In the wake of a surge of unexplained Xbox Live Account hacks and thefts recently, Xbox Live’s GM Alex Garden has issued an open letter outlining what you can do to protect yourself from the evil-doers.  Ironically, it appears that if you do contact Xbox Live Support after you’ve been the victim of – what appears to be a FIFA 12 playing ‘bad guy’ – you are likely to be on the receiving end of an account suspension (for a few days at least) until the investigation is complete.  Funny how it’s the good guy always feeling a little screwed…

Your Security is Important to Me

Since today is Safer Internet Day, I thought it’d be a good opportunity to share a few things that have been on my mind these last several months. Here at Microsoft we view this day through many lenses from online safety to privacy to account and data security and more, and we take your security and online safety very seriously.

As all of us know, account hijacking across the Internet continues to grow. It’s a thriving – albeit illegal – industry affecting online services the globe over. Last year, there was a surge of personal information being compromised and sold, and this undoubtedly has had an impact on all of us. While we here at Xbox have no evidence of a security breach in the Xbox LIVE service, that is of little comfort to our members whose accounts have been compromised by malicious and illegal attacks.

It’s in this vein I’m reminded how important it is to listen to you, our members – to really listen, to really hear and to really do something with what you say. I can assure you we are listening and continue to take aggressive steps to help protect you against ever-changing threats. We also care deeply about how this ongoing issue affects your experience with Xbox LIVE and your trust in us.

Security is an ongoing battle. No matter how well we work to improve security – and we are working every day to bring new forms of protection to Xbox LIVE – our work will never end. With every measure we put in place, ill-intentioned people will create new ways to attack online services.

That’s why I believe it’s more important than ever that our members are armed with information and security tools to actively partner with us in this war on fraud. We have a dedicated web page at http://xbox.com/security detailing all the steps you can take today to help protect your account.

What you’ll see here is the most common sources of attack continue to involve:

social engineering to gather information about the user to guess the password;

phishing, whereby the user types the account password into an illegitimate website that is pretending to be something else;

malicious software on the computer that has captured the password; or

using the same password from another online service that has been breached.

I share these realities in hope that our members will work with us to reduce the ease of access for hackers. Personal account security starts with setting strong passwords and routinely changing them, using a valid email and a unique password for each online service, adding a phone number, alternate email address, and a unique and private security question via the Windows LIVE ID Account Management site, and reducing the amount of personal information shared online or through social networks. More and more, being mindful of where you login to online services, even when not using Xbox LIVE, and using single-use codes, provides added protection, especially when you’re signing in from a PC that isn’t your own. Working together we can prevail over the criminals.

I realize it may fall flat when we don’t share specific details of our security architecture. However, some of the security measures we have in place to help protect our members include password-attempt throttling, CAPTCHA (an industry-standard anti-scripting measure designed so that an actual human needs to answer the challenge), strong proofs (trusted PC, pin sent to cell phone, secondary e-mail and security questions), and account lockout for multiple failed attempts and compromised accounts, which we investigate and recover to the rightful owner.

Getting ahead of potential threats of harm is an important area of focus. At a broader level, Microsoft continues to investigate cyber-criminals and bot nets, and help shut them down. And although this is an industry-wide challenge, we are an industry-leading company that believes in our responsibility to actively address online fraud and identity theft. As part of this commitment, we continue to put in place security features and process improvements to help secure Xbox LIVE.

Recovering compromised accounts – in a timely manner – is also a priority and an area where we’ve made, and will continue to make, improvements. We have invested more resources in our account recovery process and as a result, for most new fraud cases we are now able to investigate and return accounts within three days. For users who have added strong proofs to their accounts, this may be as fast as 24 hours. We still have a few cases that are taking longer to fully recover and some refunds are still being processed, but we’re making great strides. We hope our customers are experiencing the improvements firsthand.

We do not take lightly the frustrations we’ve heard from our loyal Xbox LIVE members and remain committed to addressing and persistently resolving our customers’ individual and collective concerns. For now, if you have a problem we haven’t yet resolved, please email me. Also tune into Major Nelson’s podcast this week to hear more about our work in the war on fraud.

With my sincere commitment to listen and take action,

Alex Garden

Email: Alex dot Garden at Microsoft dot com

General Manager, Xbox LIVE

The NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 1 will be available not too long after release, Konami say the DLC lands around the second last week of February.

The DLC expands the online experience by adding a new playable character, three new challenges within the expanded Asylum level and two new online costumes for Bryce, the protagonist.

Konami has highlighed the Expansion Pack Volume 1:

•    New Character: Play as the fashionable, charismatic pop-idol, Nikki Summerfield in cooperative challenges with your friends through online multiplayer.

•    Three New Gameplay Challenges – Revisit an expanded Asylum level with 3 all-new challenges:

- Egg Hunt: Scour the expanded Asylum level for collectables scoring points by delivering them to designated “Score Zones.” Make sure to hold on tight to your collectibles as opponents can snatch any that you drop along the way. With enemy ambush points and environmental hazards at every turn, this challenge is tricky!

- Fragile Alliance: A competitive race through a number of checkpoints spread across the map. You can interrupt other player’s progress by attacking each other. The increase of environmental hazards and enemy spawn points will keep you on your toes.

- Onslaught: Unlock the entire Asylum level section-by-section by defeating all enemies.. Demon-seals that block off areas will dissipate as you defeat enemies from the previous area, providing more-controlled player movement and encounters.

•    Two Additional Character Costumes: Dress Bryce up in these new costumes before going back into the online fray.

It has been too long since we were treated to a new trailer for Ubisoft’s interesting looking I Am Alive. Here’s the new ‘Survival’ trailer for the upcoming arcade title…

Forza Motorsport 4′s latest car pack is now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 560 Microsoft Points. The pack gets you an assortment of Le Mans racers, a heavily modified luxury car, an E3 award winner, and some pure American muscle owned by one of the world’s most famous fighters.

The February American Le Mans Series Pack features 10 vehicles prepped and polished for the avid car aficionado:

·         2011 #2 Audi Sport North America R18 TDI: Featuring a closed cockpit design (the first such Audi Le Mans car fielded in more than 10 years), the R18 is a marvel of modern racing design. Featuring a lighter materials and a premium on aerodynamic efficiency, it’s little wonder the R18 TDI brought home top honors during the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans.
·         2011 Panoz #050 Panoz Racing Abruzzi: A five hundred horsepower engine that will feel right at home tearing down the straights of Le Mans, the Panoz Racing Abruzzi’s tusk-like front end marries unique styling with impressive performance.
·         2010 Dodge Quinton “Rampage” Jackson Challenger SRT8: Owned by UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, this 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the most aggressive-looking cars ever seen in the Forza Motorsport series. With red and black rims that need to be seen to be believed, this Challenger will turn heads in Forza 4 the moment the race begins.
·         1991 Mazda #55 Team Mazdaspeed 787B: One of the most unique sounding cars in Forza 4, the Wankel rotary engine-equipped 787B is also legendary for its performance. It won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans race and the model was soon retired after FIA rules changes subsequently banned the use of Wankel-type rotary engines.
·         2011 Bentley Platinum Motorsports Continental GT: This Bentley Continental GT features a widebody construction that was custom created by Los Angeles-based Platinum Motorsports. The Continental GT looks great and features some serious power underneath the hood—two factors that contributed it to being selected as Forza Motorsport’s “E3 2011 Car of Show”.
·         1986 #2 Audi Sport quattro S1: Introduced in 1985 as a Group B rally entrant, this was the car that put Audi’s rallying program on the map. One of the most powerful Group B cars ever made, the quattro S1 held multiple hill climb world records in its day and is still widely regarded as one of the most incredible race cars Audi has produced.
·         1992 Alfa Romeo 155 Q4: A “compact executive” with the heart of a touring car, the 155 Q4 features a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine capable of 187 horsepower and an all-wheel drive drivetrain.
·         1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R: Long sought after by Forza’s Mustang fans, the 1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R is big and beefy American muscle at its finest. Its SVT-modified 5.8 liter Windsor V8 pumps out 300 horsepower and plenty of torque. The car’s legendary status is further enhanced by its rarity—just 250 Cobra R models were produced.
·         2011 Holden HSV GTS: More power, better handling, and new technology are all hallmarks of Holden’s 2011 HSV GTS. The car’s MRC suspension brings a responsive ride in the corners that, when coupled with the 6.2 liter V8, makes the GTS a joy to drive.
·         2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI: A great-looking hatchback with surprising grit underneath the hood, the 2011 Polo GTI packs a 1.4 liter twin charged engine combining both a turbocharger and a supercharger, belting out an impressive 177 horsepower in a compact size.

And here it is, the first developer diary where Remedy talk a little bit about Alan Wake’s American Nightmare and the inspiration behind the game.

Here is the latest batch of screenshots

Here’s the new Trials Evolution trailer since Ubisoft acquired the services RedLynx to publish future titles from the massively popular arcade franchise.

This new screenshot also shows that we’re headed out doors this time to. Unfortunately the franchise remains exclusive to the Xbox Live Arcade.

The good folks at THQ Insider were kind enough to treat UFC Undisputed 3 fans to the entire DLC plans and Season Pass Program.

Amongst the reported DLC plans is a wide variety of new fighters, career boosts, historic UFC fights and early access to unlockable content which will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation Network.

Fighter Packs

Fight of the Night Pack – March 2012
Price: 400 MS Points / £3.19
Featuring UFC fighters Joe Lauzon, Rory MacDonald, Charles Oliveira and Sam Stout, along with former UFC fighter Anthony Johnson.

International Pack – April 2012
Price: 400 MS Points / £3.19
Featuring UFC fighters “The Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-Sung, England’s John Hathaway, Germany’s Pascal Kraus, Australia’s Kyle Noke and Italian Alessio Sakara.

Ultimate Fights Collections

Ultimate Submissions – Released at launch
Price: FREE
This collection will be available free of charge and include the following…
• UFC 109: Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago
• UFC 115: Mirko Cro Cop vs. Pat Barry
• UFC 116: Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin
• UFC Fight Night 19: Nate Diaz vs. Melvin Guillard
• UFC Fight Night 21: Kenny Florian vs. Takanori Gomi

Ultimate Rivals – Released at launch
Price: FREE
This collection will be available free of charge and include the following…
• UFC 92: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva
• UFC 111: Georges St-Pierre vs. Dan Hardy
• UFC 114: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Rashad Evans
• UFC 117: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen
• The Ultimate Fighter® Season 9: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida

Ultimate Upsets – March 2012
Price: 400 MS Points / £3.19
The Ultimate Upsets collection will include…
• UFC 92: Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
• UFC 109: Chael Sonnen vs. Nate Marquardt
• UFC 112: Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn
• UFC 116: Chris Leben vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
• UFC 121: Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar

Mixed Bag – April 2012
Price: 400 MS Points / £3.19
The Mixed Bag collection will include…
• Best of PRIDE – Final Conflict 2003: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Mirko Cro Cop
• Submissions – UFC 125: Takanori Gomi vs. Clay Guida
• Upsets – UFC 110: Joe Stevenson vs. George Sotiropoulos
• Rivals – UFC 124: Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle
• Knockouts – UFC 120: Dan Hardy vs. Carlos Condit

Alistair Overeem – Available at launch
Price: FREE
UFC Heavyweight Championship contender Alistair Overeem will be available at launch for consumers who participated in the limited time promotional offer on facebook.com/UFCUndisputed, the official Facebook page for UFC Undisputed 3. There will also be the opportunity to purchase ‘The Reem’ in March 2012 for 80 MS Points / £0.59.

Create-a-Fighter Boost – Available at launch
Price: 240 MS Points / £1.59
Enabling players to acquire additional points for created fighter development and save an estimated 8-10 hours of gameplay.

All Unlockables – Available at launch
Price: 160 MS Points / £1.19

The Season Pass Program allows players to pre-purchase select DLC at a reduced price point

For 1360 MS Points / £11.99, players will receive the following items:

• Fighter Packs – Fight of the Night Pack and International Pack
• Ultimate Fights Packs – Ultimate Upsets and Mixed Bag
• UFC Heavyweight Championship contender Alistair Overeem
• All Unlockables

THQ Insider will also be running two launch tournaments – The Xbox 360 tournament will take place on the 21st Feb and the PS3 one on the 27th Feb. See the details on THQ Insider.

The game with the pretend Bats shooting the pretend Jokerz has been dated for release.  The download only game will arrive 7 February on PC and on 8 February 8^th on the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE.

Square Enix say that “extensive” DLC is planned for Final Fantasy XIII-2, for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

The planned DLC includes Coliseum Battles where players players can take on friends and foes from previous titles in the series. Once players defeat opponents, you can recruit into the player’s party. The Coliseum battle entitled ‘Lightning & Amodar’ will be available for Xbox 360 on 7^th February via Xbox LIVE Marketplace and on 8^th February on the PlayStation Network.

DLC will also include story episodes for some of the key characters, which Square Enix say will give you the opportunity to explore the game’s secrets, such as Lightning which complement the narrative of the game.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 releases locally this coming Friday 3rd February.

EA has announced that their servers will be unavailable today, January 31 at 10:00am (ZA time zone or 12:00 am PST) for three hours as EA has scheduled maintenance.

The games that require you to log in to the EA servers including Battlefield 3 and Need for Speed The Run, will be unavailable for the three hours, while Star Wars: The Old Republic will apparently be offline for slightly longer due to a separate scheduled maintenance.

So users will be unable to log in to the Origin client, online multi-player game lobbies, but the offline mode should remain playable.