GDC 08: Conference - GoW2 11/08, NG2 6/3/08, Fable 2 w/Co-OP, XNA Community Games

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11:05 PSTIt's a arcade shooter reminiscent of Galaga called Xuna, and it can also be played on mobile phones, apparently. However, it's just a test program used up at Microsoft's Redmond campus. No release details.
11:03 PSTNow Satchell shows off one of the first games which can be played on Xbox 360, a laptop, and...the Zune!
11:02 PSTSurprise! The four games shown today are now available in demo form on Xbox Live.
11:01 PSTSatchell shows various cute games made on the service. One, called little gamers, shows exactly what isn't objectionable content: a Peanuts-like child drinking beer and shooting zombies with shotguns. "Beer and shotguns--it's a great combination!"
10:59 PSTIf a creator's game passes all those tests--voila!--it goes on Xbox Live. Satchel estimates that at least 1,000 games will be on Xbox Live via this service by next year.
10:58 PSTDevelopers will be giving "creator identities" very similar to GamerTags--it will track what games you've made, and you've submitted. When games are submitted, they'll have ratings for various factors such as violent. The games will then be reviewed by other game creators to vet for objectionable content.
10:56 PST"We need to put the power in the hands of the community...and we'll do that by democratizing the development process," says Satchell.
10:55 PSTHere it is: Starting this year, Xbox Live will launch a new service, Community Games.
10:55 PSTCorrection: There are four "finalists" in this contest.
10:54 PST"When I was working as a dishwasher, I thought it would be a great to make a game about a dishwasher that kills everyone. ... Now, thanks to XNA, I can...and I can also wear sweatpants around my apartment all day."
10:53 PSTSilva takes the stage to show off his game, "Dishwasher."
10:53 PSTHryb asks to meet Silva's development team. "Uh, they're at an offsite," he says, before a fast-motion clip shows he did all the dev duties himself.
10:52 PSTShort comedy clip profiles one of the winners, James Silva. The poor guy is shown being harrased by Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, who is the host of a fake "True Hollywood Story"-type show about him.
10:50 PSTFor 4 months, Microsoft received 200 XNA game submissions from independent developers, and chose four winners.
10:49 PSTThe imposing but amicable Satchell runs down how Microsoft has "democratized game development" by handing out XNA Game Studio to 400 schools.
10:48 PST"There are thousands of developers out there chomping at the bit--we need to unlock this potential," says Shappert before introduces XNA chief Chris Satchell.
10:46 PSTEnd cue reel. Schappert takes the stage to talk XNA Game Studio and how it lets indie developers make games. As an example, the mentions the recently released Poker Smash.
10:45 PSTCue clip reel with developers talking up Xbox 360. Bethesda's Todd Howard jokes that he thought achievement points could be used as Microsoft Points to buy things on Xbox Live. "You mean I'm not earning money by doing this?"
10:43 PSTSilenced cell phones start popping with text messages that Gears of War 2 has just been announced...in Italy? Hooray trans-Atlantic PR SNAFUs!
10:42 PSTWhoa: Over 100,000 pieces of user-created Halo 3 content are uploaded each day. Schappert says that's 30 percent more video clips uploaded to YouTube each day.
10:40 PSTNow it's time to talk up achievements. "It's changed the way people have played games." Announces that as of this morning, over 1 BILLION achievement points have been unlocked. "One Billion Achievements Unlocked!" award pops on the screen with the distinctive sound.
10:38 PSTSchappert says that the problem with the Xbox 360 was that it was out of stock due to so many popular games. Singles out BioShock, Mass Effect, Call of Duty 4, Guitar Hero III, and Assassin's Creed as all selling over 1 million units on the 360 alone during the holiday seasons.
10:36 PSTSays according to Jupiter Research, games have now eclipsed music in terms of worldwide revenue.
10:36 PSTOnto his new gig with a brief history of the Xbox and the Xbox 360. Says the console's online functionality was the key to innovation.
10:35 PSTNow it's applause line time: Tells audience to give themselves a hand. "Developers are the true pioneers of the industry."
10:34 PSTNow its past vs. present: $10,000 budget in 1992 vs. $10 million plus budgets now.
10:33 PSTNow it's Madden Football 1992, another of his first bit games. Video clip shows the infamous ambulance taking the football field. The sound mix is terrible.
10:32 PSTHe's onto his roots now as a hobbyist programmer, and his first game--Desert Strike for the SNES.
10:32 PSTSchappert takes the stage and jokes with the audience. "Sorry, no game tattoos to show or truckloads of HDTVs to give away," he quips, referencing past Microsoft GDC and E3 presentations.
10:31 PSTMoledina talks up Schappert's resume as Tiburon founder, former EA worldwide studios president.
10:30 PSTGDC director Jamil Moledina takes the stage and makes reference to the presidential race. "Change is a powerful motivating factor this year in politics and development." He says "dissolving" the boundaries between casual, hardcore, and social gamer is a top trend.
10:28 PSTThe crowd complies as Sony Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison casually strolls up to the VIP area. He seems pretty cheering for being amongst the enemy.
10:27 PSTThe omnipresent, invisible announcer tells people to sit down--presentation will start in 1 minute.
10:26 PSTAn animation of a ever-shifting organizational tree shifts on screen, with various technical terms bouncing around.
10:25 PSTAt least seven languages can be heard amongst the din of the crowd. A group of boisterous Japanese reporters jostle for position in front of the stage, with pink-shirted GDC staffers and chicly attired PR reps eyeing them warily.
10:23 PSTTechno remix of James Bond theme plays as a booming voice tells the crowd to sit down.
10:23 PSTThe South Hall seats about 2,000 people, and its filling up fast. Epic Games' outspoken vice president Mark Rein is sitting front and center in the second row. Is this a sign of what's to come?
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Keep up here: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6186287.html?tag=top_stories;title;0
 
11:10 PSTSweeney shows off how much better the shading and character detail is with the new version of UE3. And then--BOOM!--a clip of a thousands-strong Locust horde running through a ruined city. Very impressive.
11:09 PSTAfter a brief plug for Unreal Engine 3, Tim Sweeney takes the stage to show off some conceptual footage of "what Gears of Wars might look like using the latest version of UE3."
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Damn...WTF's up with "conceptual footage"?
 
Weak...seems it was just a demo showing off the potential...

11:12 PSTNow it's time to show slicker water effects by having Marcus Fenix toss barrels into a lake at sunset. Then it's time to show off tissue effects by having Fenix fight a gigantic "cube of meat."

11:13 PSTSome very impressive destruction effects are shown off...and then the Unreal guys walk off. The words "Gears of War 2" and "sequel" are never mentioned.
11:12 PST

11:14 PSTSchappert's back. He predicts 1,000 games on the Xbox 360 platform by year's end, "not including the community games." He touts recent releases, such as Lost Odyssey.
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11:15 PSTNow looking out to 2008: Grand Theft Auto IV launches April 2008, with the first new 360-exclusive episode available in the fall. Schappert repeats that for emphasis--and to applause.

11:17 PST"Please welcome Team Ninja executive director Tomonobu Itagaki to show us the Xbox Live exclusive Ninja Gaiden 2!" Thunderous applause as he walks out in his trademark sunglasses and leather jacket.

11:18 PSTVia a translator, Itagaki shows off the latest build of the game, fresh off the plane from Tokyo.
11:17 PST

11:19 PSTDemo begins as the translator picks up the controller--which promptly disconnects and reconnects. "See, this is on real hardware," he jokes.

11:20 PSTDemo shows Ryu Hayabusa in a Mordor-like city of the dead fighting some long-limbed purple demons.

11:21 PSTHe makes short work of them and then takes on another batch of similar demons--with armor and chainsaw arms! One demon stuffs a saw into Ryu's chest. A couple fiery spells later, though, and all his opponents are dust.

11:23 PSTUsing a long staff with spiked balls on either end, Ryu rips a demon in half, with fountains of blood spewing everywhere. He then makes his way to a save point on a path to a massive dark ziggurat.

11:23 PSTTaking a cue from Halo 3, each save point will let players save video clips of their kills. The best players can upload said videos onto leaderboards for others to watch.
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I like the last update...saving video clips of kills is going to be awesome, hope they allow saving pictures as well.
 
These are the 7 Beta Trials of the XNA XBLA titles on XBLM right now:

JellyCar, Little Gamers, TriLinea, RocketBall, ProximityHD, Culture and our personal love, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai.
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http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-microsoft-brings-xna-together-with-live/
11:25 PSTRyu returns to slaughter some ninjas. Limbs and chunks of flesh fly everywhere--the man is a human Cuisinart.

11:26 PSTAfter torching some winged demons with some more fiery ninpo action, Ryu confronts a massive demon boss. "Impudent monkeys, submit to the archfiend or die!" shouts the demon boss before the Ninja Gaiden II logo comes up. Crowd goes wild.

11:27 PSTItagaki reiterates the game is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Ships in North America on June 3, with the rest of the world to follow later on in the month.

11:29 PSTNow it's Molyneux's turn to take the stage. Apparently Fable sold 3 million copies on the original Xbox, and its no surprise that he's here to talk about Fable 2.
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Nice date on Ninja Gaiden II - June 3rd (Mom's Bday :))
 
[quote name='DesertEagleXIX']"4 XNA Games Now On XBLM"

That's a negative. Nothing new on the marketplace.[/quote]

Guess they're a little late, the count is actually 7 and I guess they should be up shortly.
 
11:32 PSTMolyneux is here to talk about "several new features" in Fable 2. The first is a pub game which looks like a competition between roulette and craps. And the game is actually a separate game Xbox Live Arcade game which will allow people to gamble and win money which can then be imported into Fable 2. The game--called "Keysto"--will be released on XBLA a few weeks before Fable 2 "so you can save up money."
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:applause: Nice idea...hope it doesn't cost much or that its free with the purchase of Fable 2.

Woot! Co-OP:

11:34 PSTMolyneux then shows off his Fable 2 character--a pregnant female warrior--before announcing another new feature: dynamic co-op play integrated into the game. It will allow people to be called into a game at any time using their Gamertag instantaneously.
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11:36 PSTAfter summoning a friend, Molyneux battles some foes using Fable 2's "dynamic crescendo combat system" which allows players to use one button for swords and another for swords.

11:38 PSTMolyneux's character then returns to her home after a six month absence. Her son admonishes her for being gone so long. Her husband also nags her, leading his co-op partner to blow said husband's head off and laugh. Apparently such actions are irreversible, so Molyneux tells the crowd to "be careful who you invite into your world."

11:38 PSTSchappert hops back on stage to wrap up. He goes over the presentations main point, which is that developers "see father" and "are the future."

11:39 PSTThen--BANG! Lights go down, all-read trailer showing Marcus Fenix and Locusts comes on

11:40 PSTAfter the obligatory chainsawing, logo for Gears of War 2 comes on the screen.

11:40 PSTCliffy B then chainsaws through a sheet behind the stage in a post of smoke.

11:41 PST"Gears of War one was a setup," he says, "Gears of War 2 will be much bigger and available exclusively on Xbox 360 in November 2008."
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GoW2 Bitches!!!!!
 
lol exclusively on Xbox 360

I don't care about Gears of War 2 much, but the community XNA games thing sounds awesome. I can hopefully finish the small game I am working on by the summer.
 
SAN FRANCISCO — Feb. 20, 2008 — Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November.

Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.

In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,” introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,” gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2” pub games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2” launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2” world with money already in the bank.

Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE.

“To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of War 2’ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November.”

This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox 360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,” “Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.”

· “Gears of War 2” (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2” is the sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2” continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 2” launches this November.

· “Fable 2” (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games is bringing the “Fable 2” experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable 2” experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in “Fable 2” by playing “Fable 2”-themed pub games that will be downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2” when the game launches later this year.

· “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden II” launches worldwide this June.

· “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the power of Xbox 360.

With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements, so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2” pub games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points.

Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116 games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library. The following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers:

· “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of time. “Braid” will launch this spring.

· “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game (RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape. “Castle Crashes” launches this summer.

· “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC). “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defense game experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches this summer.

· “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games). An Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer.

· “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness” (Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor. The first episode of the game launches this summer.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable,” “Project Gotham Racing” and “Forza Motorsport”; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Hexic.”

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Xbox LIVE Arcade

Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with a diverse library of original development and classic titles from the world’s best independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer — from casual to hard-core — to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
 
Seem's like that was an awesome presentation, great show MS...Funny how they faked everyone with "conceptual footage" of Gears Of War and then bam...sequel announced and for this year :hot:

Zune to get games, XBLA will have an XNA community with tons of user created games...Fable with co-op, XBLA tie-in game, pregnant warriors...that's hot! Ninja Gaiden II this June...:drool:
 
for everyone trying to find the xna demos, go to new arrivals on the marketplace blade, scroll down to xna creators club, and download the game launcher
 
I's happy to be awake to read all this great news. Fable 2 Co-Op, wow that sounds amazing. The XNA games look fun, and GoW2 coming out in just 9 months. A great time to be a 360 fanboy. :applause:
 
[quote name='fart_bubble']they must be upping the size limit as TriLinea is 191 megs[/quote]
When I downloaded the XNA game launcher it said that the hard drive is required. I'm guessing XNA games don't have a size limit since they require the hard drive while XBLA games still have the size limit.
 
Fable 2 might be my most anticipated game at the moment, and I still haven't had a chance to try the first one. I just hope technology has somewhat caught up to Molineaux's ambition, because his ideas sound incredible.

I can't wait for Gears 2, either.
 
[quote name='KiLL3r']Ooooh, Fable 2 with co op!! Definitely buying it day 1.[/QUOTE]

Same here man.
 
lol, the example scenario they gave for Fable co-op implies that this game could open the floodgates for untold levels of griefing and dickery. Should be grand. :D
 
[quote name='BustaUppa']lol, the example scenario they gave for Fable co-op implies that this game could open the floodgates for untold levels of griefing and dickery. Should be grand. :D[/QUOTE]
No kidding. I was like, "fuck yes, co-op!" And then I thought of the guy I'd likely play with, and I know he would make my "world" absolutely miserable for me, should I decide to return to it alone. I guess that's what multiple save files are for. :lol:
 
Did any of you guys catch Molyneux's walk through of Fable 2. The co-op part was awesome, but he spent waayy to much time talking about raising a family and having a dog. He didn't even say anything about the magic system, or the story.

I think he said that you don't actually earn money on your quests, you have to get a job... ??

I'm just hoping that the core game play is stellar like the first one, and i'll be set.


Sources:
http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/02/fable-2-its-all.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/game/2669.html
 
Did anyone else chuckle at Fable 2's "innovative" combat? Granted, I don't expect the world from action-RPG combat, but it looked especially generic after hearing him brag that "we've never seen anything like this." Just focus on the environments and interactions, man. Nobody's going to be pissed that it's not Ninja Gaiden.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']wasnt their anything today? day 2?[/QUOTE]

Lots of talks about technology and the industry in general, which is what GDC was originally meant to be.
 
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