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Interview with Don Lim General Manager of Mobile Phone Game Developer Com2us

Philip Federico
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0
Interview with Don Lim General Manager of Mobile Phone Game Developer Com2us

Capsule Computers recently interviewed Don Lim, General Manager of mobile phone software developer giant COM2US. 

Com2us has been spearheading mobile game industry since its inception in 1998, with its No. 1 market position in Korea, the most advanced market for mobile games. In addition, Com2uS has been providing mobile games to 58 carriers (including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Three, O2, Vodafone and many others) in 39 countries, providing fun games to users throughout the world. Superior contents and game development/publishing capability have been highly recognized by both mobile game industry and financial institutions, constantly winning a large number of awards.

Enjoy the interview with Don.  Capsule Computers is still running the Com2us game giveaway.  If you havnt done so already jump on over to the competition and enter it.  Competition will close at the end of this week.  (Friday 4th September)

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Capsule Computers : – Com2us was first established in 1998.  How many employees were employed at the time ? And how many employees are currently employed now around the world ?

Don Lim : – Com2uS was found by 3 university students including current CEO, Jiyoung Park and Executive VP and Jiyoung’s husband, Youngil Lee.  Jiyoung and Youngil were dating and another classmate, Yujin Hyeon, who were in their senior year at Korea University started the company back then now Com2uS has over 300 employees with overseas offices in US, Japan and China. Com2uS is the first company to develop mobile game in Korea and the first mobile game company to be listed in public stock market (KOSDAQ: 078340) in 2007.

 Capsule Computers : – What do you believe have been your greatest challenges designing games for the US mobile phone market ?

Don Lim : – 

The first challenge on mobile gaming in general is to provide fun gaming experience to the phone users who have been using mobile phone for making phone calls. It required a long learning curve for the users to breake the prejudice that the mobile game are dull and not fun. With each milestone of successful mobile games in Korea, we proved ourselves that mobile games are actually fun.

Although there are a lot of limitations in mobile phone to design a fun game, Com2uS has been developing high-end quality games for mobile phones in Korea, which is one of the most advanced country in the world with the most advanced handsets and network capability. Such rich environment for mobile service raised the bar on Korea users’ expectation on creative and in-depth games and we had to lift those bars with our success.

When we tried to bring our successful games from Korea to US market, the game had to be ported to low-end handsets, which then lost much of the gaming experience. Also US mobile game market was too much driven by the game brand from other game platforms and the big license games based on famous franchise and movies. Former had to We still believe mobile game should be designed for the mobile phone environment and take advantage of the phone’s capability such as network and limited screens and keypads. One of the most successful mobile game in Korea was Mini Game Pack series and it was one-button game in package of 10 mini games. We released the 4th sequel and it is reaching unprecedented 10M download.

Capsule Computers : – Com2us was selected as one of the 11 best developers for the Apple iphone.  What do you believe is the main reason why the Com2us games on the Apple iphone are such a success ?

Don Lim : – Com2us has years of experience  on how to design a fun game in mobile environment. As mentioned above, we are not designing a watered-down version of PC games or video console games, but to design an original game from scratch optimized for mobile environment. Apple iPhone was another great environment to bring our experience of successful mobile games and we could add more creativeness and ideas to iPhone games because it was much more free environment than the mobile phone.

Capsule Computers :- Currently there are a total of six iPhone games available for download from the App store. Which one do you believe is Com2us most successful iphone game and why ?.

Don Lim – Currently, Baseball Slugger: Home Run Race 3D is the most successful game because not only it was the top 5 game in the App Store recently, but also it has all the element of great iPhone game such as intuitive touch control, high-end 3D graphics,  instant onine matchup mode and game items to build up the game character and later to adopt in-game purchase business model.

Download Baseball slugger from iTunes now : Click on image below :

Capsule Computers : – Com2us currently has two fantastic Baseball games on the iPhone.

1: Baseball Slugger : Home Run Race 3D

2: 9 Innings : Pro Baseball 2009

What are the major differences between them and for what type of audience are both games marketed at.

Don Lim : – Baseball Slugger: Home Run Race 3D is the first Online Home Run Matchup game to challenge the opponent from all around the world through any available network. It’s targeted for all casual sports fans and even who doesn’t like baseball. Anyone who wants to hit a Home Run could enjoy this game.

9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2009 is a Real Baseball Simulation game targeted for baseball fans who enjoys the gameplay and baseball strategy. With the coach system, you can hire different coaches for different strategy throughout the game, not to mention to enjoy the full 9 Innings of baseball.

Download 9 Innings ProBaseball 2009 from iTunes now : Click on image below :

Capsule Computers : – Role Playing games / MMORPG are very popular all over the world.  Com2us was first to develop Java-based and MMORPG mobile games.  Are there any plans at the moment for a RPG / MMORPG game on the iPhone.

Don Lim : – Com2us has released the first Touch Action RPG last year, Chronicles of Inotia: Legend of Feanor and it’s one of the top RPG game in App Store. We are developing its sequel targeted for Q4 2009 release.

Also, Com2uS is working on the full MMORPG targeted for early next year’s release and this game will be very interesting to all the iPhone developers and users. IMO: World of Magic is a unprecendented full mobile MMORPG for feature phone which was released 3 years ago in Korea. In 2006 BREW conference, the whole industry paid attention to our first mobile RPG with astonishment and excitement. We will bring the success of mobile MMORPG, IMO, to iPhone environment to replicate such success.

Download Chronicles Of Inotia from iTunes now : Click on image below : 

Capsule Computers : – Action Sandbox games like Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row, Crackdown etc are very popular styles of genres.  Do you believe that games of that size and magnitude are capable of being developed on mobile phones.  If so would Com2us be the first once again to bring that style of game to the market ?

Don Lim : – Started as a mobile game developer, Com2uS is now repositioning as multi-platform game developer and publisher. We have been focusing on iPhone game and other smartphone game markets. Recent release of PC online golf game, known as Golf Star, in Korea is one of our game portfolio to develop  anything from simple games to more in-depth games. Since the borders between a mobile phones and portable gaming devices are becoming vague, it’s possible that games from different platforms could be developed on phone environment. However, game design must be changed and optimized for such environment. Watered down version with limited functions and gameplay cannot be successful game. The first touch action RPG, Chronicles of Inotia and rhythm action game, World of Tunes are the good examples of how we optimized the game to iPhone touch  UI environment.

Download World Of Tunes from iTunes now : Click on image below :

Capsule Computers : – What do you believe is the future of mobile game technology.  Which company/phone has what it takes to be the leader in this field to provide game developers the tools to create bigger and better games.

Don Lim : – Com2us has been in the forefront of adopting new technology into new games.  Mobile MMORPG and 3D graphic games are good examples that we Developer has to take advantage of the current technology to design a fun game. The one who has  ‘Platform Leadership’ will provide easy development environment for the developers and easy interface for the users. The company who can control the platform could provide the standard development environment  and tool so developers don’t need to worry about the portabilty of the game to different phones. Also they need to create an easy User Interface for the users for intuitive control and accessibility to enjoy the game.

Capsule Computers : –Will Com2us be attending this year’s Tokyo Game Show 2009 in Japan.  And if so where will you be located on the game floor.

Don Lim : – We don’t have plan to set up a booth in Tokyo Game Show but our staff from Tokyo office will attend the show. Also Com2us will be attending Gstar 2009 in Korea.

Capsule Computers : – What can players / consumers expect from Com2us moving forward.  Are there already plans or upcoming games that you are able to let your fan know about ?

Don Lim : – We are planning to release more iPhone games next year as well as other platform games such as Windows Mobile and Android. Check out our Fan Page at www.com2us.com/facebook and currently we are running CBT for our next game, Sniper Vs Sniper: Online.  Also you can follow us at www.Twitter.com/Com2uS for latest news on our games too.

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Capsule Computers would like to thank Don Lim for his time and would like to wish Com2us all the best with their future release games.  Capsule Computers will keep all its readers up to date with all the latest news in whats new at Com2Us.   Also as Don mentioned sign up to Twitter and follow Com2us with the latest updates, along with Facebook.  Finally dont forget to check out the official Com2us website as well.

Thanks for reading
Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Combat Zomie Breath ? Take These !! Umbrella Corporation Public Announcement – GIVE AWAY COMPETITION !!

Philip Federico
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8

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About a month ago Umbrella announced its Outbreak Mints.  A lot of Zombies went out and purchased them thinking it would make them fit in with the regular crowd .. pitty it didnt work out.. now that that the zombies have given up on them.  Capsule Computers have been able to source a few packets to give a way to some of it’s fine citizens.

To win a pack of these fine minty fresh mints .. its as easy as A-B-C

A – Follow Capsule Computers on Twitter

B – Leave a comment on this blog  :

     Telling us in 25 words or less What is your favourite Resident Evil Game and Why

 C – Brush your teeth and use mouthwash every day to combat Zombie breath 😉

Have a look at the Zombie Mints below and enjoy the article.

Ever woken up with  Zombie breath ? do you feel like your always scaring the opposite sex away as soon as you open your mouth ?  Does the family dog do the runner out of the house and hide under it as soon as you come anywhere near it ?

Well worry no more.  Here at Umbrella Corporation our mission is to help you blend in .. even though you might look a little pale and your skin might be rotten and falling off.  You’re dragging that left foot around .. and you’re constantly wanting brains for dinner. 

We might not be able to solve all your problems.  But we can help you keep that mouth of yours smelling as fresh as a daisy. 

Introducing the Umbrella Outbreak Mints.  Take one of these and your zombie breath worries will go away for the whole day.  People will still run away screaming in fear, but at least you know that deep down your breath will always be smelling minty fresh.

Try some today and don’t delay.

This is an Unbrella Corporation public announcement

No Humans were eaten by Zombies with fresh minty breath in the making of this announcement …..   Yet

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Gameloft announces new RPG for Iphone – Dungeon Hunter

Philip Federico
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2

Gameloft have announced an Exclusive 3D cinematic trailer of the upcoming new Action RPG : Dungeon Hunter.

COMING SOON ON THE APPSTORE

Check out the video :

 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaNKPX4Ogxs]

This looks VERY VERY GOOD. Keep an eye out for Dungeon Hunter coming soon.

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

GRAND THEFT AUTO: EPISODES FROM LIBERTY CITY Debut Trailer Coming 9.01.09

Philip Federico
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0

 

Rockstar have announced Debut trailer of The Balad Of Gay Tony.  Coming out on 1st September 2009.

Click on the image below :

Along with the debut trailer, grab brand new character artwork desktops –
the second and third pieces revealed and released from The Ballad of Gay Tony.

 Official Desktop #2                                        Official Desk 3#

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Xbox 360 Elite PRICE DROP !!

Philip Federico
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0

        

Microsoft has reduced the price of it’s Xbox Elite model by $100.  The announcement was made today for the US, UK, and Europe. HOWEVER This price change will take effect in Australian on the 22nd September.

The new price for the Xbox 360 Elite in Australia will be $449,  which will be approx $50 cheaper than Sony’s new Playstation 3 Slim console which will be released on the 1st September.

Microsoft have also announced that they are planning on moving to two versions of Xbox 360 in the market, currently they have 3 versions.  Microsoft are planning on phasing out the Xbox 360 Pro model which is currently available at $399.

The Xbox 360 Arcade model will remain at $299.

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Also below are the prices for US Customers :
Starting Friday, August 28th the price of the Xbox 360 Elite is getting a $100 price cut in the United States.
Xbox 360 Elite       $399.99 now $299.99*
Xbox 360 Pro         $299.99 now $249.99*  While supplies last
Xbox 360 Arcade   $199.99 $199.99* 
    * (ERP) Estimated retail price in the United States

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Save the Princess !! THE FAT PRINCESS !!

Philip Federico
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0

If you own a Playstation 3 and have access to the Playstation Network .. why not give FAT PRINCESS a go.

The fine people over at Titan Games Studio have made possibly the most addictive multiplayer game for the Playstation network.

“Brief Description of Fat Princess”

In Fat Princess, the player joins one of two opposing teams consisting of up to 16 cartoon characters, each with the goal of rescuing their team’s princess from the other team’s castle (similar to capture the flag modes found in other multiplayer video games). In order to make their opponents’ task more difficult, players can feed captive princesses more and more food so that she will become heavier and harder to carry back to her respective castle.

Players may change their character classes and abilities on the fly by picking up hats that are generated at their team’s base. Hats can also be found on the battlefield where enemies have fallen. The game’s six classes include the villager, mage, priest, warrior, worker, and ranger.  Titan Studios has teased three additional classes: the ninja, pirate and chef. Each class has its own unique set of weapons and abilities. The “hat machines” may be upgraded to produce hats that will enhance the strength and effectiveness of their respective class. Upgrades additionally provide an alternate weapon for the player to utilize.

In order to upgrade certain machines, players must use resources found outside the castle walls. Resources include wood and metal and are gathered by worker class characters by chopping down trees or mining metal and bringing them back to the castle or a team’s captured outpost.

In addition to the game’s primary mode, a team deathmatch mode is available. Two single-player modes are also in the game, a story mode that implements the same mechanics as those found in the primary mode, and a survival mode that tests the player’s ability to face twelve increasingly difficult waves of enemies in an arena.

The game includes ten maps.

Check out the in-game video below :

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjMMcx03viA]

Fat Princess is now available on the Playstation Network,  now you CAN have your cake and EAT it too 😉

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Gameloft PSP & PSP GO Game Press Release

Philip Federico
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0

 

Gameloft Headlines an Impressive Line-up of Digitally Distributed Games for PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) System

 Company to Launch Five Diverse Downloadable Titles by Year’s End on PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system (including the PSP®go system)

NEW YORK – Gameloft, a worldwide leader in downloadable video games, today announced a strong line-up of five titles — Real Soccer 2010, Hero of Sparta, Asphalt 5, Let’s Golf!, UNOTM,— available for the PSN Store on the PSP®go system and all other PSP® systems.

“For the past 10 years our focus and expertise has been digitally distributed games. From mobile games to iPhone/iPod Touch to next-gen consoles, our success stems from the ability to adapt and evolve on the latest platforms,” said Michel Guillemot, president, Gameloft. “The PSP®go will contribute to the innovations going on in the gaming space right now and we look forward to being front and center with our games at launch.”

Gameloft’s line-up includes a mix of top selling sports, action/adventure and casual titles:

Real Soccer 2010 – the famous handheld soccer simulation arrives on the PSP®go system. Get immersed in the atmosphere of a live match thanks to true to life 3D graphics and animation. Discover a complete range of game modes and easily perform the most amazing soccer moves.

Hero of Sparta – an epic and colossal adventure with staggering 3D graphics that fully capture the mythological atmosphere. 8 levels to explore and legions of phenomenal creatures to defeat in this odyssey.

Asphalt 5 – a high velocity driving game with more than 15 million downloads sold. Ride the best cars in the world including Ferrari and Lamborghini in high-speed races through 15 of the hippest locations in the world from Paris to Aspen.  

Let’s Golf! – It’s time for you to become a big hitter and drive for the green with Let’s Golf! Choose to play with 4 cool and customizable characters across 63 holes in 4 distinct locations remodeled in refreshing 3D visuals from Fiji Beach to the English countryside.

UNO TM – play the #1 classic card game with friends and family on your PSP®go system. Enjoy traditional UNOTM or customize your own game with 9 different rules to play your way. Challenge friends near and far through local and online multiplayer mode.

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About Gameloft
Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of downloadable video games. Established in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in the gaming space. The company creates games for mobile handsets, iPhone/iPod Touch, handheld portables and next-gen consoles. The total number of games-enabled handsets is anticipated to exceed four billion units by 2012. The install base for iPhone and iPod Touch is 37 million and growing. Gameloft games are also available to players on WiiWare, DS, Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade and PCs.
Partnership agreements with leading licensors and sports personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, ABC, Dreamworks Animations SKG, Endemol, 20th Century Fox, Viacom, Sony Pictures, Touchtone Television, Warner Bros., FifPro, Ferrari, Paris Hilton, Gus Hansen, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush, Chuck Norris, Jonny Wilkinson or Robinho allow Gameloft to form strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates titles such as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and New York Nights. 
Through agreements with major telephone wireless carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online shop, Gameloft has a distribution network in over 80 plus countries.
Gameloft has worldwide offices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Montreal, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Paris, London, Cologne, Milan, Madrid, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Helsinki, Vienna, Bucharest, New Delhi, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. Gameloft is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA)
For more information visit www.gameloft.com

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Capsule Computers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Avatar Mobile Press Release – Gameloft & Fox Mobile Entertainment

Philip Federico
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0

Gameloft and Fox Mobile Entertainment Bring

AvatarTM to the Mobile Screen

NEW YORK – Gameloft®, a leading publisher and developer of downloadable video games, today announced a licensing agreement with Fox Mobile Entertainment to develop, publish and distribute the mobile game based on Avatar, Academy Award®-winner James Cameron’s highly anticipated epic action adventure film. 

With Avatar, the director of “Titanic,” takes us to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination.  The film delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make it, disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story.

“With a riveting storyline and compelling characterization, Avatar: the Mobile Game will raise the bar for the mobile game user experience,” said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice-president, Gameloft. “Gameloft’s expertise in movie-based games, promises the Avatar mobile game will have tremendous appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.”

“Fox Mobile Entertainment has enjoyed a successful relationship with Gameloft, and we have every confidence that the Avatar mobile game will display the same level of quality, creativity, and innovation that are hallmarks of Gameloft’s mobile titles,” said Andrew Stalbow, senior vice president, Fox Mobile Entertainment. Marking Gameloft’s third collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox. Avatar: the Mobile Game will launch at the end of 2009. It will be available on all mobile platforms worldwide.

 

About Gameloft

Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones and consoles. Established in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in its field. The company creates games for mobile handsets equipped with Java, Brew, Windows Mobile or Symbian technology. The total number of games-enabled handsets is anticipated to exceed four billion units by 2012. Gameloft games are also available to players on WiiWare and DS, Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade, Apple’s iPod, iPod touch and iPhones, and PCs.

Partnership agreements with leading licensors and sports personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, ABC, Dreamworks Animations SKG, Endemol, 20th Century Fox, Viacom, Sony Pictures, Touchtone Television, Warner Bros., FifPro, Ferrari, Paris Hilton, Gus Hansen, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush, Chuck Norris, Jonny Wilkinson or Robinho allow Gameloft to form strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates titles such as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and New York Nights. 

Through agreements with major telephone wireless carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online shop, Gameloft has a distribution network in over 80 countries.  Gameloft has worldwide offices in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Montreal, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Caracas, Sao Polo, Santiago, Paris, London, Cologne, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Helsinki, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Bucharest, New Delhi, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. Gameloft is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN:)

 

For more information, be sure to follow Gameloft’s Twitter feed at: twitter.com/gameloft or visit us at www.gameloft.com

 

About Fox Mobile Entertainment

Fox Mobile Entertainment (FME) is the exclusive mobile licensor of all Fox Filmed Entertainment content. In addition to distributing mobile video and managing mobile video channels, FME focuses on the exploitation of Fox Filmed Entertainment intellectual property across all mobile platforms.  Popular titles licensed through FME include the television properties 24, The Simpsons, and Family Guy, as well as major motion pictures such as Night at the Museum 2 and Ice Age 3.

 

 

For further information, please contact:

Sanette Chao – Director, Public Relations – Phone 212.994.2495  [email protected]

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CapsuleComputers
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Xbox 360 Live Arcade Titles Now Available on Marketplace

Philip Federico
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0

A few Xbox 360 Arcade titles were made available this week. Check them out below :

THIS CAPSULE COMPUTERS PICK OF THE WEEK !! GRAB THIS TITLE YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED !!

Arcade: Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao

Developer: Blitz Arcade
Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America

I’ve included a video from youtube showing gameplay

 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2tBoJXDYac]

Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is here and it’s packed with nonstop kung fu action! Prepare yourself for the first Digital 3D title on Xbox LIVE Arcade that offers a more immersive experience than ever before! Use all of your best combos and lightning fast dodge techniques to destroy your opponents and protect the Star of Destiny.Travel to a variety of beautiful locations while rocking out to the funky 70’s soundtrack. Play cooperatively with a friend at home or online and teach your foes the true meaning of pain. Feel closer to the action than ever before as the 3D features thrust the action right into your living room. Kung fu action, beautiful environments, awesome music, cooperative play and 3D all in one download! Buy it now!

Add Arcade: Invincible Tiger The Legend of Han Tao to your download queue

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Arcade: Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2

Developer: Deadline Games A/S
Publisher: Xbox LIVE Arcade

It’s June 1977, and any day now the passage of the Keene Act will outlaw all masked vigilantes not sanctioned by the government. Rorschach has uncovered a mysterious missing person’s case together with the help of Nite Owl the pair has set out to find the young girl. Their search takes them deep into the depraved, sleazy corners of the city and eventually face-to-face with the mysterious Twilight Lady. The seedy underbelly of New York beckons… will you take the call?

Add Arcade: Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 to your download queue

 

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 NBA 2K10 Draft Combine

Developer: 2K Sports
Publisher: Xbox LIVE Arcade

Enhance your NBA 2K10 experience with this exclusive game from 2K Sports that allows you to create your own custom NBA player and live the life of an NBA hopeful going through the real NBA Draft Combine in Chicago’s Attack Gym. Improve your game through drills and Draft Combine scrimmages to increase your NBA draft stock; then pick up a copy of NBA 2K10 to find your created player waiting for you in the all-new My Player mode to experience the NBA Draft and begin your path to NBA stardom.

Add NBA 2K10 Draft Combine to your download queue

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Capsule Compupters
www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

Interview with Xbox Live Community Manager Trixie360 & MORE !!

Philip Federico
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21
Interview with Xbox Live Community Manager Trixie360 & MORE !!

Capsule Computers recently spoke to and interviewed Microsoft Xbox Live Community Manager Trixie360. 

Trixie does a fantastic job at running and maintaining the Xbox Live Community.  Capsule Computers would like to thank Trixe for taking the time from her busy schedule in answering these questions about herself and what she does over at Xbox Live. 

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Interview with Trixie360:

Capsule Computers : What does an Xbox Live Community Manager do ?

Trixie : My job is to help our community members have a great time on Xbox LIVE. I create events and programming for them to participate in (like Xbox All-Nighter, Music Monday, Family Game Night etc), let people (in the US) know about upcoming contests and programs on my weekly Inside Xbox show (on hiatus while I’m on maternity leave). GamerchiX and Xbox Ambassadors are also my programs.

Capsule Computers : Walk us through a day in the office as a Community Manager at Xbox Live.

Trixie : Each day is filled with meetings, emails, planning and writing. Here are some of the things I do each week:

A new Xbox LIVE Arcade game is coming out in a month, and the XBLA team wants to muster up excitement about their game so they come to me for help getting the community involved. So I add the game to an upcoming Arcade Afternoon, work with them to set up a Game with Developer, and see if it would work for Family Game Night, Ladies Night or one of our other weekly programs.

Working with my producer Johnny to come up with ideas and scripts for Community Close-Up and Xbox 101, scheduling a shoot, doing on-camera work, reviewing the video before it goes live.

Interviewing community members for the Gamer Spotlight.

Giving away XBLA codes on Twitter.

Planning a seasonal promotion (like Halloween or Mothers Day). Figuring out what games To include. Do I have a good mix of hot new games and some old favourites so everyone can participate even if they can’t afford to buy the newest games. Working with the art team to get a great design that’s eye-catching and will work on both the website and the dashboard. Planning events to coincide with the promotion. Seeing if there are movies to tie in with the theme. Begging marketing for prizes to give away 😉

Posting about upcoming events (maybe a Game with Fame session or Frag Doll Friday) on the Xbox Voices blog.

Programming the Community channel of the Xbox.com. Planning out what articles/promotions will go in what place on the home page. Making sure that old content or expired contests come off the page and are replaced with fresh content.

Finding communities to host Community Playdates. Getting them scheduled, getting their logo and bio, getting the promotional page built.

A few times a year I will appear on a panel or speak to groups or give interviews. Last year I was on three community panels at PAX, spoke to some visiting Girl Scouts, and was interviewed by our local TV news and Radio Disney about safe gaming online.

And of course I eat lunch, surf the web, IM with friends and drink a lot of Diet Coke J

Capsule Computers : What are some of the highlights of working at Xbox Live ?

Trixie : Big highlights have been launching Xbox LIVE back in 2002, covering Zero Hour (the launch of Xbox 360 in a warehouse in the Mojave Desert), Xbox LIVE’s five year anniversary, the NXE launch, travelling all over the world covering the World Cyber Games. Having an article on GamerchiX appear on the front page of the Los Angeles Times business section. Covering the Imagine Cup finals in Paris and having the privilege to meet college students using Microsoft technology to help the save the planet. Really there are SO many highlights. It’s been seven years of great fun and amazing opportunities.

Capsule Computers : What have been your biggest challenges working as a Community Manager at Xbox Live ?

Trixie : We had some staffing reductions about six months ago that halved my team. Doing less work isn’t really an option, so we just work harder and longer.

Also challenging is dealing with some of the people in the community. It takes all kinds of people to make a world and some of them are just mean. It’s really hard to see a few jerks try to ruin others’ experience.

Capsule Computers : What’s the full story behind your gamertag : Trixie 360 ?

Trixie : “TriXie” has been my nom de plume (or nom de web, I guess) since Xbox LIVE launched. I chose it because it has an X for Xbox in it. When Xbox 360 launched I changed it to trixie360. I even got it tattooed on my ankle.

Capsule Computers : How long have you been at Xbox / Microsoft and what’s your Xbox 360 Tenure number ?

Trixie : I’ve been working at Xbox for 7 years. My Tenure is 3.

Capsule Computers : Who has been the most interesting / famous person you have interviewed ?

Trixie : I’ve interviewed lots of semi-famous people: Benji and Joel Madden, Willis McGahee, Duffy were some of the recent ones. The celebrities I most enjoyed interviewing The Presidents of the United States of America at a Rock the Vote event. Celebs aren’t that exciting to me though. I much prefer interviews with regular members of the community.

Capsule Computers : How many people in your team work in the Xbox Live community ?  Do you work alone or is it a team effort.

Trixie : Right now the team is myself and KP, but there are many people who contribute to community that have other job titles. For instance Stepto is in charge of policy and enforcement, but is deeply involved in community. There are a lot of people who do community stuff because they love it, not because they get paid to do it.

Capsule Computers  : What do you believe is Xbox 360’s most popular game for the community ?

Trixie : Rock Band has been an incredible community-building game simply because it’s so easy to jump in and play. And even if you suck it’s still fun. Gears of War’s co-op play was also a great community builder, especially for female gamers. I have had my best community gaming from playing Scene It: Box Office Smash and Bomberman LIVE!

Capsule Computers : Trixie 360 is also a member of the GamerchiX.  Tell us a little about the Gamerchix and what they do ?

Trixie : GamerchiX is a social group for female gamers that myself, DirtyDiva, and PMS Kitty formed three years ago. We wanted to create a safe haven for girls to get their game on without being hit on or being annoyed with sexist remarks. We also feel very strongly that women should respect themselves and all other women. There are no “mean girls” or drama in GamerchiX. We’ve now got over 10,000 members in 32 countries, and we’ve decided to put that power to use for good with the formation of Xbox GivingChiX-our charitable giving initiative. Kiki kat and KilaM0Mjaro are spearheading the effort. We’re just getting started, but look for news on us from PAX.

Capsule Computers : Do you think that Xbox Live Community is making gaming more widely available for women ?  What measures are they taking in doing so ?

Trixie : Gaming has always been ‘available’ to women. And women have been playing casual games since they began. What you’re seeing more of now is women playing hardcore video games. The games haven’t changed, it’s just becoming socially acceptable to play them. As for what Xbox is doing: see GamerchiX 😉

Capsule Computers : What are your thoughts on seniors playing Xbox 360 games ? How do you get grandparents interested in Xbox 360 games so they can play with their grandchildren ?

Trixie : Getting older people to play video games is easy or tough depending on how tech-friendly they are. If you can’t get Grandpa to touch a computer, it’s unlikely he’s going to feel comfortable playing Halo 3 on Xbox 360. I don’t think you can MAKE anyone be interested in anything. All you can do is give them the opportunity to try new things. I bought my mom an Xbox 360 and she plays arcade games and Viva Pinata. But she will never be an FPS player… it’s just not interesting to her at all. So my advice is: introduce grandparents to things they already like and are familiar with. Try board or card games and see how that goes. If they enjoy that, ease them into new games with a similar feel.

Capsulle Computers : What is your favourite Xbox 360 game ?

Trixie : Zuma Deluxe.

Capsule Computers : And Finally .. What do you love most about your Job ?

The people I’ve met!

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Capsule Computers would once again like to thank Trixie360 for her time in answering these questions for all her fans and Xbox live members around the world.

I have included some of the links that Trixie is associated to.

Community Voices
www.xbox.com/en-US/community/voices/trix…
 
Trixie360 Xbox Gamer Profile
live.xbox.com/member/trixie360
GamerTix Info: 
www.xbox.com/en-US/community/gamerchix/

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NOW THE EXTRA COOL STUFF !!!

Trixie has been very generous in donating some Xbox Live Arcade Codes for : Capcom’s Bionic Commando : Re-Armed

How to win >> Do 2 things :

1 # Simply start following Capsule Computers on Twitter

2 # Leave a comment : And tell us in 25 words of less What is your favorite Xbox Live Community game and WHY !!!

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Make sure you follow Capsule Computers on Twitter as codes for Bionic Commando will also be given away there to.

Thank You 🙂

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Capsule Computers

www.capsulecomputers.com.au/

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