Kotaku: Major Nelson

A Look at the New Xbox Live Marketplace

Owen Good — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Major Nelson takes a look at the revamped Xbox Live Marketplace (which is a little like "Action Figure Man: the How to Buy Action Figure Man episode" from The Simpsons) and of course concludes that it's awesome. You can compare the two "experiences" with the images above (bigger on the jump) and more on Hryb's flickr account. For those not necessarily wondering how streamlined their buying experience will be, just when it's all over with, he says "The New Xbox Experience will ship later this year. As in before the New Year." No real news there, but it's nice to have his personal assurance.

Teh before:

Teh aftar:

New Xbox Experience: Games Marketplace [Major Nelson's Blog, via Game Stooge (pic)]

News About BF:BC Maps Helps Us Speculate About Zune

Owen Good — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:00:00 MDT

Battlefield: Bad Company is getting four free multiplayer maps in the next month. That comes from Major Nelson’s latest ~~podcast~~ “blogcast.” The tidbit is in a 10-minute discussion with Gordon Van Dyke of developer DICE.

The maps are converted singleplayer levels from the game’s campaign mode, tuned up for conquest mode, Gordon says.

The rest of the ~~zunecast~~ "blogcast" deals with the GTA IV Live Weekend (about to expire) and about 30 minutes of major Zune pimpage, including a not-so-arch remark about how well it works with the 360 and how "other devices" don't because they "changed their protocol." Who knows, maybe all this cross-marketing is Microsoft tipping its hand toward bringing Zune Marketplace to Xbox Live. Remember, both services are down at the same time, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PDT tomorrow.

Show #294 [Major Nelson, thanks Nathaniel V.]

Major Nelson Has a Gambling Problem - His Wife

Owen Good — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:00:00 MDT

The big lure of Fable II Pub Games is that you get a two months head start to pile up gold before the game drops. The big drawback is that it's gambling, not a Pell grant, so you could wind up in the hole when the game drops Oct. 21. Larry Hyrb is — sorta.

Seems the Xbox Live programming director left himself signed in and his wife got a hold of the game under his tag. He popped in the door to find her in full gambling-problem mode, which is to say distant, uncommunicative, unconcerned and four figures to the bad, on his account.

He writes a humorous anecdote but it reeks of poetic license. All three games are conveniently mentioned, and the dialogue has a sort of canned soft-drink testimonial feel. And, here's the escape hatch, you can transfer your gold to your character when you get the game, but nothing says you have to transfer your debts. In fact, you'd be quite foolish to do so. Or you can just delete the gamesave and start over without paying the debt. So if you're playing this, keep all of that in mind.

Still, I like the idea of Major Nelson, stubble-faced and bleary-eyed and facing a heap of flaming cards in Fortune's Tower and eventually ranting like Albert Brooks in Lost in America. "Say it! Say it! Say 'I lost the nest egg.' Go on, say it!"

I am Playing the Fable II Pub Games ... but I Have a Little Problem [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

Bug Major Nelson For Maddenpalooza Tickets

Mike Fahey — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 MDT

Fans hoping to get into EA's celebration of all things Madden at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California this Monday have pretty limited options when it comes to scoring entry into the event. They can either win tickets via local Southern California radio stations, or stand in line and hope they're one of the first 1,00 people there. Xbox Live's Larry Hryb offers gamers a third option for acquiring Maddenpalooza tickets - email him!

EA has hooked the Major up with 25 pairs of tickets, which he will award randomly to folks who email him between now and 9AM Pacific time tomorrow. He'll notify winners tomorrow afternoon, giving you a good four days to figure out how the hell you're going to make it to Pasadena in time. PROTIP - If you live in Pasadena, don't move.

I've got your tickets to the Maddenpalooza event in Pasadena [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

Major Nelson Unveils E3 Hub For Xbox 360

Leigh Alexander — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:20:00 MDT

Xbox Live's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has set up an E3-devoted hub with an ongoing blog and video already available to track the adventures of the Xbox 360 at the event. So if you like your E3 coverage with a decidedly Microsoft slant, you can check it out.

Says Major Nelson:

Major Nelson is already lining up exclusive interviews with bigwig industry insiders and TriXie will undoubtedly try to crash a few VIP parties. Video Monkey is ready to bring you the sights and sounds of the show, and our intrepid Inside Xbox game gurus (Ryan and Denny of This Week in Xbox) will be grabbing as many controllers as they can for hands-on impressions of all the hot games. On top of that, look for detailed coverage of the press briefings, exciting new game trailers, and sweeping panoramas from the show floor.

There're plenty of pre-hype vids available already.

[Xbox.com E3 2008]

Microsoft Announcement Coming Tomorrow?

Mark Wilson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:20:53 MST

Yesterday we mentioned rumors of a potential Microsoft Japan announcement coming next week, but on Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb's Twitter account, he teases "a special" show coming mid-week that, we'd expect, would feature some fun Microsoft announcement or another. So it looks like either one or two announcements are on the horizon. Any gambling types sitting in the audience who'd care to place some wagers*?

*Kotaku does not condone illegal gambling. Luckily we're writing this post from a boat amidst hands of blackjack.

Major Nelson [Twitter] Thanks Master Devwi!

Major Nelson Says Don't Cheat, Share, Or Do Drugs

Mark Wilson — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:00:27 MDT

OK, we lied. Major Nelson made no online warnings about drug use, but he did issue a very stern warning against sharing Xbox Live accounts and/or cheating to increase one's Gamerscore. Sharing accounts is the worst violation, destroying your Gamertag and affiliated points and purchases forever. Cheating through game save hacks or "nefarious techniques" won't get you banned, but it may get your Gamerscore deleted.

But the real reason not to cheat on Live or with game saves is that it makes you a douchebag. And the real reason not to share your account is that it hurts ~~Microsoft~~ starving babies and/or your parents' credit.

Xbox LIVE account sharing and Gamesave tampering (don't do it) [majornelson]

No Major Nelson, All Crecente

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:20:56 MDT

Today's fun? Sumo. CheapyD from CheapAssGamer was sweet enough to invite me and Microsoft blogger Chris Paladino to watch the Tokyo sumo tournament this afternoon. Crecente was a last minute replaced for Larry Hryb, who suddenly had lost his passport. It was CheapyD who shelled out the cash and rented us a box (Cheapy isn't actually a cheap dude!), so many thanks for that. The tournament was great fun — and a first for me. We ate yakitori, sipped sake and threw our cushions. Me, I threw two cushions. Larry, you missed out.

Major Nelson Misses TGS

Mike Fahey — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:00:03 MDT

Man do I feel bad for Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb right now. Seems he was all set for his flight to Tokyo to attend TGS when he discovered his passport was missing. No passport equals no Tokyo, and as anyone who has ever tried can attest, getting a replacement passport on short notice is no easy task. Thankfully both TriXie and VideoMonkey will be there to cover the event for Xbox.com, but Larry will be heading back to Seattle tomorrow to spend the week catching up on work.

As a public service, I offer this advice: Be very careful with your Passport. And go make a photocopy of it right now and keep it in a safe place so you can have all the details handy if you need to get a replacement.

Having never been outside of the continental U.S. myself, I've heard nothing but horror stories involving passports. When I finally get my own, I am having it surgically grafted to my chest. And that's one to grow on.

Major Nelson grounded [Major Nelson's Blog - Thanks Ben]

Major Nelson Clears Up The Xbox Live Mega-Ban

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:20:25 MDT

It's a good thing Ashcraft wrote in last night's report that the banning of some 23,000 Xbox Live accounts for taking advantage of a Call of Duty 4 beta exploit was "unconfirmed" because Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb says, quite clearly, that it's not true. He writes in his Xboxy blog "We did NOT ban tens of thousands of folks yesterday as some are reporting."

Hryb does warn that players who are seeking roundabout methods to sneak into the beta sans official token may be violating the Xbox Live terms of use, which could definitely result in an account hammer whacking you in the hiney. The Major also writes that sharing your account isn't just a dumbass move (dumbass), it's another violation of the terms of use.

Basically, hold tight and don't do anything stupid like getting your account axed just weeks away from the Halo 3 release. Think you can manage that, braniacs?

Xbox Live Bans and you [Major Nelson]

Dash Update Eases Xbox 360 for Guitar Hero Action

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:00:42 MDT

Microsoft's Major "Larry Hryb" Nelson sends word that a Dash update has hit Xbox Live. It's a "minor release," he says, and it's to get your 360 ready for those wireless Guitar Hero Les Paul guitar controllers. Nothing more, nothing less. Well, that's what he says.
August Update [Major Nelson]

Peter Moore Tells Major Nelson Bye Bye

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:00:46 MDT

So Peter Moore's really leaving Microsoft! Major Nelson grabs the tattooed one for a goodbye podcast. Major Nelson even gets "choked up saying 'goodbye.'" But don't worry! Peter Moore is isn't going to off to some horrible work camp. He's only going to Electronic Arts. Says Moore:

While it's going to be sad for me personally leaving, and I know a lot of people have already come up to me in the last few minutes and said, "You know, we're gonna miss you." I think it's important that they focus on the future. I'll be just fine. My family's going to be fine. But what's more important as we sit here in Redmond is that the business is going to be fine under the leadership of Don Mattrick.

No crying for Moore, okay? He's rich.
Peter Moore Says Goodbye [Major Nelson]

Clip: That New Crackdown DLC In Action

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 10 May 2007 18:40:57 MDT

Realtime Worlds' downloadable content for Crackdown is just dripping with new features, many of which are free. The video clip you see above shows off the DLC's new mini-gun, cloaking device, the "Lobber" and, most importantly, the amazing HRX Harpoon gun. Do not miss what this weapon is capable of.

Microsoft's Major Nelson has uploaded three additional clips to YouTube that highlight the title's new gametypes, as well as the Street Racing and Keys to the City modes. Very, very point-worthy. Michael McWhertor

Clip: Pac-Man Chats Up Major Nelson

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:40:40 MDT

The first thing gamers think when they hear "Microsoft"? Comedy! This Pac-Man World Championship clip, sent to us by stand-up guy Godfree from Gamertag Radio, just reinforces that association. I found this funnier with the sound off, but even with the "leet speak" crack at the end I can't help but enjoy the typing skills of Pac-Man. Michael McWhertor

Free Jetpac Refuelled Game Guide Up

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:40:54 MDT

If you're one of the billions (estimated) who purchased Rare's remake Jetpac Refuelled on the Xbox Live Marketplace last week, I have some great news for you. Rare has filled the cold manual void for the digitally distributed title and given gamers a freely downloadable game guide to aid them in all things Jetpac.

You can slog your way through the online Flash version or download the PDF for your offline and printing pleasure.

Ten pages of "artistic wonder" await you at the link below. It might make the uninitiated a bit more at ease dropping 400 Microsoft Points on the thing. Michael McWhertor

Jetpac Refuelled Game Guide [Rare via Major Nelson]

Xbox Live Accounts Compromised (Really, This Time)

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:40:08 MDT

After some initial confusion involving crazy Bungie.net hacking rumors, Microsoft seems to have determined from where recent Live security issues originated. True, accounts were not "hacked" via Xbox Live or Bungie's web site, but accounts were compromised by old-school, tech-free conning of customer support reps.

Xbox Live's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb explains what happened on his blog:

Earlier this week when I first heard about the "Xbox Live network hacked" story, I checked with the people on our end, and then posted about it. As originally posted, Xbox Live has not been hacked. That is still true. A security researcher, Kevin Finisterre, discovered not a hack, but the fact that some accounts may have been compromised as a result of 'social engineering', also known as 'pre-texting', through our support center. Kevin gave me a call directly and once I realized what he was talking about (he sent me some painful-to-listen-to audio files) I confirmed that the team is fully aware of this issue. They are examining the policies, and have already begun re-training the support staff and partners to help make sure we reduce this type of social engineering attack.

Larry adds apologetically, "There's no other way to say it; this situation shouldn't have happened. Our customers deserve better." Xbox Live subscribers with questions about their account should contact Microsoft and the Xbox customer support team at 1-800-4MYXBOX. Michael McWhertor

Xbox Live Security Update [Major Nelson]

Oblivion Expansion Hits Xbox Live

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:20:15 MDT

The expansion for the Xbox 360 version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has hit Xbox Live and is ready to sap your social life's energy. With a promised thirty hours of gameplay in the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness and tons of new items, quests, creatures and other time-sucking additions you'll probably forget within mere days that you dropped 2400 Microsoft points on the thing.

If you want it, you better get cracking. The download weighs in a just a hair under a gig. Now go! Michael McWhertor

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Shivering Isles (Now Available) [Major Nelson]

No Xbox Live Arcade News Is Bad News

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:20:57 MST

Or is that good news? Not sure. But, this is the one post where it's safe to post "This is not news" in the comments. It will most likely be the only one. Ever. Why? The Xbox Live Arcade forecast this week is calling for... nothing. Zip. There will be no Xbox Live Arcade game released this week. No Alien Hominid. No Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. No Worms.

Major Nelson explains:

There will be no Xbox Live Arcade release this Wednesday, as the scheduled title was delayed. We have a very high bar that each title must pass over in order to be released on Xbox Live Arcade and unfortunately, no titles were ready in time.

So, with bad news comes good news. Microsoft is keeping something from you for your own good. Thanks for nothing, MS. And I mean that. Michael McWhertor

Playing Xbox Live In The Car Expensive, Maybe Dangerous

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:30:29 MST

Best way to show off you've got too much money and time on your hands? Drive around the Google Wi-fi enabled city of Mountain View, California in your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon while playing Uno and Rainbow Six Las Vegas over Xbox Live. The whole set up will allegedly hit you in the wallet for about $4000, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

The dirty details, including video are linked below. Michael McWhertor

Playing Xbox Live over Google WiFi While Driving [via Major Nelson]
Xbox Live Goes Mobile As We Play Rainbow 6 on Google Wifi [XHYD.tv]

Xbox Live Downtime Tomorrow

Mike Fahey — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:40:01 MST

This is just a friendly reminder that Xbox Live will be going down for server maintenance tomorrow from 5am to 8am Eastern. Do not be alarmed if you try to get your ill-advised drunken late-night Xbox Live TV show download binge on and find yourself denied. Also, don't get your hopes up, as this is only server maintenance. No goodies, no nothing. Not even a tuppence. Just three hours with which you can read, take a walk, sleep, or perhaps even service the missus. Your own missus. Major Nelson sez:

On Tuesday February 20th from 0200-0500 PT Xbox Live will be offline for maintenance. As a result, the 'My Xbox' section of Xbox.com will be unavailable, and the Xbox forums will be in read only mode (you will not be able to post.) The remainder of Xbox.com will be available for your browsing pleasure.

He then goes on to repeat several times that nothing special is happening in order to keep those dastardly bloggers from starting a speculation wave. Michael Fahey

Xbox Live Maintenance (2/20) [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

Borat Makes Sexy Theme Explosion Inside Xbox

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:20:03 MST

Xbox Live users can now benefit from the labors of the glorious nation of Kazakhstan as a free Borat theme pack is available for download. The theme includes 8 gamerpics (including one that's NSFW) and 4 dashboard backgrounds. Here's my obligatory "Is nice!" Satisfied? Michael McWhertor

Borat: Theme and Pictures (Free) [Major Nelson]

Xbox Rewards On Life Support

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:40:02 MST

When the Xbox Rewards site went live yesterday, there was a mad rush to register. Gamers ready and willing to take the Old Spice Challenge brought the site to its knees. But Microsoft and crew are on the case. Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb wants to let you know:

As you may have noticed, the site is experiencing some issues right now. The marketing team is working on fixing them. In the mean time, if you are able to register...you then have to join the challenge. So really it's a two step process...assuming you can actually get into the site. Once I get an update, I'll report back.

We'll let you know when the Rewards program is once again ready for primetime. Michael McWhertor

Xbox Rewards Official Site

New Xbox Live Marketplace Video

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:20:35 MST

Tons of new Video Marketplace content is now available on Xbox Live and Microsoft's Major Nelson has the full rundown. The following television shows and movies have been added, with a couple coming soon:

Skyland (Nicktoons) - Season 1
Wild World of Spike
An Inconvenient Truth
Lady in the Water (HD)
Beerfest (HD)
The Wicker Man (HD)
The Descent (HD)
American Haunting (HD)
See No Evil (HD)
The Blair Witch Project (HD)
Requiem for a Dream (HD)
Cecil B. Demented (HD)

World Trade Center (coming soon)
Barnyard (coming soon)

And, in an effort to get you hooked on Nickelodeon's Skyland, they're offering the first episode for free until midnight Monday, January 29th.

Hmm. What will it be? Skyland or Requiem for a Dream? Tough call. Both are high quality, but only one features heroin addicts living a hellish existence. Michael McWhertor

Clip: Major Nelson Gone Wild

Brian Crecente — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:00:16 MST

Major Nelson's brain apparently turned to slush when he walked onto the Girls Gone Wild volleyball court. It's hard to tell from this video because the blackhole like density of the two women he's interviewing could make a rock look smart.

"No, I mean yeah, I mean no" Brian Crecente

Cheesecake Pin-Ups For Your Xbox 360

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:20:22 MST

If you're in the mood to pay for some Eidos marketing materials disguised as cheesecake pin-up shots of fake ladies, now's your chance! The Battlestation: Midway theme is available for download on Xbox Live and will only set you back 150 Microsoft points. You'll get four whole wallpapers featuring the painted ladies who've been shilling Eidos' World War II shooter to whet your appetitie for the game and the next opportunity to buy more fantasy girls. Whatta bargain!

My suggestion, however, for those looking for bonerific downloads is to instead snag the free 24 theme and picture pack in anticipation of this coming Sunday's season premiere. I'll take some Jack Bauer power over T&A-lite downloads any day.

More details over at Major Nelson's blog. Michael McWhertor

Xbox Live Goes Down

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 21:40:29 MST

If you've been having issues with playing games on Xbox Live tonight, you're not the only one. While many functions of the service are still up and running (including voice chat, marketplace), those looking to set up multiplayer matches are running into major problems. The outage has been going on for a number of hours tonight, with no ETA on when we can expect Live matchmaking to return.

After fielding numerous complaints Xbox Live's Major Nelson updated his blog with "the operations team is aware of the issues and are working on it."

Well let you know if we hear more, but for now expect your Xbox 360 experiences to be single player only. Michael McWhertor

Happy Holidays From The Godfather

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:20:20 MST

EA is getting a jump on next year's Christmas shopping by giving Xbox Live subscribers the option to download (for a mere 150 Microsoft Points) the Godfather Happy Holiday Theme. They're really on the ball! I wish I could plan my holiday spending 363 days in advance.

The them pack is available now for Gold members, but you Silver-tier folks are going to have to wait until December 29th to tap into some of that holiday cheer. I don't know about you guys, but this Godfather Happy Holiday Theme has me pumped for Christmas!

But, I think the 48 hour wait will be worth it. You also get "a never before seen logo from The Godfather The Game." And who doesn't love unreleased logos?! Michael McWhertor

Theme: Godfather Happy Holiday Theme [Major Nelson]

Live Arcade Ends Year with a Whimper

Mike Fahey — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 10:40:33 MST

A holiday treat of sorts hits Xbox Live Arcade this week in the for of New Rally-X, the updated version of the 1980 arcade racer that was last seen as the loading game on the PSP version of Ridge Racer. It's a car maze game where you collect flags to clear levels while avoiding enemy cars.

The updated version includes new graphics, new music, new courses, and adjustments to the evil red enemy cars to improve game balance. The game cost 400 points.

Kinda with the commentors at Major Nelson's blog here. "After the recent stretch of awesome XBL games, it's too bad it ends '06 with this one.:(" Sad face emote indeed. This was a loading game for a PSP title for crying out loud! I'm sure someone out there considers this a classic and will be very happy, but I say thee bleh. Michael Fahey

Arcade: New Rally-X [Major Nelson's Blog]

Xbox 360 Backward Compatability Update Hits

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:20:00 MST

Good news. The rumored Xbox 360 backward compatability list that leaked online earlier this week is now available on Xbox Live, according to Major Nelson. With this update, the backward compatability listing numbers over 300 original Xbox titles.

The better news? It even contains a title not originally listed in the leaked version, in the form of Conker Live and Reloaded.

Hit the jump for the full list of new and updated supported games, then cue bitching that Game X is sadly missing. Michael McWhertor

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Burnout 3: Takedown UPDATED
Conker: Live and Reloaded
Dead Or Alive Ultimate
Destroy All Humans!
Dynasty Warriors 4 / Shin Sangokumuso 3
Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick
Ex Chaser (Japan Only)
Family Guy
Far Cry: Instincts
Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy
I-Ninja
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
MotoGP
Incredibles/ Mr. Incredible
Muzzle Flash (Japan Only)
MX Unleashed
Open Season
Pariah
Plus Plumb 2 (Japan Only)
Psychonauts
Psyvariar2 Extend Edition (Japan Only)
Rainbow Six: Lockdown
Rapala Pro Fishing
Rent-A-Hero No. 1 (Japan Only)
Scarface
Shark Tale
Shenmue II
Soul Calibur 2 (North America only)
Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Tenerezza (Japan Only)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Ultimate Spider-Man
Wakeboarding Unleashed: Featuring Shaun Murray
Whacked!
Winback 2: Project Poseidon
Xiaolin Showdown

December '06 Back Compat Update [Major Nelson]

New EA Cheat Microtransactions For You To Enjoy!

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:20:36 MST

Don't feel like playing your games to get the unlockable content? Then buy your progress, you lazy, horrible business model supporting prick! Major Nelson updated his corporate blog to send us the good news: 1120 points (or $14 USD) worth of cheats for EA's Need For Speed Carbon are available for suckers who like to flush cash down the toilet via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The most exciting news for chumps with poor money management is that you rubes will be getting bonus cars (2006 Shelby GT500, 1987 Corolla GTS and 2006 Pagani Zonda F) exclusive to the Marketplace. The rest of us are so jealous!

Have fun with your microtransactions, losers! Michael McWhertor

Need for Speed Carbon: Various In Game Content [Major Nelson]

Follow Up: Man, Xbox Survive Nasty Crash

fdemarco — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:00:20 MST

You may have read a few weeks back about the Xbox forum poster who was involved in a horrible hit and run accident where not only did his truck get totaled, but his Xbox 360 took a beating as well. Miraculously, although the 360 looked thrashed, it actually still worked!

Well, it seems the folks on the Xbox forums took pity on the guy and he got (rather ironically) a free copy of Need For Speed Carbon directly from EA. Not only that but he received a missive directly from Major Nelson himself informing him that his sad 360 would be replaced.

Hopefully, they won't make him pay for the shipping. Flynn De Marco

Re: My Xbox 360 Survived a rollover accident, and being ran over. [Xbox Forums | Thanks, David]

1080p Fix Hits 360

Brian Crecente — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:00:59 MST

Major Nelson reports today that a new Live update has hit that will fix 1080p issues with the Xbox 360.

Specifically, the download will improve support for HD video output over VGA, improve plug and play performance for wired headsets and tweaks the recently played games list.

The update is, fortunately, an international one. Brian Crecente

The 1080p Fix [Major Nelson]

Gears of War "Emergence Day" Content On Marketplace

fdemarco — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:05:27 MST

It's the day everyone has been waiting for with keen anticipation. That's right, it's "Emergence Day" ! In honor of this momentous occasion, Xbox Live marketplace is offering some free Gears of War downloadable content for the US, Canada and Mexico.

Available only today is a free exclusive Gears of War "I played on Emergence Day" Theme and an exclusive gamer picture. There will also be an "Emergence Day" Message from man about town and dreamboat robot model Cliffy B, PLUS a Gears of War Gameplay video for all the losers who haven't actually picked up the game that will change the world. Both of the latter two are also free and will be available anytime. If you want the theme and the gamer picture, you have until 11:59pm PT, so get crackin'! Flynn De Marco

Limited time Emergence Day 'GoW' content [Major Nelson - Thanks, Scott]

Sirius' Video Game Radio Show

Brian Crecente — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 08:00:42 MST

Major Nelson was on Level Up yesterday, Sirius Satellite's new radio show dedicated to video games. I'm just curious if anyone has checked the show out yet. Major Nelson says that the show is relatively basic and not really for hardcore gamers, that, combined with the fact that its on the Maxim channel, leads me to believe it sucks. Please tell me I'm wrong, we need a good video game radio show to match all of those good video game TV shows... oh, wait.

Major Nelson on Sirius [Major Nelson]

Top Live Games

Brian Crecente — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 09:43:54 MST

With the launch of the Wii and Playstation 3 looming, I thought it would be interesting to see what the 360 gamers were up to last week. That and Major Nelson posted a list.

Splinter Cell Double Agent was the top 360 title, while Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 beat out plain vanilla Lumines Live! for top Arcade title and (of course) Halo 2 landed the top Xbox old school position. It also continued to dominate the list, retaining the slot for overall top Live game.

Hit the jump for the full lists. Brian Crecente

All lists are based on World Wide Unique Users on Xbox Live. These lists are based on title usage (while connected to Xbox Live.)

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (UU's)
1 Splinter Cell Double Agent
2 Call of Duty 2
3 Tony Hawk's Project 8 Demo
4 Ghost Recon 3
5 Madden NFL 07
6 Saints Row
7 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
8 Final Fantasy XI
9 S.C.D.A. Online Demo
10 BFMC

Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
2 LUMINES LIVE!
3 UNO
4 DOOM
5 DIG DUG
6 Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting
7 Texas Hold 'em
8 Geometry Wars Evolved
9 PAC-MAN
10 Marble Blast Ultra

Original Xbox Top Live Games
1 Halo 2
2 Battlefield 2: MC
3 Madden NFL 07
4 Counter-Strike
5 Pro Evolution Soccer 5
6 Rainbow Six 3 BA
7 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
8 Splinter Cell Chaos
9 Forza Motorsport
10 Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

If we combine the Xbox 360 list and the Original Xbox list, Halo 2 would be the top Xbox Live title, followed by Xbox 360 titles.

Xbox Live Silver Becomes More and More Useless

brownlee2 — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:40:35 MDT

After posting on his blog that the new Gears of War promotional ad would only be downloadable by Xbox Live Gold members, Major 'Larry Unpronounceable Last Name' Nelson went on to clarify in the comments:

So here is the deal..Silver members WILL get access to this..probably in about a week. This is going to happen more and more (Gold getting things before Silver) so you may want to think about upgrading if you want all the latest and greatest trailers, demos etc.

Right! Because why should Microsoft market to you for free when they can get you to pay them to market to you? Mark my words: demos and trailers costing Live points is just around the corner. Florian Eckhardt

Trailer: Gears of War Ad [Major Nelson]

Major Nelson On Microtransactions: "Don't Like 'Em, Don't Buy 'Em"

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 01:22:16 MDT

Microsoft's Major "Larry" Nelson and 1Up's woolly Andrew Pfister talk about the current micro-transactions brouhaha. Both make good points, but man, Lar gesticulates like crazy. Brian Ashcraft

Micro-Talk Micro-Transactions [Destructoid]

Tomorrow! Lumines! Live!

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:21:26 MDT

Major "Larry" Nelson announces that Lumines Live! is going to hit Xbox Live. Major gives all the skinny on the eagerly awaited XBL titles, dishing:

'Lumines Live!' for Xbox Live Arcade brings exciting new music, new video content, and 12 different skins, for hours of fun. The Xbox Live Arcade game features exclusive Xbox Live online multiplayer play, allowing you to play against your friends in head-to-head battles. "Lumines Live!" includes:

Full online multiplayer play over Xbox Live—battle your friends head-to-head

Classic Lumines gameplay, including Challenge, Puzzle and vs. CPU modes

All-new Skin Edit Mode allows you to re-mix the order of your unlocked skins to create a custom Lumines experience

All-new Mission mode presents player with pre-designed Lumines puzzle scenarios

Dynamic skins, sound effects and music optimized specifically for Lumines Live! in high-definition graphics and 5.1 channel surround audio

Extensive downloadable content support over Xbox Live Marketplace—add new skins, puzzles, missions, artist packs and more

Full suite of online leaderboards

The full version of the game will be 1200 points. Plus an optional pack for 600 points will also be available that will allow gamers to change their music scene as well as choose from 22 new skins.

It seems that Xbox Live is under maintenance at the moment! But, Major will post the nanosecond Lumines Live! hits!! Looking forward to it!!! Brian Ashcraft

Lumines! Live! [Major! Nelson! Thanks! Eric!!]

Splinter Cell: Double Agent Demo On Xbox Live

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 09:23:29 MDT

Sam Fisher is back, and this time it's personal (unless it was personal at some previous point in the series—I've never kept up because my interest begins and ends with that cool multi-vision goggle set Sam's got!). The multi-player demo for the fourth Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell hit Xbox Live today.

Larry "Call Me Major Nelson Because No One Can Pronounce" Hryb posted the news at his Xboxy blog early this morning. Xbox Livers looking to snap some necks stealth-style should get downloadin' as the demo weighs in at a respectable 702 MB. Have fun kids! Michael McWhertor

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent

Sony Needs A Major Nelson (We Nominate Kaz)

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 21:00:30 MDT

"Major Nelson" is the online person of Microsoft's Larry Hryb. His Major Nelson blog acts as a go-between the company and fans and press alike. Alex Donaldson PS3 RPG Site questions whether Sony needs a similar figure. He writes:

Sony's only problem now would be who? Right now I don't see Ken Kutagari [SIC], Kaz Hirai or Phil Harrison being a particularly strong public figure with the fans. Despite all this, I think getting one would be a step in the right direction for Sony's online service, whatever it may be called.

We thought that Sony already had a Major Nelson tagteam with Kaz and Ken, but no says Alex. "Just for one moment imagine a blog run by Kaz Hirai—do you feel it could work?" he points out. Who cares if it would work? I'd totally read the Kommander Kaz blog. Sony, make it happen. Brian Ashcraft

Sony's Major Nelson [PS3 RPG, via Major Nelson ]