X Box - Purchased warranty extensions take effect AFTER one-year warranty extension Okay,

Purchased warranty extensions take effect AFTER one-year warranty extension
Okay, this is important to everyone who cares about the condition of their Xbox 360s, so listen up. TeamXbox wanted to clarify whether purchased warranty extensions would still apply even after Microsoft finally decided to extend the warranty to the full 365. After all, if you've plopped down your money to buy some insurance, you wouldn't want to be completely... bowled over when the insurance provider decides to offer more insurance - for free - to everyone else.

So here's the good news they've gotten from Microsoft. An MS rep told TeamXbox that "pre-paid extensions get a boost. That means users' purchased extensions won't kick in until the added one-year warranty from Microsoft expires." Don't pop the champagne corks till you hear the best part:

It is worth reminding everyone that the new one-year warranty policy is retroactive, so Xbox 360 owners who have already paid for out-of-warranty repairs (within one year of purchase) will be eligible for reimbursement of console repair charges. These consumers can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console repair in approximately 10 weeks.

Kaching! Game, set, and match. Thank you, Microsoft.

March Madness: Interviewing Dickie V and Brad

When we talk basketball, the first idea we usually get is Shaquille O'Neal, or the NBA. But remember, even Shaq had to begin somewhere - he's an NCAA record holder back in college. With that in mind, IGN's picked up Basketball announcers Dick "Dickie V" Vitale and Brad Nessler for an interview. Both will be offering their voice talents for NCAA March Madness 07.

The the guys discussed points on college Basketball that gave it a different flavor compared to its pro counterpart. For one, Dickie V explained why the concept of a "home-court advantage" is crucial, in way of a very vivid image:

I think there is no doubt about it especially if you are struggling. Now all of a sudden you are struggling and that crowd gets behind you and they give you that lift. You make the big slam bam jam. That great dunk gives you momentum and the crowd stands up in unison. It gets jubilant. It just has a way of giving you that unbelievable impetus. That's why they call it the sixth man. I know one thing, baby, in the new game from EA Sports -- NCAA March Madness 07 -- they really capture what the home court is all about. They really capture the winner's edge; it's all about the sixth man and how important it is.

One the other hand, could a hostile crowd do more damage than the actual team in play? As Brad explained:

Yeah, a few years ago, Duke was playing Florida State, at Florida State, and had a huge lead, and I just know that the crowd kept getting into it. Florida State had some senior leadership; Duke usually doesn't fall apart on the road. They were a younger team I think at that time, and Florida State just kept chipping away. And that crowd kept coming. And they kept coming. And I think they turned a 20 point deficit into a win. And it was pretty remarkable to watch.

College basketball - the first step for guys going pro, and a first-hand encounter of what audience impact means. For the full details on some of the more intimidating home courts and teams to beat in-game, click on the read link. Consider this as your teaser, that is, aside from the video here.

EA finally says something on Madden porn
It's about time EA said and did something about the blotched up Christmas gift of a 14-year old from Utah. After keeping mum on the porn-popping incident (well, that doesn't so right, either...) right inside Madden NFL 07 for the Xbox 360, the publisher has now issued a statement regarding that rather unfortunate travesty.

Telling Next-gen biz, EA sends its apologies for "any embarrassment or inconvenience the incident cause the family." However, they seem to have no idea how that happened. It could be some prank pulled by one of the developing team one drunken night. Or it could actually be a part of the cheerleading squad's routine. But that's just me. What's your guess?

Anyhow, the family isn't screaming for some pay-off, or some other monetary compensation for moral/emotional damage whatnot. They just want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

The publisher has also stressed that this is but the lone complaint they've had so far of porn in the game. But then, it could just be that nobody else has actually complained about it.

Good luck sorting this one out, EA.

Two of Rare's founders leave company

In some surprising news, two of Rare Ltd.'s founders have left the company to tackle new challenges, it seems. According to a 1Up report, Chris and Tim Stamper have left Rare, though the reasons for their departure are still cause for debate.

Titles from Rare haven't been particularly impressive as of late, with their Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo: Elements of Power, and Viva Pinata games selling fewer units than expected. Microsoft asserts that the low sales are not the reason for their departure, saying:

Chris and Tim have helped shape Rare into the world-renowned development studio that is it today and their impact on the videogame industry as a whole is well known. They are simply leaving to pursue other opportunities and we wish them luck in their future endeavors.

While Microsoft is probably reeling from the acquisition of Rare and the lackluster sales, we're still hoping the two Stampers can find some way to bring new sorts of gameplay mechanics (perhaps a new Viva Pinata) to consoles everywhere, whether they be on the Xbox 360 or not. Till then, we'll just have to say "See you later!" to them while we wait for news.