Microsoft

Shane Kim on "Microsoft's MMO Difficulties"

Zyuu — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:17:17 GMT

The current Microsoft Game Studios Corporate Vice President, Shane Kim tell Edge in an interview why there's been zero MMOs on the Xbox so far.

Two anticipated titles have been canceled, Marvel Universe Online and True Fantasy Live Online. This is not stopping other companies, such as Sony however. Currently Sony is aiming to get DC Universe Online and The Agency finished and released on their Playstation 3.

So… why can't Microsoft keep up with the competition MMO-wise? Shane Kim explains (by being brutally honest):

"I'll admit [Microsoft Game Studios] has not had success in the MMO space, and that happened under my leadership, so I take full responsibility," – he said to Edge.

He also mentions that it’s a lot more expensive to develop an MMO and you must find the "right mix" – something that Microsoft hasn’t found yet.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 is now available

Zyuu — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:57:59 GMT

You can download Service Pack 3 for Windows XP by going here.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system.

Microsoft ends Yahoo takeover attempt

Zyuu — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:04:28 GMT

Seems like Microsoft will not buy Yahoo!. At least not for the time being.

Microsoft has ended its attempt to acquire Yahoo after its offer of USD 33 per share - a total value of USD 47.5 billion - was rejected.

According to a report from The Times, Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang insisted that his company was worth USD 38 per share.

"We believe the economics demanded by Yahoo! do not make sense for us, and it is in the best interests of Microsoft stockholders, employees and other stakeholders to withdraw our proposal," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer wrote in a letter to Yang following the unsuccessful negotiations.

In February, Microsoft announced its offer to buy Yahoo for USD 31 per share - a 62 per cent premium over the stock's January 31 closing price.

After Yahoo rejected the initial offer, Microsoft threatened to launch a proxy fight. Yahoo, meanwhile, sought interest from other media companies in an attempt to thwart a takeover.

Yahoo's stock closed the week at USD 28.67 per share. Ballmer said that Microsoft would be looking at other business moves.

Xbox 360 Retail Price lowered in Europe

Zyuu — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:16:48 GMT

Everyone's Invited To Experience Xbox 360 As Microsoft Lowers Estimated Retail Price in Europe

With Estimated Retail Price Starting At £159.99, Even More European Consumers Can Enjoy The Definitive High-Definition Gaming and Entertainment Experience

LONDON - Monday 10th March, 2008 - Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of £159.99, Xbox 360 is a mass market entertainment proposition with something to offer for every interest and budget.

From Friday, 14th March, Xbox 360, which includes a 20GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of £199.99 – a saving of £50 on the current ERP. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of £259.99 – a saving of £40. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of £159.99 – a saving of £40.

Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 26 months on the market[1].

The new ERPs are part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with an offering for everyone:

Best Choice for Families:

Xbox 360 grows as your family does, offering games and entertainment for every member of the family – from movies to games to music videos.

With over 150 3+ rated[2] games and unparalleled parental controls, parents can feel good about their kids playing Xbox 360

Most Diverse Entertainment:

Xbox 360 offers great choice in high-definition entertainment

Xbox Live Video Store offers a wide variety of movies to download, both in HD and SD, enabling great entertainment in the living room at the press of a button

It’s easy to view and enjoy video and photos on Xbox 360 as well as connect wirelessly to share content with a Windows Media Center PC

The Best Games:

There will be over 1,000 games available on Xbox 360 by the end of the year, with something for every skill level, interest and taste

New community games allow gamers to sample the best of indie games, providing innovative new ways to play and enjoy

Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto IV, with exclusive downloadable episodes on Xbox LIVE, and Rock Band make Xbox 360 the place to be this Spring

Xbox 360 exclusives for 2008 include Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Too Human, setting new standards for next-generation gaming

“Xbox 360 is now mass market in Europe,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. “We have reached and surpassed several key milestones that form part of our long term strategic plan to achieve critical mass in Europe; and our portfolio now offers the kind of mainstream entertainment experiences that secure wider appeal for Xbox 360. These factors allow us to execute on our strategy to widen the market for Xbox 360, as planned.

“We continue to offer intense, immersive gaming experiences for gamers – but now we’re priced in a way that will allow new consumers to find out for themselves why Xbox 360 is the ultimate in high-definition entertainment.” said Lewis. “History shows that £159.99 is the price point where a console’s audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we’re ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world.”

Microsoft fined $613 million in Europe

Kody — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:50:47 GMT

Yahoo is reporting, via the Associated Press, that Microsoft has lost its appeal of a European antitrust order.

What this means is that in Europe, Microsoft must share communications code with rivals as well as offering a copy of Windows that does not contain the Windows Media Player. That's not all though - their pocketbooks felt quite a pinch from the ruling, with a $613 million fine being handed out.

AP wrote:

The EU Court of First Instance ruled against Microsoft on both parts of the case, saying the European Commission was correct in concluding that the world's biggest software company was guilty of monopoly abuse in trying to use its power over desktop computers to muscle into server software.

You can also check out the court ruling, thanks to today's internet where you can find pretty much anything online.

Microsoft opens up Live Online to the PC

Nimloth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:45:38 GMT

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday said its Live online service, which has attracted 6 million Xbox 360 console gamers, will be open in May to PC gamers who use its new Windows Vista operating system.

   The move comes nearly a year after Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said the company's vision was for "anywhere" gaming that would link video game consoles, cell phones and computers, and is a key step toward reaching that goal.

   The PC version of Live will debut on May 8 with the launch of the Windows Vista version of "Halo 2," Microsoft's popular alien shooter game.

   In June, Microsoft Game Studios will release "Shadowrun," the first game where Live will support competition between players on the Xbox 360 and PCs.

   Live members will need just one account, whether they play on the Xbox 360, the PC, or both machines.

   Microsoft offers two Live subscription levels. Silver membership is free and the Gold level, which includes cross-platform play and other multiplayer features, costs about $50 per year.

   Microsoft's online gaming service has been a key selling point for its Xbox 360 video game console, which was released in November 2005 and competes with Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news).'s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s Wii for top billing in the $30 billion global video game market.