Jaken Bear, Xbox.ca: The big GDC Microsoft press conference just took place and we had several key announcements around Xbox LIVE and the future of the console. Did anything stand out for you as earth-shattering news? Anything in particular you are looking forward to in 2008?

Knuckles Dawson

"I think the biggest announcement was easily the Community Content. It throws the doors wide open with possibilities, much like Xbox LIVE Arcade did back in '05 at the 360 launch. Being able to play the games on your Zune, 360, or PC shows major potential of the whole "LIVE Anywhere" ideal, and hopefully that's not limited to user-created content. On a side note, the 1,000,000,000 Achievements unlocked struck a chord with me.

Sinnix, what'd you think of Peter Molyneux's demonstration of Fable 2, as well as the LIVE Arcade/retail tie-in?"

Sinnix

"Thanks Knuckles, I have to say that I'm happy you passed me Fable 2 because the original was one of my favourite original Xbox titles. So, to recap, there were two big things that Peter talked about in his presentation: the Xbox LIVE Arcade game releasing shortly before Fable 2 where the money you earn will be transferable to Fable 2 itself, and the confirmation of the long-rumoured co-op play.

For starters, the Arcade tie-in is ingenious and I believe it is only the beginning of what we're going to see with the continual advancements of LIVE Anywhere. In the future, we'll be able to play games like that on our Zunes or LIVE-enabled cell phones and earn in-game money on our commute to work or school. I hope this is an idea that other developers pick up on.

The co-op mode -- and 'mode' really isn't the correct word, I suppose, since it's drop-in/drop-out -- pretty much seals the deal for me making Fable 2 a must-have game. My better half at home plays games just as much as I do and we love having co-op games that we can play together. Having the ability to create a female character this time around is sure to grab her attention. It's just too bad they didn't announce a release date!

What about you, Club 108? What are you most excited for?"

Club 108

"There was a lot of huge news at today's GDC press conference. There was bomb after bomb dropped today! But for me, the news I am most excited to hear is the official announcement from the man Cliffy B himself. That announcement being "Gears of War 2." I like to call it "Re-Emergence Day" (^.^). The highly anticipated Gears sequel also seems to be the next proving ground for the new and improved Unreal Engine. Some of the new features in the updated engine include: improved lighting and shadows, Dynamic Fluid effects, and high-density crowds! Imagine a gigantic horde of Locusts after the Cogs? Or an insane massive battle between the Cogs and Locusts with you right in the middle of it!

Just like Knuckles is excited, I am also really looking forward to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace updated Arcade/Downloadable Content service. This new "democratizing" game distribution is huge news for indie developers out there. It seems that this is one more step to achieving the vision of the Marketplace Xbox 360 stated before it was released.

And, yes, Sinnix, I can't wait to play Jerry Springer 2---I mean FABLE 2 \(^0^)/. It's bound to be a Maury-fest with this new pregnant mode. I can't recall playing a video game where I got pregnant (@_@)."

Jaken Bear: Sounds like you guys are pumped about what was announced. Is there anything that you expected to be announced that wasn't? Club 108, let’s start with you.

Club108: Oh, there were two things I was hoping to be announced. With the introduction of the Xbox 360 GDC press conference starting off with the James Bond theme. I had eagerly waited like if I was one of those N64 kids on Christmas waiting to hear the official news that the classic Goldeneye will be coming to the Xbox LIVE Arcade. I would love to see some graphical upgrades as well as online 4 player support! BUT I was sad after the conference and felt like if I was stood up on a date from Paris Hilton (-_-;). I had my hopes up but nothing happened.

The other news I was expecting to hear was in regards to Rare. Many things went through my head when I found out the Goldeneye theme was played. Another thought was another classic Rare title, Killer Instinct. I thought that they would announce a new K.I. on the 360 or at least an Xbox LIVE Arcade version. That game is a unique Fighter and I haven't seen anything like it. Rare, if you're out there and somehow are reading this. PLEASE pretty please make another Killer Instinct on the Xbox 360. In return I will eat a raw onion full! (^_^)'

What about you, Sinnix? Was there any news you expected to be unveiled but wasn't?

Sinnix: I was surprised to see the lack of release dates for some pretty high profile games. Specifics for Too Human, Fable 2, Halo Wars and others are still up in the air and Microsoft needs titles like that if it wants to maintain its position as the dominant platform for hardcore gamers. But, I suppose, in the end this is a developer conference and we'll have lots of opportunities between now and the end of the year for more game-related announcements.

Knuckles, what did you miss?

Knuckles Dawson: To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, but in the back of my mind I had two modes of thought. "GDC is a place for developers to talk technology, like middleware, etc. (evidenced by the updates to Unreal Engine 3 and Havok). That being said, it's also sort of become a pre-E3 over the last couple years because of the change in E3's format, so game announcements aren't a surprise." One game that's a 360 exclusive that I guess could have been mentioned was perhaps Splinter Cell Conviction. Still, hearing Gears of War 2 announced was nice, and whether or not you figured it was going to release this year or 2009, you would have heard it either here or at E3 for 2009 release.

Jaken Bear: Time to get creative. With the announcement of Community arcade, and if you lived in an ideal world, what game would you like to create to share with the 10 million plus Xbox LIVE members? Mr 360Prophecy , what is your dream game?

Sinnix: Okay, so first off I should point out that I finished my first XNA game a week after XNA was first released. STAR PONG!!! It was essentially pong in space... but it had rumble support and everything (I'll see if I can dig up a screenshot). It was VERY lame, my kids hated it, and it never ended, but the important thing is that I didn't know what I was doing and I finished it in less than 48 hours. If I can do it, then anyone can do it.

If I was going to create a new game today I'd start with a turn-based tactics game in the vein of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. There are two on the Marketplace now but neither of them have really resonated with me. I'd ditch the cartoon-ish graphics and the kiddie storyline and make something more mature and visceral. I'd add way more customization than what has been typically available in the genre, too.

I could probably go on... but then someone would beat me to my own game!!

Club 108: Pong itself is sik! Pong in space is sik, wicked, and nasty (^0^)! And, yes, be careful not to spill all the beans or else you might be seeing your game advertised in the Xbox Marketplace...under a different creator haha.

Personally I'd like to make some game add-ons like new costumes for characters in Virtua Fighter 5 or DoA 4. And even some cool anime car skins for racing games like the Need For Speed series. But that area is still a bit shady for now so I'll talk about the LIVE Arcade game I would like to make.

I would like to port over Mugen Fighters to the Xbox 360 but for some reason I can't see that ever happening due to some certain reasons. I would create a fun, 4-player party game that could be played over Xbox LIVE. It would be a silly party game with all different types of art styles ranging from western animation to Japanime. Some examples of challenges would be a Dance Dance Revolution type of level where players use the D-Pad, analog stick, and buttons to make their characters dance to the beat. Another example would be a Sumo fighting mini-game where players tap A as fast as they can to Sumo Slap their opponent out of the ring. But it isn't all about speed alone, it's a battle of wits too! Just like real Sumo Wrestling, you can move out of the way or use your opponents force to make them move behind you and closer if not falling over the edge of the circle. I can go on and on but I'll give one more example (^.^;).

Players rely on the music track in this mini-game. When they hear different sounds they have to press the corresponding buttons. For example, it would be turn based so they have a chance to listen but it gets faster and faster. If they hear a clap clap clap they have to press B B B with the same time between claps. Note: All of this is copyrighted and cannot be used without Club 108's written consent (^_-) haha

What about you Knux? What would you like to make to share with the over 10 million users on Xbox LIVE?

Knuckles Dawson: I'd probably make a game that was more of a social lobby type thing. Think Spyglass Board Games but on a larger scale. Basically try to find a way to have a cool place for gamers to hang out and shoot the breeze with cool little mini-games to pass the time. The one thing I'd want for sure in it would be Vision Camera support. This would basically try to facilitate the lack of multi-user private chat and would have 16 player voice only lobbies with said games and whatever the max allowable for bandwidth with Vision Camera used by all participants. Games would be simple things like Connect 4,Tic Tac Toe, Rock Paper Scissors and stuff of that nature. Basically just a social lobby for people to hang out in.

Jaken Bear: Thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts on GDC. One thing is for certain, the Xbox 360 has a bright future in 2008 and beyond. And Club 108, your games scare me.