Next Xbox to play Blu-rays, block used games

Via GameSpot.com:

• By Eddie Makuch, GameSpot
• Posted Jan 25, 2012 10:30 am PT

Microsoft's Xbox 360 successor will supposedly use high-capacity discs, smaller controller, and Kinect 2; could keep gamers from playing secondhand games.

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Speculation over the next generation of consoles--specifically Microsoft's Next Xbox--has spread like fire as of late. The latest hearsay suggests the processing chip for Microsoft next console is already in production, with debug kits available to game studios as soon as April. Now, new light has been shed on Microsoft's Next Xbox, the latest word suggesting it could play Blu-ray discs, block users from playing used games, and introduce the Kinect 2.

Microsoft is taking a stand against used games with its next console, says a source.

According to "games industry sources" speaking with Kotaku, the Next Xbox will use Blu-ray as its disc technology, an upgrade from the DVD drive the Xbox 360 currently sports. Sony's PlayStation 3 supports Blu-Ray, and it has since it was first launched in 2006. Blu-ray disc capacity is significantly greater than that of DVD.

Additionally, a "reliable industry source" tells Kotaku that Microsoft's Next Xbox may incorporate a system that blocks gamers from playing used titles. Further details concerning the implementation of such a system were not offered.

Further, a source familiar with Microsoft's plans told the blog that the company will ship the Next Xbox with an updated version of the full-body gesture-recognition technology Kinect. According to Kotaku's source, this new iteration of the Kinect will contain an onboard processor for greater motion detection, a feature that was supposedly considered for the first Kinect.

Lastly, the gaming blog reports that Microsoft is "interested" in creating a smaller controller for the Next Xbox. Further details on this controller were not made available.

A Microsoft spokesperson told GameSpot, "As an innovator, we're always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that, we don't comment on rumors or speculation."

The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's second home console, following the original Xbox. The Xbox 360 was released in North America in November 2005 and has gone on to sell 66 million units worldwide. The Kinect has shipped 18 million units worldwide since it was launched during the holiday 2010 season.

Via IGN:

Resident Evil 6: 24 Hours Later

Everything we know so far, plus our exclusive new details.

January 20, 2012

Yesterday, Capcom officially announced Resident Evil 6. Bits about the game began pouring in through a viral campaign and leaked promotional material, but the real news has come along since the official reveal. We have exclusive information about the blonde woman in the trailer - and she's not who you think she is.

Even before Capcom officially announced the game, weprovided the first gameplay details, including the reveal that both Leon Kennedy and Chris Redfield will be playable characters, along with a new, currently unnamed third protagonist.

Along with the game's reveal, Capcom confirmed those details, adding that the game takes place ten years after the Raccoon City incident, as Leon "is forced to face a President transformed beyond recognition and make his hardest ever decision," while Chris arrives in China, currently under threat of a bioterrorist attack.

We decided to break down what we know so far in our Rewind Theater. Check it out below for our full thoughts:

Our Rewind Theater of Resident Evil 6's Debut Trailer

In addition to the trailer, Capcom held a press event in Japan last night, celebrating the Resident Evil franchise's 15th anniversary. Speaking during a press conference, executive producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi and director Eiichiro Sasaki not only confirmed what we previously reported, but revealed a few new details.

First, the developers confirmed the third character, a mercenary whose identity is currently unknown. Capcom wouldn't confirm the character's name, but our sources indicate that the character is related to a major Resident Evil character in some manner.

Resident Evil 6's Trailer Shows More Than We Expected

Typical to Resident Evil fashion, all three major characters will also be accompanied by a companion. Capcom has confirmed that Leon's companion is government agent Helena Harper. In our Rewind Theater, we pointed out that Chris's companion is likely a BSAA agent, though his identity hasn't been confirmed quite yet.

Resident Evil 6 Wiki GuideAll about RE6Returning charactersTweet us your tips »

Much speculation has surrounded the identity of the unnamed mercenary character's companion, a blonde woman. Many people have theorized that the character is Ashley Graham due to the story's involvement of the president, who may or may not be President Graham. However, our sources have confirmed to us that the character is actually Sherry Birkin, daughter of Resident Evil 2's villain, William Birkin.

During Capcom's press event, we also learned more about the game's enemies. While the trailer featured an building-sized El Gigante-esque enemy and a zombie reminscent of a tech-enhanced Tyrant chasing the mercenary and Sherry, Capcom has revealed yet another new enemy. Seen below is a picture of the Javo, which, according to Andriasang, Capcom says "has even greater impact than the zombies."

- Andriasang.com

Even more information continues to emerge about Resident Evil 6, so for all the details we know, be sure to check out our Resident Evil 6 wiki, and feel free to edit in your own contributions.