Microsoft Explains Xbox 360 IPTV In Detail

Confused about what this IPTV stuff is supposed to be? Then watch these two videos, from 1up.com. Microsoft execs Chris Satchell and Albert Penello break it down and walk us through the interface. But, if your too busy to sit through the vids here it is in a nutshell. GameDrift

Square-Enix licensing the Unreal Engine

"Famitsu reports that Square-Enix has licensed Unreal Engine 3 from Epic. This was the same engine used to make Gears of War and is going to be used for Mistwalker’s Lost Odyssey. Taku Murata, General Manager, Research and Development Division, Square Enix, Co., Ltd explains why, “The complexity of next-generation game systems featuring HD graphics and multi-core parallel processing poses a number of technological challenges to our game development. However, we can expedite our game development process significantly while allowing extra time and resources to be spent on game design and mechanics by establishing an effective technology platform. The technology platform for game development is becoming more important than ever. I’m excited to be partnering with Epic Games in such an important area.”

“We’re extremely excited to be working with Square Enix,” said Jay Wilbur, Vice President, Epic Games, Inc. “Square Enix is one of the biggest and most influential companies in the world-wide game business, and having them work with Unreal Engine 3 is a major honor for us and something we’re very proud to be announcing.” Siliconera » Square-Enix licensing the Unreal Engine

PS3 to get even better at taking your money with add-on credit card reader

If there's anything Sony is really good at, it's devising new ways to take your money. The new PS3 firmware that was released this morning, version 1.5, includes support for swiping your credit card right into your console. Yes, video game consoles have gotten so nickel and dimey that it makes sense to have a credit card reader built right in. What the hell is going on?

Luckily for my blood pressure, this update is Japan only… for now. If it catches on there you can be damned sure that Sony won't hesitate before trying to sell us this new "feature." Here's an idea, Sony: let people buy games and enjoy them without having to constantly pay extra. You never had to pay for extra levels in Super Mario World, after all. — Adam Frucci SCI FI Tech | SCIFI.COM

Podcast: The HotSpot - GameSpot

Burning Crusade breaks sales records, Neversoft takes over the Guitar Hero franchise, folks in Europe want to ban games, LT won't be seen in Australia anytime soon, and Founding Fighters! Who needs new releases when you can have all of this? HotSpot - GameSpot

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