Dropping from the already reduced price of 600 Microsoft Points, the trio of maps — Avalanche, Blackout and Ghost Town — can be yours for a mere 400 Microsoft Points. That's if you're a Xbox Live Gold member, which you really should be if you're paying money for multiplayer maps.

The deal kicks off tomorrow worldwide. Happy mapping!

Xbox LIVE Marketplace Holiday Deal of the Week [MajorNelson.com]

If you haven't picked up Rez HD yet, you can grab it for just 500 Microsoft Points, whatever that works out to in your currency of choice. "Death Magnetic" is just 1000 MSP. Six additional XBLA games also get a holiday drop, with paid downloadable content for Crackdown, Lips and more. You can even grab a few themes on the cheap.

For the full list, read on.

Xbox Live Arcade Games
Rez HD - 500 Microsoft Points
Arkadian Warriors - 500 Microsoft Points
Assault Heroes - 400 Microsoft Points
Catan - 500 Microsoft Points
Brain Challenge - 500 Microsoft Points
Boogie Bunnies - 500 Microsoft Points
Golf: Tee It Up! - 500 Microsoft Points

Paid DLC
GH3 Metallica “Death Magnetic” Full Album - 1000 Microsoft Points
Forza – March Car Pack - 400 Microsoft Points
Crackdown – Getting Busy Bonus Pack - 500 Microsoft Points
Rock Band All That Remains Pack 01 - 290 Microsoft Points
Lips – The Remedy (Jason Mraz) - 100 Microsoft Points

Themes
Gears of War 2 – Last Day - 180 Microsoft Points
Sonic Unleashed - 180 Microsoft Points
Castle Crashers Premium - 180 Microsoft Points

Xbox LIVE Marketplace Black Friday Sale [Majornelson.com]

Starting in on December 5, Lips will start getting holiday music by a number of artists including Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley and Gene Autry. The songs all start at 160 Microsoft Points a pop, or about $2.

Here’s the breakdown of this and next weeks songs:

November 21
Adele – Chasing Pavements
Estelle – No Substitute Love
Jason Mraz – The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)
Coldplay – Violet Hill

November 28
Supertramp – Give a Little Bit
Smash Mouth – All Star
Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

Eventually, we presume it will be a good option for surfing the available games, demos and movies available for the Xbox 360, as well as managing your account, but not quite yet. Interested users should be aware that the web Marketplace requires Microsoft's Silverlight plug-in, lest they walk away from the site disappointed or raging at the existence of Microsoft's Silverlight plug-in.

Xbox Live Marketplace [Xbox.com]

We've put a shout out to Xbox Live's Larry Hyrb to see if there was any official word on the current stability of the newly relaunched service. In the meantime, how's NXE been treating you folks? Good? Bad? Ugly? Feel free to discuss among yourselves.

That's why we're not exactly saddened to learn that Yaris has disappeared from the Xbox Live Marketplace, a little over a year after going live.

Yaris has even be de-listed from Xbox.com — the English language United States specific version, anyway — with the game detail page now playing dumb as to its existence. There's no mention of the game on the publicly available Marketplace.

Tipster AJ writes "It's taken off, and it won't even show downloads from it on your played game history."

The removal may be due to an expired contract agreement with Toyota or simply an act of benevolence. We're checking with Microsoft to see if this is merely an oversight or if the game has been officially de-listed as part of the company's new rules, a move the company may have reconsidered.

Oh, and a FaceBreaker demo is out too. Yay.

Demo: Madden NFL 09 And Guest [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

EA execs didn't break down the details on which distribution methods did how much, but with the company shilling via its online EA Store, as well as the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace, is has ample opportunities.

What we'd really like to know is exactly how much of that is downloadable Rock Band content versus paid-for unlockables in games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf and Need For Speed: Pro Street. Excel documents with that information forwarded to tips@ will be treated with the utmost discretion.

Stubbs The Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse is one of those original Xbox titles I can see on the service, as it was a quality game that 360 newcomers shouldn't miss out on. Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows, on the other hand, was a nicely rendered hunk of crap that no one should bother spending 1200 Microsoft points on. There are seriously more than seven sorrows involved there.

If you want Gauntlet, download the Live Arcade version and enjoy yourself. If you want Stubbs, save up your points and get ready for the game's re-release on May 19th.

Xbox Originals: Stubbs the Zombie and Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows [Xbox Live's Major Nelson]

The publisher said that more than 30 million sessions of the game, totalling 32 million hours of gameplay, were logged from April 4 to April 12. Sheesh, you guys really do live your COD.

"Infinity Ward is extremely grateful for support from our loyal Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare community around the world," said Robert Bowling, community relations manager, Infinity Ward. "From the beginning, we were committed to do our best and that continues now with the Variety Map Pack. We can't wait to get back online with everyone."

Hit the jump for the full release.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack Sets Xbox LIVE Marketplace Record
Surpasses One Million Paid Downloads in First Nine Days

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Apr 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) announced today that the Call of Duty 4(R): Modern Warfare(TM) Variety Map Pack, developed by Infinity Ward, has set a new record for the number of paid downloads on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, surpassing one million downloads in the first nine days since its release. Additionally, from April 4 to April 12, Xbox LIVE members played more than 30 million sessions and logged more than 32 million hours of gameplay. Available exclusively for download via Xbox LIVE online entertainment network now through April 24, the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack expands the experience of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the worldwide best-selling game in units of 2007, according to The NPD Group, Chart Track and The GFK Group. Since its release, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has sold in excess of nine million units worldwide.

The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack includes four new multiplayer maps featuring a variety of locations, while supporting split-screen and system link play for 800 Microsoft Points. The Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack will be available for download via the PlayStation Network beginning April 24 for $9.99.

"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare delivers one of the best online multiplayer experiences ever," said Will Kassoy, senior vice president, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. "We are excited to be able to expand that experience and deliver to fans a new variety of locations and environments which have all of the intensity they have come to expect with Call of Duty."

"Infinity Ward is extremely grateful for support from our loyal Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare community around the world," said Robert Bowling, community relations manager, Infinity Ward. "From the beginning, we were committed to do our best and that continues now with the Variety Map Pack. We can't wait to get back online with everyone."

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

EA charging for weapons in Bad Company Beta [Xbox 360 Fanboy]

"I'm very, very interested in digital distribution and the potential it has," said Cooper, speaking during GDC Lyon last month. "PlayStation Network is extremely interesting because it's a more flexible space."

Tomb Raider Anniversary developer eyes PlayStation Network [GamesIndustry.biz]

While major portions of the deal won't directly impact Xbox 360 owners, as it includes shared advertising revenues and content for MSN and blah blah blah, the prospect of increased Cribs access is too enticing to ignore. I can only hope this alliance will bring the criminally overlooked TV Funhouse to the list of available Comedy Central programs.

Microsoft, Viacom Ink $500 Mil Ad Deal [CNN/Money]

No Canadian television programming will be available at launch, sadly, but it sounds like plans are in the works. For a full list of what will be available on day one, with pricing schemes, check out the full interview at Xbox.com.

Now Playing! Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store Comes to Canada [Xbox.com]

Top Films To Arrive In Xbox 360TM Owners' Living Rooms This Christmas Movies such as 300, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Good German and much more available to download LONDON - 4 December 2007 - Following the huge success of Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace Video Store in the US, where it has changed the way Xbox 360™ owners view and enjoy video, Microsoft® today announced that Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store will open for business in the UK on 11th December.

Xbox 360 owners will be able to rent full-length films such as 300, The Good German, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from as little as 250 Microsoft Points (*ERP £2) for Standard Definition movies and from 380 Microsoft Points (*ERP £3.20 [1]) for High Definition movies. This is in addition to over 100 music videos currently available to download from partners Ministry of Sound, Sony BMG, PIAS and Vid Zone.

With this launch, Xbox LIVE Marketplace becomes the first video on demand service to be available in six countries - US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France and Germany - and cements its place as the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content.

Robin Truchy, Director of Xbox LIVE for Europe, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division, commented: "Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store in Europe is all about adding to the ever-expanding number of entertainment choices that our consumers have on their Xbox 360. We want to give them the entertainment they want, in the format they want, when they want it and at an affordable price. We were already offering HD games, HD music videos and the option to enjoy HD-DVD format films, now we are offering HD movies to download and rent as well. This is very exciting for us and the consumer."

"Providing consumers with more choices and improving the movie experience at home is at the heart of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution's strategy and we're delighted to support Xbox Live for the European launch of their Video On Demand service" said Marc Gareton, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Senior Vice President International." Microsoft has built a very successful platform, in both Standard Definition and High Definition, and we are happy to make it a home for our movies."

Arash Amel, Senior Analyst, Head of Broadband Media, Screen Digest, commented: "As Hollywood turns its attention towards selling digital copies of its blockbuster movies, the delivery of movie content over the open internet has become a key battleground for a broad range of service providers. Screen Digest predicts that the total European movie download market will be worth €350m by 2012, up from €17m in 2007[2]. The Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store, as the first multi-territory hardware-based online movie delivery service in Europe, is expected to be a European market leader for movie downloads. Consumers in both the US and Europe have already made it abundantly clear that they are reluctant to watch two-hour long films on their PC, instead preferring to view them on personal devices or most preferably devices that can provide a link to their large-screen living room TVs and home entertainment systems."

Xbox 360 gamers in the launch countries can access Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store with either an Xbox Live Silver or Gold membership and a broadband connection. More information about the content available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store can be found at: www.xbox.com

Examples of Launch Titles on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store[3]:

UK/Ireland
300
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
ZODIAC
MATRIX, THE
MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, THE
MATRIX RELOADED, THE
OCEAN'S ELEVEN
PERFECT STORM, THE
SWORDFISH
THREE KINGS
TRAINING DAY
FUGITIVE, THE
RISKY BUSINESS
SPACE COWBOYS
EYES WIDE SHUT
ANALYZE THIS
DEMOLITION MAN
ERASER
EXECUTIVE DECISION
LETHAL WEAPON 3
LETHAL WEAPON 4
LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION
MARS ATTACKS!
CLASH OF THE TITANS
SUPERMAN III
DEAD CALM
-Ends-

New Guitar Hero 2 Song Pack Hits Xbox Live [Shacknews]

Sorry continent of Asia and country of Mexico, but you guys and gals are barred from this free multiplayer fun.

Further details, including info on some upcoming Nissan sponsored contests, at the official site.

Nissan Brings 2007 Cars to Forza Motorsport 2 [Forza Motorsport 2]

Bungie urges that we temper our excitement as they aren't going to be handing out double top secret Halo 3 beta keys or anything—"think something of a more decorative nature" they say—so I expect some nice themes or gamerpics to show up soon. Whatever they are, you'll only have 24 hours to get 'em.

It may not be huge, but securing them will at the very least say to the world "I was logged into Xbox Live one Saturday and cared enough to download these." I'm really hoping this giveaway contains at least one Luke Smith beard gamerpic.

Bungie Day Extravaganza [Bungie.net]

According to Gamespot's summation of the report, the Heavy Gamer market makes up just 2% of the gamer population, but buys at an impressive average rate of 4.5 games per month and plays just shy of 40 hours a week. They game like it's going out of style. The Heavy Gamer group also happens to be the subset that does the most online purchases, leading the pack with Virtual Console, Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store downloads.

Seriously, how do you guys find the time? I'm lucky if I can squeeze in an hour a day anymore.

Additional data and insight is available at the Gamespot report.

NPD: Heavy gamers heaviest spenders [Gamespot]

Vivendi describes them as such:

In Control there are 3 control points on a map. Your team gains points based on the amount of time a control point is in their possession—the more control points your team has the faster your team gains points. The team with the most points at the end of the round wins.

In Conquer All there are 5 control points on the map. If either team can hold all 5 points at one time they win. If no team can control all 5 points simultaneously then the winning team is decided by points. Teams get 10 points for each control point taken, 10 points for each enemy point neutralized and 1 point for each kill.

There are other updates included with the 120 MB download, including making F.E.A.R. "compatible with new maps that will be made available for purchase throughout the summer." Taste the compatibility! Michael McWhertor

F.E.A.R.: Control and Conquer All Map Pack (Free) - Updated [Major Nelson]

In what could be an Xbox Live non sequitur, a pic pack for THE iDOLM@STER has popped up on the US Marketplace. It's one pack containing lucky 13 gamer pictures for 200 Microsoft Points. The description of the game is written in Japanese, and it's listed as unrated or rating pending. Riddle me this: why would gamer pics for a Japan only game appear on the US Marketplace if there wasn't intent on release it, well, in the US? Brian Ashcraft

Thanks, Adam!

Okay, we saw it coming, but it's still a pleassant surprise of sorts, as the Tenchu Z Demo hits Xbox Live Marketplace in North America and Europe, giving Xbox 360 owners with 650 MB of free hard drive space a chance to step into the little footy shoes of the ninja. The demo includes one single player mission with preselected weapons, and more than a little death. It is currently downloading to my console at home, awaiting my judgement as was foretold in ninja prophecy.

I particularly enjoy the fact that Major Nelson is so terrified of the ninja that he posted the update from 'Concource B, Denver International Airport'. Being near the home of the relatively dire pirate Crecente will help you not, good Major. Michael Fahey

Demo: Tenchu Z (North America and Europe) [Major Nelson's Blog]

On June 11th (and just in time for Pride), XBL will be the first gaming console to offer programs from Logo, the network for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience. Interestingly enough, earlier in the month, on June 6th, XBLwill offer shows from CMT (Country Music Television). This is fantastic for gay cowboy gamers, which I am sure exist, and probably have a forum somewhere. There are forums for everything these days. Kim Phu

Broad range of New Content Coming on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the Television and Movie Download Service with Something for Everyone

Xbox 360 becomes the first gaming console to offer content from Logo, MTV Networks' channel for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience; top anime distributors and CMT, the nation's #1 country music network

With 7,000 pieces of gaming and entertainment content and counting, Xbox LIVE Marketplace continues to grow as the only online service that offers high definition movies and TV shows for download. This June, the catalogue of content gets even better. With more than 15 entertainment partners, Xbox LIVE offers U.S. members at any age or gender a diverse array of great programming at the click of a button.

After having huge success on Xbox LIVE Marketplace with content from MTV, Comedy Central and VH1, this month MTV Networks is bringing two more properties to the service:

Country Music Television. On June 6, country music fans on Xbox LIVE will enjoy a great lineup of TV shows from CMT, the #1 country music network in the nation. Fans can download the first seasons of hit shows such as, "Comedy Stage," "Foxworthy's Big Night Out" and "Prankville" starting tomorrow, with more series and episodes rolling out this summer.
Logo. On June 11, Xbox 360 will become the first gaming console to offer content from Logo, the network for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience from MTV Networks. Xbox LIVE will offer a bevy of popular Logo shows, from comedies "Wisecrack," and "The Big Gay Sketch Show," to scripted dramas like "Noah's Arc," and other programs including, "Curl Girls" and "Real Momentum Documentaries."

Beginning June 12, two of the biggest anime distributors in the US will join current Xbox LIVE partner ADV Films with popular shows, movies, gamer pics and themes, making LIVE Marketplace an unparalleled online source for quality anime content:

FUNimation. The epic adventure series "Samurai 7," adapted from Akira Kurosawa's legendry film "Seven Samurai," is coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also coming from FUNimation: "Trinity Blood," "Gunslinger Girl," and "Basilisk."
Geneon Entertainment. Die-hard fans and those new to the genre alike will enjoy the U.S. HD debut of the anime classic "Akira," available exclusively from Geneon on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also available from Geneon Entertainment at launch: "Gun Sword," "Last Exile," "Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo" and "Lupin the 3rd."

June will also bring award-winning films and blockbuster hits to Xbox LIVE Marketplace, starting with 'Team America World Police,' which launched in HD on the service on June 1st. Other top new films coming this month include:

Dreamgirls
Letters from Iwo Jima
Shooter
Black Snake Moan
Pan's Labyrinth

For a full list of new content launching each week, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv.

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]

Micro-transaction nerd hell! Previously, we've posted some of the delightful THE IDOLM@STER items available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Items like horse costumes, hand drills and bloomers. These things are bound to add up! But how much? The above chart adds up the full set of THE IDOLM@STER items: 23,400 Microsoft Points. Screw Disney Dollars, how much is that in real money? Well, it's 35,100 yen (US $299). And you know that the items are going to continue to hit Marketplace. No wonder Bandai Namco stuck this sure-fire otaku cashcow on the 360, because yes, there are people in this country who are snapping these up right as we speak. Go my way, indeed. Brian Ashcraft

THE MONEYM@STER

The first download Mistwalker is releasing for Japan's Xbox Live Market place is called "Strong New Game," which offers an item called "Super Hard Chip." After clearing the game, it lets players restart the game with all their old stats. The name for this is "new plus." Yeah, I know. Speaking of new, there are some new game difficulty settings as well: Hard and Super. Download is available in Japan tomorrow night at 8pm for free. Yes, the nice price! Brian Ashcraft

Blue Dragons Downloads Are Totally Free [Game Watch]

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]

Next month, the Tokyo Game Show kicks off in *get this* Chiba, Japan. Some of you might go, some might not and some will wonder why the event isn't called the Chiba Game Show. For those sitting at home, Microsoft will be streaming coverage right into your living room. The company announced it will release all TGS vids and demos on Xbox Live Marketplace. It's just like being there, but minus the Microsoft booth companions. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Jean Snow]

Word has it that there is an English language Chromehounds demo available on the Japanese Xbox Live Marketplace. For those interested in downloading, here's how:

• Create a Japanese Xbox Live Silver membership using this guide.
• Log into that account and go to the Marketplace.
• Go into the game demos area.
• Select Chromehounds and download the demo. This part will be in Japanese.
• After the demo is download, give it a try. Everything should be in English

The demo apparently isn't available on the American Marketplace. Why? Because Micrsoft Japan wants everyone to eat shoes and wear hamburgers on their feet, that's why. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [XboxSpace] Thanks, Roger Moore!

Moore said that by the end of 2006 there would be 50 Xbox 360 games available, that means we can expect another 31 titles this year. More importantly, Moore said that Street Fighter 2 would be coming to Xbox Live Marketplace. Street Fighter 2, how much does that rock? Texas Hold Em will also hitting the marketplace, but that just makes me sad.

HD DVD, Street Fighter II Coming to Xbox 360 [Gamespot]

I've just spent the past hour or so beating the living crap out of Roy Jones Junior in Fight Night Round 3. First, I have to say how very annoying it is to play such a fun and addictive demo of a game that you know won't be coming out for a bit.

I know it's free, but I really wish there was more than just the two guys and one fight to play through.

Although I enjoyed the game a lot, and could tell there was a lot of game mechanics tweaking that went on for this next-gen boxing title, it wasn't without its issues.

Chief among them was the lack of power behind most but the deadliest shots. Often the announcer would say I had just delivered a "devastating blow" to my opponent when all I thought I had done was tapped him on the chin. I'm hoping that the demo is just lacking some of the visceral impact of the sport that was so well illustrated in the last title in the franchise.

Ironically, I though those blows that did demonstrate the power of my punches, namely the ones that knocked a guy on his ass, were a bit over the top. The sound effects sounded like someone taking a bone, tearing it from flesh and socket and then snapping it in half. It looked very cool, but the sound was just a little too much over the top to feel real.

For the most part the graphics were amazing, showing muscle flexing, cuts and blood. But there were some major issues with collision detection during replay, with one or both boxers disappearing entirely for a few seconds at a time. The replay also rarely seemed to match-up with what the announcer was saying.

The announcer's stock of phrases seemed very limited as well, but I'm guessing that's because the game is still under works.

Overall I really enjoyed playing the game, and look forward to getting my hands on the complete, and hopefully fully polished, version of the title come this Spring.

And thank you Microsoft for giving 360 Live members a chance to download playable demos for free. What a fantastic idea.

You got to hand it to Major Nelson, he's in Vegas right now up to his eyeballs in all things CES and he still took the time to post a quick item pointing out that you can now download the Fight Night Road 3 demo on Xbox Live Marketplace.

I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, mostly because I'm sitting here writing this, but rest assured as soon as I'm done I'm off to start the download.

Fight Night Round 3 Demo [Major Nelson]