This was all started as a rumor that was posted by ShackNews but it ended with pure fact and Microsoft has even started to drop some of the employees that are not working on Halo Wars, as soon as Halo Wars is complete Ensemble Studios will close there doors.
Here is the post that started it all from ShackNews: "Shacknews has learned via multiple independent reports that developer Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires) will shut down operation following the release of its upcoming title Halo Wars.
According to sources, Those attached to Halo Wars have been offered incentives to stay on the project until completion.
Halo Wars, an RTS based on the Halo franchise, was announced in September of 2006. The Xbox 360 title is currently slated for release sometime in the first half of 2009.
Ensemble Studios was founded in 1995. The Microsoft-owned company is best known for the Age of Empires series of RTS games."
With that said Microsoft responded to the rumor with this E-mail that was sent around to all employees of the company: “Today, we shared with our employees at Ensemble that we have plans to close the studio after Halo Wars RTM. Such a decision is never easy. Like any business, we’re accountable for making tradeoffs and the right level of investments that will drive profit and future growth. However, as we reviewed our first-party portfolio and where we need to invest and divest our resources to achieve our long-term strategies, it became clear to us that closing the studio and redeploying those resources to other more scalable ventures is the right thing for our business at this time.
“Unfortunately, our decision to close Ensemble will adversely impact many of the studio’s team members. Following the closure, the Ensemble leadership team will form a new entity and have agreed to partner with Microsoft to develop future products and provide support for Halo Wars post launch. While the new company will be hiring a portion of the Ensemble employees, its size and resources prevent it from offering positions to the entire Ensemble team. We hope to integrate much of this creative talent into MGS or the broader IEB team, where we have relevant openings.
“Ensemble Studios has produced many notable games over the years – including the Ages franchise – that have helped MGS become a leader in interactive entertainment. And now, Halo Wars is already proving to be a hit by people who have seen and played early versions of the game. The Ensemble team is committed to continuing its development, testing and support of Halo Wars through to the completion of halo wars. We’re also working closely with the studio’s leaders to ensure a smooth launch of the game in early 2009 and continuing support thereafter. We will support the studio in every way possible as they work to deliver this highly anticipated game.
“This action notwithstanding, I want to emphasize that the overall investment Microsoft is making in video game development is not diminished, and we will continue to bring in talent to work on titles and franchises where we’ll see the most ROI. Our priority is to continue to nurture the creative freedom that allows us to successfully drive our business strategy forward. Meanwhile, we’re launching some outstanding games over the next few months. We’ve just launched Too Human and Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, and soon we’ll see many other games hit retail store shelves, including Scene It! 2, Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Lips and, of course, Halo Wars.
“I want to thank you for your hard work and focus as we head into the next few months and make this a blowout year for first-party games. Please be supportive and respectful of our Ensemble colleagues as they go through this tough time.
Content: Too Human Price: Free Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) BLOOD,LANGUAGE,MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES,VIOLENCE] Step into the world of "Too Human," the third person epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights. As the cybernetic god Baldur, players are thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle that threatens the existence of mankind. In "Too Human" an ancient machine presence has forced the god's hand. Baldur is charged with defending humanity from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on the eradication of human life. Size: 1.09 GB
It appears one of the most anticipated and delayed RPG's of recent memory will be getting a playable demo through Xbox Live Marketplace
Silicon Knights anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive Too Human will be getting a playable demo that will be available from Xbox Live Marketplace soon. This is according to Silicon Knights CEO Denis Dyack. Speaking to Eurogamer, Denis said:
“We haven’t announced a date yet. Our goal is to try to get it out obviously before the game releases, and we’ll announce the specific timing of that shortly. But a demo is absolutely planned. We think it’s critical for the game. If things go as planned, gamers should get a demo well in advance before the game’s released."
After the news from Microsoft’s Spring Showcase this week that Too Human will be available at retail on the 19th of August for North America and Europe on the 29th of August, it seems we won’t have to wait that long to have a go on this highly anticipated game.
According to Denis, they are still talking internally about what the demo should include. "The more we put in the demo, the more challenging it’s going to be. We’re probably going to focus on the first level of the game," he stated.
"We really want people to focus on the gameplay, because the fusion between RPG and action is something really new. You can’t really tell what the game’s like till you sit down and play."
He stated that the demo will be available before the beginning of August, so not too long to wait. Be sure to check back into 360-hq for more news as its released
Today was the first day of Microsoft Gamer's Day 2008 and 360-Hq has a giant update on it
Following up on our previous MGD Article After the first day of Microsoft Gamer's Day 2008 it appears a lot has turned out true and if I had to take a guess more will be announced tomorrow and the next day for the Microsoft event.
To start things off and to make it easier I will go down the list of what has been announced, describe it, and there will be links at the bottom of the article.
Gears of War 2
A very minor update and really more info about what has been shown. Cliff Bleszinski demonstrates the Gameplay Trailer again. Not much new info about it except to still expect in November 2008 and the battles will be on a much larger and more intense than ever scale. Although there haven't been many details there have been quite a few new screenshots, below is a sample. At the bottom of the Article there will be links to all the Gears of War 2 Screenshots.
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
Officially announced and a lot of details released. First of all the game is set to release September 2008 and is bigger and even better than the original. First of all I will describe what to me seems to be the newest and most innovative feature, The Vision Camera Card Scanning. Dubbed as the Piñata Vision, it involves the use of the Xbox Live Vision Camera and you put piñata card with its unique barcode up to the camera and the game will automatically add that piñata/item to the game. It seems gimmicky but the games premise is sending piñata's to parties all over the world to save them from evil, so it seems like it could work well. Here is Rare's official description of it
Plug in an Xbox LIVE® Vision camera and interact with the game through the use of printed cards featuring a unique barcode. Flash a piñata card up to the Vision camera, and the content will drop directly into the game.
Seems like an innovative idea for Xbox and could end up selling a lot of consoles. But wait don't think thats all to set this Piñata game apart from it predecessor, there is co-op! now you can simply plug in a second controller and friends or family instantly have access to a second set of tools the same as the first player, now you can work together to make the best Viva Piñata garden! Hopefully more details will be released tomorrow and you can be sure to get the info from 360-hq!
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Formerly known as Banjo Kazooie 3 or Banjo Threeie, it has now been announced the new Banjo Kazooie game will innovate on the way you play a platformer by making vehicles that you customize the main component. It seems like it could really help the failing Platformer genre and breathe new life into the two console generations old "Banjo Kazooie." Also new to this title will be multiplayer both locally and through xbox live. Expect co-operative and competitive multiplayer modes. Here is the first real trailer with gameplay footage! Expect to see the full version of the game this Holiday Season 2008 (October - December)
Fable 2
Set to reinvent the popular series and bring many wanted features to the table. This game is set 500 years ahead of the original Fable so you can expect to see a lot of new innovations including weapons such as guns. That’s not all expect to see a host of co-op and xbox live options when the game releases this Holiday 2008 Season.
Here is the official description of what’s new
You'll have even more choices to continuously shape who your characters become in a world 10 times the size of the iconic Xbox game. Fable 2 introduces a host of exciting new features, including a first-of-its-kind Xbox LIVE Arcade experience, and a genre-stretching multiplayer experience, allowing you to easily play Fable 2 with friends and family side-by-side from the comfort of a living room couch.
There were not so many details released today but more of a media update so be sure to check out the screenshots at the bottom, also here is the official video!
Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One
The Announcement of next week's arcade title comes as bit of a surprise, as it is based on the popular Web comic. Expect a full RPG like experience with customizable characters on the Xbox Live Arcade this May 21 2008. Set at retail of 1600 MS points ($20 USD) this should be one really long and good game! Expect to see the same sort of content you see in the Web Comics with the same art and comedy style. I don't think too many details will be released about this title so be sure to check out the screenshots at the bottom!
Too Human
With the much anticipated and much delayed RPG there must be some good news eventaully right? Right! The game will release August 19 2008 in North America! Also the game will feature online only xbox live co-op play so you can play with friends online! Words can't describe how much this game has been anticipated and delayed but it looks like it is really coming. Check out the new Screenshots and we even have a wallpaper for you and your pc!
Ninja Gaiden 2
The highly acclaimed Ninja Games sequel only got a very minor update with no new media but still some news. The games release date has been bumped up three days to June 3rd 2008! Also there has been some light shed about downloadable content.
With the release of Gamerpics and Themes, available on Xbox LIVE beginning today. The Gamerpics packs include five new images each, at 100 points per pack, and the Themes, which focus on heroes and bosses, are 150 points per pack ...
Additional Ninja Gaiden II download content will be available on May 20, with subsequent releases throughout the summer.
I think this might be a typo on Microsoft's part seeing how May 20th will have already passed by the games release. I think they mean June 20 with more releases throughout the summer of 2008. If it is not a typo expect to see the new content in spring/summer of 2009!
Well that wraps up today’s 360-hq coverage of the 2008 Microsoft Gamer's Day Conference going on in San Francisco, USA. Expect to see more tomorrow after the second day of the conference. Until then enjoy the new information and be sure to check out the Screenshots! Also feel free to comment about any of this in our forums and let us know what you’re excited for and what you think about these new games!
Everyone's Invited to Experience Xbox 360 as Microsoft Lowers Estimated Retail Price in Europe
With Estimated Retail Price Starting At €199.99/£159.99, Even More European Consumers Can Enjoy The Definitive High-Definition Gaming and Entertainment Experience
LONDON - Monday 10th March, 2008 - Microsoft today announced it is lowering the estimated retail price (ERP) for its Xbox 360™ family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of €199.99/£159.99, Xbox 360 is a mass market entertainment proposition with something to offer for every interest and budget.
From Friday, 14th March, Xbox 360, which includes a 20GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of €269.99/£199.99 – a saving of €80/£50 on the current ERP. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of €369.99/£259.99 – a saving of €80/£40. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of €199.99/£159.99 – a saving of €80/£20.
Xbox 360 is the number one next-gen console in EMEA, owning 42% of the market in terms of life-to-date revenue. Xbox 360 continues to enjoy the highest software attach rate of any game console in Europe with more than 7.0 games sold per console (PS3: 3.8; Wii 3.5) after 26 months on the market .
The new ERPs are part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with an offering for everyone:
Best Choice for Families
Xbox 360 grows as your family does, offering games and entertainment for every member of the family – from movies to games to music videos.
With over 150 3+ rated games and unparalleled parental controls, parents can feel good about their kids playing Xbox 360
Most Diverse Entertainment
Xbox 360 offers great choice in high-definition entertainment
Xbox Live Video Store offers a wide variety of movies to download, both in HD and SD, enabling great entertainment in the living room at the press of a button
It’s easy to view and enjoy video and photos on Xbox 360 as well as connect wirelessly to share content with a Windows Media Center PC
The Best Games
There will be over 1,000 games available on Xbox 360 by the end of the year, with something for every skill level, interest and taste.
New community games allow gamers to sample the best of indie games, providing innovative new ways to play and enjoy
Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto IV, with exclusive downloadable episodes on Xbox LIVE, and Rock Band make Xbox 360 the place to be this Spring
Xbox 360 exclusives for 2008 include Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Too Human, setting new standards for next-generation gaming
“Xbox 360 is now mass market in Europe,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. “We have reached and surpassed several key milestones that form part of our long term strategic plan to achieve critical mass in Europe; and our portfolio now offers the kind of mainstream entertainment experiences that secure wider appeal for Xbox 360. These factors allow us to execute on our strategy to widen the market for Xbox 360, as planned.
“We continue to offer intense, immersive gaming experiences for gamers – but now we’re priced in a way that will allow new consumers to find out for themselves why Xbox 360 is the ultimate in high-definition entertainment.” said Lewis. “History shows that €199/£159 is the price point where a console’s audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we’re ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world.”
Microsoft Provides Thrilling First Look at Xbox 360 Blockbuster Portfolio for 2008, Announces “Gears of War 2” Ships This November
The world’s hottest developers pave the way for a banner year with a blockbuster lineup that includes “Gears of War 2,” “Fable 2,” “Ninja Gaiden II” and a rich mix of indie Xbox LIVE Arcade titles.
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:
Xbox Live Arcade Titles Coming Soon
“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.
For more detailed information on each game check out the 360-hq games database.
On 360-Hq.Com we do our best to provide you with the latest information, screenshots, trailers and achievements no matter which country/region you are from.
This time we have a full list of upcoming titles for release on the xbox 360 for our Australian members and readers.. Check it out below!
Aussie members, here is the release schedule for the next few months on Xbox 360.
Epic Games has informed Next-Gen that Too Human developer Silicon Knights is suing the Gears of War developer for fraud, breach of contract and other claims.
Epic VP Mark Rein sent an e-mail to various press outlets today which stated, "This morning we were served with a lawsuit by Silicon Knights. We believe the claims against us are unfounded and without merit and we intend to fully defend against them."
Silicon Knights, which is currently developing the anticipated Xbox 360 title Too Human, is licensing Epic's Unreal Engine 3 for development of that title.
"We'd love to tell you more about it but unfortunately our lawyers want us to save our comments for the courthouse so we're going to do our best to comply with their wishes," Rein added. "In that vein we'd appreciate if our friends in the industry and media would refrain from asking us about the suit because we're only going to say 'no comment.' We just wanted to share the news directly before the rumor mill starts churning."
June:
Call of Juarez
Fantastic Four Rise of Sil
Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia
Tenchu Z
Ratatouille
Dirt
The Darkness
Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix
Hour of Victory
The Bigs
Transformers Cybertron
Transformers The Game
Overload
July:
NCAA Football 2008
Vampire Rain
Project Sylpheed
All Pro Football 2K8
Two Words
NASCAR 2008
Guests: 1243 | 
Members: 22
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