Microsoft to test out new Xbox 360 disc format

Before we start, no it's not Blu-Ray and it's been confirmed. Anyway, confirmed by Digital Foundry, Microsoft is set to test out a new disc format for people in North America. Unfortunately, Microsoft has closed off the sign-ups for eligible testers really quick. As for being a tester, Microsoft will be sending copies of Halo: Reach, which most people presume actually is the updated disc format.

As far as details go on the disc, it is said to give developers 1GB added to the dual-layered DVD, so that more data can obviously be added. Many sites, including myself, are assuming that this may be a newer way to eventually catch people who have pirated games and modded their Xbox 360 consoles.

Microsoft's Next Console Coming in 2015?

Rumors always seem to kick in all the time, especially when a designer updates his own portfolio and puts a release window for a console that has yet to be announced. Today, Kotaku reported that industrial designer, Ben Peterson, is collaborating with Microsoft and will be "investigating future user experiences and hardware for 2015."

If all this is true, developers should be making use of current-gen systems now, unless the Xbox 360 is already at its peak.

New Xbox console in the making?

Consoles these days, in my opinion are now limitless. When it comes to games, there are certain developers that still want to be able to have a system more powerful, than the previous one, but I think that the current-gen still has ways to go, especially with things constantly being added for consumers.

Microsoft doesn't think so. Yesterday, G4TV reported that on LinkedIn.com has had job listings for an upcoming project that they're working on. New console perhaps? It looks like it might be happening soon enough. So far, there are 3 positions that they're hoping to fill in:

• Graphics hardware architect-- "The responsibilities include architecture analysis, key technology selection, architecture specification, communication and collaboration with extended Microsoft teams and partner companies. The ideal candidate should have a broad background in 3D graphics rendering architectures and algorithms (ideally with gaming applications in mind), 3D software pipelines, and physics. The candidate should also have a solid understanding of graphics hardware implementation, including design methodologies and production yield and cost analysis. The successful candidate is expected to have a working knowledge of how state-of-the-art PC and/or console OS, driver and application code is designed and how it interacts with graphics HW/firmware. The ideal candidate will have been the lead architect and/or implementation lead of a 3D graphics core. The candidate must have taken designs from investigation to end-customer shipment during their career."
• Senior Architect and Performance Engineer in XBOX Console Architecture Group -- "Initial Responsibilities - Development of system C models for performance and design verification - Pre-silicon performance and functional validation at the block, chip and system level - Algorithm mapping to verify performance for specified workloads."
• Senior Hardware Verification Engineer -- "Do you have a passion for leading edge technology? Are you fascinated by the video game industry and Xbox 360? Come join a dynamic engineering team and play a key role in the development and verification of the Xbox and future platforms. We are looking for an experienced Senior Hardware Design/Verification Engineer. You will be responsible for the design verification and qualification of the Xbox console at the component, motherboard, and system levels. You will lead test strategy discussions, develop test methodologies & plans and project-manage qualification cycles"

Too soon? I think so.

Halo: Reach "Defiant" Map Pack available March 15

A few weeks ago, a French community site named Halo Destiny, had gotten their hands on screencaps of what was rumored to be new maps for Halo: Reach. After having too much traffic on their website, it went down and as that happened, Microsoft had kindly asked them to pull the pictures.

Just weeks after that, Microsoft has officially announced the new Halo: Reach DLC, "Defiant". Obviously being maps for multiplayer, we will be getting 3 new maps for the game; Condemned, Highlands, and Unearthed. Unearthed will be the one set for Firefight gaming sessions and included with it will be new Achievements!

The Halo: Reach Defiant Map Pack will be available on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points.

"Halo: Combat Evolved" Remake Coming this Holiday?

Remember when Halo first came out back in 2001 on the original Xbox? Wasn't that such an awesome game? It became Microsoft's flagship game, still is, and goes on to be one of the best games that people have played (and still being played). I can go on with all the praises I have about the original Halo, but for those who love it just enough, will be excited with this news.

Ever since Bungie Studios went out with a bang on their last game, Halo: Reach, that was it for the Halo franchise, but Microsoft still owns the rights and plans on release more games. Since then, 343 Industries have taken command of the franchise.

Not too long ago, Eurogamer had noted that in a magazine called Games Master, Microsoft had said that a Halo remake was in the works, but they later stated that they had "nothing to announce at this time". Seems like that wasn't true, because sources are claiming that Saber Interactive are behind this project with 343 Industries watching over the entire project.

So, with these being rumors, what do you want in this remake?

Saber Interactive is better known as being the developer behind "Timeshift" which had released back in 2007.