and now playable for the first time! Nabbit brings his own nifty skills to the table; he is invincible which will make life easier with enemies and obstacles, and any items he collects are converted into 1-Ups at the end of the course. Nabbit is perfect for beginners and when paired with Luigi, he offers a whole new multiplayer experience. Or join in with Boost Mode and help Luigi to reach new areas and jump further by dropping blocks into the course with the Wii U GamePad touch screen for the ultimate speed run!

New Super Luigi U is now available via the Nintendo eShop* as Add-On Content for owners of the digital and disc versions of New Super Mario Bros. U – and will also be available at retail as a stand-alone game disc on 27^th July.

*An available update is required for New Super Mario Bros. U to download the AOC version. A wireless broadband Internet connection is required to perform this update. Internet usage charges may apply. Consult with your ISP."

The LEGO Movie - Trailer

Spartacus Legends -- The will of the mob

The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot Bloopers

SYDNEY – June 20th, 2013 – Ubisoft® has showcased a brand new video for The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot. Ubisoft Montreal’s free-to-play title puts players in an outrageous medieval fantasy world where wealth, status and showboating are the name of the game.

To celebrate the closed beta and the end of E3, Sir Painhamer takes players behind the scene of the video that made him famous in what he calls “making a masterpiece”. Besides the new exclusive footage a magical surprise awaits players at the end

To register for the closed beta and to have ongoing updates about the game, please visit the official website: www.themightyquest.com.

Changes to the way XBOX ONE works

Letter from Don Matrick, Head of XBOX.


Last week at E3, the excitement, creativity and future of our industry was on display for a global audience.

For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future. 

Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One. 

You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.

So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

• An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
  

• Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.
  

In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions. 

These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray. 

We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity. While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.

Thank you again for your candid feedback. Our team remains committed to listening, taking feedback and delivering a great product for you later this year.