As we approach XBox 360 launch day, we know that Microsoft will make sure we are kept updated on x360 news. The latest batch includes comments about the console made by Valve's Gabe Newell, Xbox Live pricing and the possibility of the first ever XBox 360 store at One Times Square.
Speaking to Computer Gaming World, in the latest issue, Gabe Newell confirmed what many developers have been saying, that XBox 360 will be a pain to program for without the hard drive. While commenting on the new Windows Vista OS and the new console from Microsoft, Mr. Newell, himself a former MS employee, claimed: ...look, I spoke to some people at Microsoft, and as I said, I can't point to a single feature in Vista that I care about that solves problems for us at all. And I had the same conversation with the Xbox 360 guys. It's like, Xbox 360 doesn't make my life any better, and in fact, it makes it a lot worse, as you're telling me I can't count on having a hard drive.
Mr. Newell's comments are part of a recent developer reaction to Microsoft's insistence on cutting the hard-drive from the XBox 360. Even though hard-drives will be available as extra hardware, developers will have to create games for all XBox 360 owners meaning that they will not be able to count on a hard-drive being there.
Since we now have official pricing for the two x360 packages MS will make available upon launch, it was about time we had some information on XBox Live pricing. French site xboxlive.fr, has revealed that there will be five different packages made available to those willing to join XBox Live:
12 Month Premium Gold Pack
- 12 Month Xbox Live Subscription
- 1 Xbox Live Headset
- USD 20.00 Discount on the Retail Price of a Video Game
- Xbox Live Arcade Game: Billiards
- 200 Points for Use in Xbox Live MarketPlace
Price: USD 69.99
12 Month Gold Card
- 12 Month Xbox Live Subscription
- 1 Month Free Xbox Live Card
Price: USD 59.99
3 Month Premium Gold Pack
- 3 Month Xbox Live Subscription
- 1 Xbox Live Headset
- USD 10.00 Discount on the Retail Price of a Video Game
- Xbox Live Arcade Game: Joust
- 100 Points for the Xbox Live Marketplace
Price: USD 39.99
3 Month Gold Card
- 3 Month Xbox Live Subscription
Price: USD 19.99
1 Month Gold Card
- 1 Month Xbox Live Subscription
Price: USD 7.99
Finally, the latest spin of the rumor mill has revealed plans by Microsoft to purchase the commercial landmark that is One Times Square. This, it is claimed, would be an effort to create a Microsoft store that would focus mainly on XBox 360 and its numerous accessories. Though it is only natural that Microsoft might want to a piece of the commercial store pie that Apple and Sony have been enjoying it is doubtful that a deal could be finalized and a store prepared in time for X360s launch. It could be that the store would be bought for use after the launch, with Microsoft sticking with Toys R Us in Times Square but why would they bother, especially now that Apple has to pay MS for every iPod sold. The broker for the property however, has claimed that MS is the caliber of company they are willing to go into discussions with about the property.
That's your x360 news for tonight, join us tomorrow when we, no doubt, reveal plenty more details about the forthcoming console.