It looks like Microsoft is banning users again today. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE..
As you may have read online, we've been actively banning consoles from Xbox LIVE that have been modified to play pirated games. Our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them. This would also be a good time to remind you that the warranty on an Xbox 360 console is not transferrable and if you purchase a used console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE.
Consoles can be suspended from Xbox LIVE for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:
Console tampering: Physically opening the Xbox and modifying it to play illegitimate software.
Online fraud: Attempting to social engineer users, take over Xbox LIVE accounts, or other fraudulent activities.
Repeat egregious violations: Multiple actions taken on accounts on the console by the Enforcement team for disrupting the service or impacting users.
Frequenty Asked Questions
I have not committed any fraud, I’ve never had action taken against me by the enforcement team, and I know for a fact I have not modified my console. Can you undo my suspension?
The investigations and subsequent actions taken by the Xbox LIVE enforcement team are conservative in nature. We work very hard to try to fully understand that a console has been modified by looking at a variety of information. Sometimes it’s possible that a previous owner or another user may have performed unauthorized modifications to the console. It is also possible that the purchaser of a used Xbox 360 was not aware the console was modified. In either case we cannot undo the console suspension. We recommend customers who believe they have not modified their Xbox themselves (or committed other actions on the service to warrant suspension) to contact previous owners or users of the console.
How do you detect modified consoles?
There are many factors that lead to the suspension of a console and we do not publicly disclose any of those details.
My console has been suspended. Does that mean my Xbox LIVE account will be suspended as well?
Suspensions for both consoles and accounts are determined by looking at a number of factors. While some Xbox LIVE account suspensions may be issued alongside console suspensions, they are not issued with every single suspension. To avoid having your account suspended from the service, please follow the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct.
If a console is suspended, what happens to the warranty?
If a console has been modified or tampered with, the warranty is void and the console is ineligible for an authorized repair, even for a fee. Please refer to the Xbox 360 console Warranty on xbox.com
Can I still be banned if I purchased a modified console second-hand?
Yes. The warranty on a second hand console is void, and the purchaser assumes the risk for any previous modifications. If you purchase a console that has been previously suspended you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE.
EPIC Games announced on Friday that they will be holding a double XP event weekend for Gears of War 2 this Halloween. The event runs from 30th October through until 2nd November and you will receive double XP in competitive multiplayer and Horde as well as a team winning bonus.
To celebrate Halloween and the release of Title Update 5, we figured it was time for another double XP event weekend.
Of course that means starting on the morning of Oct 30th you will receive double XP in competitive multiplayer and Horde as well as a team winning bonus.
Beyond that though we wanted to mess with the waves in Horde to try and make it appropriately "scary" for Halloween. So while Butchers seemed on target for the theme, they didn't provide enough umph to make it scary. So we thought, what if any of the many Boomers could attack on any wave and when possible, a full Boomer squad consisting of Grinders, Butchers, Flame Boomers and regular Boomshot Boomers could appear and attack all at once. And of course waves 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 would be nothing but wave after wave of Boomers. Sounds scary and fun to me!
For those of you scoring from home, you may notice that I didn't mention the Maulers (aka the Boomers with exploding flail and shield). That's because for this event we're pulling them out. We figured what is the fun of having a massive Boomer onslaught when you can just plant a shield to block them off. So unless the shield is part of the map, you're on your own!
Microsoft is inviting select Xbox Live subscribers to sign up between now and October 21 for what it calls an "exclusive pilot rewards program," promising unspecified "cool stuff" to those who register.
The company sent email to a limited number of subscribers, some of whom forwarded their invitations on to consumer weblog Kotaku for its report. "So, you click the button below and register to let us know you want in and pretty soon we'll let you know if you got in or not - and not everyone will (that's why it's called exclusive)," instructed the emails.
"This offer is for a select few - you can't send it to anyone else (why would you send something this awesome to someone else, are you nuts?). If you make the cut, you can pass or opt-out whenever you want. But then you'll never know how it ended."
In controversial comments yesterday, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter speculated that it would be a logical strategy for Microsoft to offer several subscription "tiers" for Xbox Live subscribers, with DLC discounts and other rewards as a sensible incentive for the top tier -- which he thinks could cost as much as $100.
Microsoft, however, has declined to comment on any such tier, and has not explained any further details on its aims with the pilot rewards program.
We only just reported about the leaked release of Forza 3 on the internet earlier this week, but today Microsoft have started banning users from the Xbox LIVE Service for playing Forza Motorsport 3 before it's release date.
This certainly isn't the first time this has happened and it won't be the last. Rather then the normal Console Ban users have been receiving emails notifying them about the Xbox Live Account Bans which have been placed on their account.
Here is a copy of the email sent from microsoft:
Notification of Permanent Suspension: Pre-release title play
This email is to notify you that your Xbox LIVE account privileges have been permanently suspended due to illegitimate pre-release title play.
Your conduct was brought to the attention of the LIVE Enforcement Team through the course of our operation of the service. The LIVE Enforcement Team has reviewed the complaints and other evidence regarding this content and determined it violates the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and/or Code of Conduct. Because your conduct is in violation, the Xbox LIVE Enforcement Team has enacted this permanent suspension against your gamertag.
During your suspension, you will not be able to log into Xbox LIVE. Your Xbox LIVE privileges will not be reinstated.
Customer Support is not able to modify or provide any further details about your suspension.
Microsoft expects that all customers abide by the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines for appropriate behavior while using the service.
Set to release October 23, Forza Motorsport 3 is an XBOX 360 exclusive Published by Microsoft Game Studios and is expected to sell well given the score of 93% for Forza 2 on Metacritic.com and the hype over the current version’s visuals and enhanced simulation driving that can also cater to the casual crowd by ramping down the difficulty level with optional aides. While this leak may not be a surprise, it is no wonder why game day available DLC, strategic pricing, and other gimmicks are becoming the norm.
Last week we reported about the new NFL Jerseys which are now available for your Xbox 360 Avatar from the Xbox Live Marketplace and now we have some nice new stats from sales of the Jerseys to Xbox Live Members.
The following list was obtained using sales data for the past seven days so we can see what the top teams are according to sales. Check out the list below.
Major Nelson has just announced the preview sign-ups for the next Xbox Live Update which includes Zune, Facebook and Twitter.
The Xbox team is happy to announce an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. Much like we did this past Summer, you'll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag.
Once you do that, fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey in order to be considered for receiving the Preview System Update. We're asking a few questions about where you live, your home network, ISP connection and a few other pieces of information. We are looking for a good cross-section of our members in order to get the best feedback we can.
The Xbox team will then review all of the applications and if you’re selected we’ll send you an email notifying you of your acceptance in the program. A couple of points before you head off to register:
We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good
This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available
Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys and send you an email if you are selected.
While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
System Update Details
What can you look forward to if you're accepted for the preview? Here are some of the new features you'll be able to experience:
Zune: Zune comes to Xbox LIVE with instant-on 1080p HD streaming video on your console, delivering the selection of a video megastore with the convenience of cable.
Facebook: Facebook and Xbox LIVE join forces to connect you with your friends as you interact with the largest entertainment and gaming network on TV. Share real-time status updates with friends from around the globe, and check out photo galleries on the big screen from the comfort of your living room.
Twitter: Read, reply, and post Tweets to Twitter through Xbox LIVE. See what your friends and family are up to, connect to celebrities, learn about news as it happens, and follow online trends.
In addition, to ensure Xbox LIVE remains a safe environment for children, Facebook and Twitter users must be 18 years of age or older.
Zune is available for both Gold and Silver Members, but you'll need to be a Gold Member to experience Facebook and Twitter.
If you are accepted, you'll hear from us shortly. Make sure your information on Connect is updated so we can e-mail you if you are accepted.
For additional details and specific requirements, head to Xbox.com.
If you are accepted, you'll hear from us in about a week. Make sure your information on Connect is updated with a current email address so we can email you if you are accepted.
The official xbox.com UK site has been updated with information on the next xbox 360 dashboard update. The Twitter and Facebook Xbox 360 service launches November, 17th 2009 in the UK.
The next update includes Twitter and Facebook intergration. Some features have been listed below.
Twitter Features:
Join the tweeting revolution...
Read, reply and post updates.
Keep up to date with friends, celebrities, and news in real time.
Facebook Features
All the great stuff you know plus...
Friend linker lets you invite Facebook friends to play over Xbox Live.
See you friends up close with full screen photos.
Stay tuned to the 360-HQ homepage for all the latest Xbox 360 info or install our "FREE 360-HQ Toolbar" which will link you to all our cheats, news, achievements and other information as it is published. The new 360-HQ toolbar works with all popular internet browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox and more.
This more the likely means that everyone in the US, Canada and everywhere else around the world can look forward to the update roughly around the same time..
You know that title is only a half truth so check out the full story below, if your a Halo fan you might want to set down for this one.
The success of the Halo franchise has been incredible. So much so, it was only a matter of time before we'd see a movie. Microsoft plans on releasing a seven-part series spanning from its origins to the game's third installment, titled Halo Legends.
The announcement was made at the 2009 Comic-Con. The series will be available for download via Xbox Live this fall. This will be followed shortly on Blu-ray sometime in 2010, so there will finally be a disc labeled Halo that will play on the PS3 for all the Halo fans.
Here is the latest report on Xbox 360 LIVE Activity for the week of September 21st, 2008. This includes Xbox Live & 360-HQ Xbox Live statistics combined.
Where we can, we will also display our own list of most played games on XBOX LIVE as tracked by the 360-HQ.com website with all LIVE Activity news..:)
The 360-HQ Xbox LIVE top 10 list is compiled automatically by our the HQ server which tracks each and every gamercard on our site and what game they are playing or have played most recently.
The list below are statistics from XBOX LIVE itself.. Read on..:)
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1. Halo 3
2. Halo 3: ODST
3. Call of Duty 4
4. Call of Duty: WaW
5. Gears of War 2
6. Forza 3 Demo (Download the demo)
7. Madden NFL 10 (Download the demo)
8. GTA IV
9. FIFA Soccer 10 Demo (Download the demo)
10. FIFA 09
The above arcade list is based on full versions purchased.
As always for more of the latest gaming info, screenshots, trailers & videos, cheats and much more check back to our site or download and install our FREE 360-HQ toolbar for Internet Explorer, Firefox and most other browsers..
Major Nelson has just posted about a Xbox 360 System Update which is planned for rollout on Xbox Live over the next few hrs. There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements that will arrive later this year.
Read on for more info from "Major Nelson":
I wanted to let you know that the team has released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE.
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.
There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements (Facebook/Twitter/Last.FM) that will arrive later this year.
Again, there are no new features in this update.
UPDATE:
Note: Of course, just like the previous update this will update the first stage bootloader if needed and thus make the JTAG/SMC-Hack impossible. You have to stay pre-849x if you want to run this hack.
For DVD FW modders ... update at own risk as always ;)
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