The PixlBit Staff sounds off before this year's big show kicks off.
Each and every year E3 brings about the biggest gaming announcements of the year and this year appears to be no exception. With the Wii U coming later this year, the 3DS and Vita picking up steam, and the next generation looming on the horizon, we're surely going to see some megatons dropped. But what will they be?
All aboard at speculation station it’s time to see what’s ahead for this year’s E3.
You ever feel like part of you was missing? Well that’s how we felt here at PixlTalk without our cohort Jesse ‘the Jammer’ Miller, but it’s all good now … because he’s back! Alright maybe we’re being a bit dramatic, but it’s good to have him back with the Hell Block Heroes. He couldn’t have picked a better time; its pre E3 week and you know what that means – strap in everyone – we’re heading to speculation station!
Microsoft to finally catch up to.. the Wii? Wait a second...
While people have speculated on Internet Explorer support being added to the Xbox 360, only recently has a rumor surfaced that brings any credibility to the discussion. While we don’t have news of an integration plan, or an official announcement from Microsoft, it seems that IE’s appearance on your 360 dashboard is imminent.
Taking a page from cell phone companies, the Xbox 360 can be purchased on a contract at select locations.
Microsoft has announced an all new way to obtain an Xbox 360 for a much cheaper up front cost. The 4GB Xbox 360 console with Kinect can now be purchased at participating Microsoft stores for only $99. That is, when you sign up for a 2 year Xbox Live Gold membership at $14.99 a month. The coupon, featured above, can only be used at the 16 Microsoft stores scattered throughout the US.
Titled "Arcade NEXT", the lineup includes Fable Heroes, Trials Evolution and Minecraft.
Microsoft is following up House Party 2012 and warming up to this year's Summer of Arcade with a new promotion called Arcade NEXT. The promotion will start on April 18, 2012 and will include some "important" Xbox Live Arcade titles. These games will be the first Arcade titles to be eligible for the new Achievement rules.
Microsoft's European arm now headed by former competitor.
Peter Molyneux shocked the gaming world last week when he resigned from his posts at Lionhead and Microsoft’s European gaming arm. It was only logical that Lionhead Studios' co-founder would take up Molyneux’s position there, but Microsoft went another route entirely.
Available now for the PC.
Bungie's passing the torch to 343 Industries
Bungie doesn't make Halo games anymore, but they have still maintained the game stats and player service records for the Halo games thus far. Well, that will change on March 31, because Bungie issued a statement today saying that all live data will now be handled by 343 Industries.
Rumor has it that the virtual currency system will be abandoned by year's end.
According to a source within the company, Microsoft's virtual currency system, Microsoft Points, will be phased out by the end of 2012. This will be implemented for Windows Phone, the Zune Marketplace and, of course, Xbox Live. At the end of 2012, all transactions will be based on each region's respective currency.
The long rumored service seems to be in limbo for now.
We've been hearing rumors about Microsoft's plans to offer TV service through the Xbox 360 for a while now. However, it appears that those plans have been put on hold. Reuters is reporting that according to "people familiar with the discussions," Microsoft is currently stuck in a holding pattern.
