Attention Canadian gamers: be careful if you decide to modify your video game console. The decision to do so could land you in prison.
Modifying a video game console such as a PlayStation3 or Xbox 360 is a crime in Canada and could result in a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, according to a recent release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
On March 31, RCMP officers from the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Detachment (with assistance of the Surete du Quebec) searched a residence in Roberval, Que., which led to the discovery and seizure of "hundreds of counterfeit video games and the arrest of one suspect," according to an RCMP statement.
In addition to the 300 counterfeit games which were seized as part of the raid, officers also discovered "materials used to modify consoles and illegally reproduce video games."
Some console owners have been known to modify their game systems with larger hard drives or alternate operating systems while others install so-called "mod chips" which allow the system to play counterfeit and unlicensed games. In many cases, such modifications void the manufacturer's warranty on the system.
In the case of Sony's PlayStation3, some mod chips allow gamers to play PlayStation 2 games on the system.
"Modifying a console and computer is considered an illegal act under section 342.1 of the Criminal Code and is punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years," the RCMP said in the statement.
"The RCMP takes this opportunity to promote public awareness of the scourge of counterfeiting. The modification of game consoles and illegal production and sale of counterfeit video games account for losses of several million dollars annually."
Microsoft have just released the latest system update for Xbox 360 via the Xbox LIVE service. This system update contains support for USB Memory storage devices.
As previously announced, this system update contains support for USB Memory storage devices.
Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.
Read the FAQ on Xbox.com which may answer some of your questions.
If you have any problems using your Xbox 360 Console after the update please be sure to let us know via our 360-HQ forums.. We will do our best to support you!
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This week, Xbox LIVE Gold members can purchase Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 for 50% off this week only.
Jump in and grab Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 from the Xbox Live Arcade for only 400 MS Points.. That's 50% off it's original price and only available this week. Normally 800 MSP.
Content: Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 Price: 400 MS Points (This Week ONLY!) Availability: Check your Xbox Live region. File Size: 40 MB Dash Text: Local Multiplayer 2-4, HD (High Definition). Experience an unbelievable adrenaline rush from playing the latest version of the frenetic retro shooter Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2! Newcomers and pros alike will be blown away by the screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, new scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting achievements! If that’s not crazy enough for you, try multiplayer mayhem for up to four players! Use power-ups in versus mode to boost your stats or handicap your opponent. Or team up with others in co-op mode. Play it all in razor-sharp 1080p to new pulse-pounding music! There are no refunds for this item.
On November 29th, 2009, just two weeks after her 24th birthday, Angela N. Peterson was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Angie was a special person. She was a daughter, a girlfriend, a best friend, an avid gamer, a spectacular UNLV student, and the list can go on forever. What was most striking about Angie was her open mind and her ability to care so much for so many people.
Whether speaking of Angie’s approach to life or to school, she truly upheld the creed of equality among all, regardless of race, gender, religion, academic interest, or personal taste. She was a true Anthropologist, in that her enthusiasm spanned all specialties of the academic field. In friendship, she cultivated a mass of friends from various backgrounds. Her gaming choices ranged from role-playing games (RPGs) and platformers to shooters and action-adventures. Below are just a few accounts that reflect the impact Angela Peterson had on the people around her:
Isal Guillermo (friend and research lab supervisor): One of my fondest thoughts of Angie is recalling her distinct ability to consume the greatest amount of “all you can eat” sushi during a single meal. Another would be her almost fanatical interpretations of all things gaming. If Angie passed a frustrating section of the current video game she was playing, I would have the common pleasure of listening to her rant about how ridiculous it was to overcome her latest triumph. I will miss her dearly, not only for her exuberant personality but also her contagious drive to achieve in all things.
Joanna Wong (long-time friend and soul sister): An ever-popular story that showcases typical Angela is when we vacationed in Japan, and after being assigned as group leader, I consistently lost track of her wanderings! It seemed like every time that I turned around, she would find something shiny and disappear, and I would end up searching frantically for her until she peeked out of some shadow with her head down and the look of excitement and then shame across her face when she realized my worry. Eventually, I figured out that Angie’s a cat… who will roam wherever, do her own thing and then come back home when she gets hungry or tired. There is no one else in this world that could light up a room with a smile like Angie’s.
Stacey Aragon (friend and mentor): Just a few of the countless memories I have of Angie include going to Anime Expo in 2009, over the 4th of July weekend, where she met Rocco of the infamous Mega 64 series; when Angie would come over to my house and reenact the whole of Advent Children with my original FFVII action figures, and the hilarity that ensued thereafter; as well as listening to her plan about upcoming summer events, like her graduation party, visiting college campuses, and attending various conferences and conventions in which she would present her latest research for kindred spirits who were just as dedicated to the study all things otaku and/or video-gaming related as she was. I will cherish each of these moments for all time.
You may not realise it, but there’s a lot of juicy information about the as-yet-unnamed 7th title in the Call of Duty series sitting on their official forums. Specifically, Treyarch dev Vahn (real name David Vonderhaar – he’s the Multiplayer Design Director for the upcoming CoD game) has posted several tidbits in a thread on killstreak rewards for the forthcoming Call of Duty game – while some of this represents personal opinion, some of what he has to say may well represent the shape that their game is beginning to take.
The main message that he wants to stress is that Treyarch do listen to their community to the point that they read every single suggestion that is put to them. It seems we can expect to see a much more rounded game than Modern Warfare 2, as many posters on the Treyarch boards have called on the devs to learn from Infinity Ward’s mistakes and Vahn has expressed his agreement on more than one occasion.
One post for example recognises that there were problems with Modern Warfare 2, albeit in more diplomatic fashion:
I am seeing a lot of what I would call the “echo plex.” As fans of the previous games, we have drawn a lot of the same conclusions that many of you are drawing. Solutions to those problems may be different than any specific proposal in any specific post, but I’m glad we (generally speaking) want to go the same direction you want us to go.
In terms of actual game details, here’s a synopsis of what we can deduce from Vahn’s posts:
* While they’ve tried having custom killstreaks for each class, that seemed to complicate the ‘purity and speed’ of Create a Class.
* Consequently, it’s fair to assume that customizable killstreaks are all but confirmed.
* At this stage in development, killstreaks stack and carry over if you die, but do not contribute to further killstreaks (hence eliminating the ‘camping for killstreaks’ problem of Modern Warfare 2).
* Treyarch are not fans of Commando, the extended melee range perk in Modern Warf-are 2, and it is unlikely to return.
* They’ve tried a ‘manned’ version of the Sentry Gun killstreak, but weren’t fans.
* We may well see a return to pistols as the only available sidearm, or perhaps a choice between pistols and launchers. Vahn and many of the team are not fans of shotguns and machine pistols as secondary weapons – it gives a player ‘too much firepower’.
* The knife may well become a secondary weapon – although Vahn didn’t want to say too much.
* Finally, don’t expect the nuke to return as a killstreak. Vahn says they are not fans of a game-ending killstreak.
New York, March 22, 2010 - Today Bannco Corp announced the release of its cross platform "x Scorch 360" controller (Scorch).
Scorch 360 is a high quality wireless game mouse and grip for the xbox 360 and PC. It is compatible with all games on the xbox. Scorch is the twin to Bannco's highly rated FRAGnStein controller for the PS3.
Features include a complete customizable xBox controller button set, with a right-hand mouse for targeting prey and a left-hand WASD grip for movement. Scorch can be programmed, has digital sniper buttons and can be upgraded by firmware. This allows gamers to customize their controller and game experience.
Scorch is also a full-featured wireless PC gaming mouse with extra buttons and a left hand control for WASD movements, making it a universal cross-platform FPS tool for both the xBox and PC gaming. The suggested retail price is $79.99 USD making it in the same price range as a regular PC mouse but with the added bonus of full xBox support.
Scorch is the ideal console controller for PC gamers looking to move to the console.
The 1600 DPI, 500Hz refresh rate low-lag laser mouse meets all high-end PC mouse needs. Rapid fire, aim lock and on the fly adjustments are some of the Scorch features.
Scorch can be purchased now by locating sellers on the Bannco sales map.
Dune: Awakening Shows Off Stunning Unreal Engine 5 Gameplay & More Funcom (@Funcom) revealed a stunning new gameplay trailer and featurette for Dune: Awakening, the first episode of the new Dune: Awakening Direct series. Embark on a breathtaking journey across Arraki..
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Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.
The main message that he wants to stress is that Treyarch do listen to their community to the point that they read every single suggestion that is put to them. It seems we can expect to see a much more rounded game than Modern Warfare 2, as many posters on the Treyarch boards have called on the devs to learn from Infinity Ward’s mistakes and Vahn has expressed his agreement on more than one occasion.
