Xbox 360 System Update – Wireless Adapter WPA2 support


I turned my Xbox 360 this morning and I found an update available for my console.  I thought it was the Facebook update but after researching I found out that it is an update for the wireless adapter.  Here is what Major Nelson has to say about that:

"The team has released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE.

Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.

This update does not include the Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune features. Those will be coming to Xbox LIVE later next month. This update adds WPA2 support for the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter."

I personally do not use the wireless adapter so for those who do, please let me know if there is any improvement on your wireless connection.  Thanks!

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller

I have always wonder if I can get my Xbox 360 wired controller to work on a PC.  It has a USB connection and I thought that Windows will recognize it.  I tried connecting the controller and Windows XP SP3 was able to recognized it but did not load the proper drivers.  I decided to search online and I found a few sites that offer some support but the instructions were confusing and the drivers were not available.  I have to dig and dig through Microsoft's website in order to find a good link with the right drivers.

After downloading the software and installing it, the controller was recognized beautifully and it works perfectly.  Some may wonder, why do I need to do that?  Well, I can tell you that downloading a small software package can save you $20 from buying a gaming pad for your computer.  For me, I either had to get it to work or buy an Microsoft Gaming Pad in order to play the new Madagascar game with my son.  For some reason, the game only works with the Xbox 360 Windows controller and did not work with my Logitech Dual Action gamepad.  Weird?!? I think not.  I searched Activision Gaming Division to see if it was a bug or some sort of update that will make my Logitech gamepad to work, and it said pretty clear that will only work with an Xbox gaming pad.  I am sure that there is a business reason why the developers did this.  Anyhow, here is the link for you to have it working on your PC:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/download.aspx?category=Gaming

If you do not use it to play games, you can always use it to troubleshoot your gamepad when it does not work on your Xbox 360.  Windows has a nice calibration setting that lets you test every button to see if it works correctly.  Give it a shot.

No beta testing for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

After doing some research, I found out that there is not going to be a public beta testing for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.  But there is going to be an internal beta testing for the Infinity Ward, Activision, and VIP vendors.  A member from Infinity Ward told news reporters that if they do not get the feedback that they were looking for with their internal beta testing, then they will consider releasing one to the public.  But knowing that the game will be out within 2 weeks, I do not see it happening.  Oh well, I guess we will continue to count the days until its release.

Madden NFL 2010 on the Xbox 360

I have to admit that I am enjoying playing Madden NFL 2010.  I was playing against the computer at first but now I am trying to build a good record online.  So far I have played 7 games and I am still winning.  My favorite team is the Indianapolis Colts and I use their offensive and defensive playbook.  But of the 7 games that I have played, there were only 3 that the opponent decided to finished the whole thing while the others where disconnections.  I have had 4 opponents quit in the middle of the game and I just finished playing against the computer to build my record.

Yesterday I had a very good match against the New Englad Patriots.  I could not stop Brady passing the ball all over me on the first two quarters.  I was able to get an interception on the third and a fumball that gave me the lead by a tochdown and a field goal.  Then the opponent decided to quit and I fnished the game with the  computer.  I have to say that this year's madden is pretty cool and has nice features.  There are a few drawbacks that I would like to point out:

1. Why does the game does not show the player get in the end zone when someone is trying to tackle him on the first or second yard?  It looks like EA prefers to show the animation of the judges deciding whether it is a touchdown or not, rather than seeing the player get in the end zone.  I hate that.  I would prefer to see the judges in a half screen trying to decide while the instant replays plays constantly on the other half so that we can see what the decision should be.

2. I am not sure if this is suppose to be like that but I "Paused" the game to go for a challenge and decided not to but tried to "Paused" the game again because I had a change of heart and it would not let me Paused anymore. Weird and annoying.

3. Challenging play replays are too fast with some weird angles that you can't even tell what the right call should be.  I think that EA Sports still needs to master this.

Things that I like:

1. Running backs break tackles pretty frequently.  I still have to master this since many running backs run through my defenders unless I tackle them at an angle with a low hit stick.  Don't have this feature since I use it to my advantage.

2. Wildcat.  I do not have the wildcat but I know that it is pretty powerful running game.  It seems like everyone has a blocker in front and I struggled to stop it.  I did a lot of practice and I have a few tricks to make the opponent think twice about running the Wildcat on me.  I will be posting a full article about stopping the Wildcat.

3. Quaterback passing.  This year's version is awesome and realistic.  I like the fact that quaterbacks get hit and they can still try to throw the ball.  Also, sliding inside and outside the pocket before a sack is pretty nice.  My opponent yesterday avoided two sacks when sliding inside the pocket.  I still need more practice to master my quaterback on this feature to give my wide receivers more time to get open.

That's it for now.  I will keep updating everyone as I keep playing the game.

2K Sports is looking for game testers

I was recently in the 2K Sports main website and I decided to see what they have for job posting. I found out that they are looking for game testers in their 2K Sports game division. Unfortunately, this posting is only for Los Angeles local people. Anyone in the LA area interested to become a game tester?

Sports Game Testers Wanted - Los Angeles, CA
Posted: October 28, 2008

2K Sports, the publisher of NBA2K, NHL2K, MLB2K is looking for some outstanding game testers to help make the best sports games in the business even better. We are staffing both our night shift and day shift with Quality Assurance Game Testers for long-term temporary positions. Have you ever played a game and wondered how they are made? Do you have a love of sports and have wondered if there was a job out there that you could feel passionate about? This may be your opportunity. Previous testing experience is welcome, but not required. Come be part of a great team, working on some great games.

Responsibilities

◦Identify software defects, run test checklists, verify fixes
◦Enter bugs into Bug Tracking System
◦Be able to follow directions

To qualify for this exciting position you must:

◦Must be at least 18 years old and able to verify eligibility to work in the U.S.
◦Standard working hours are 7am-4pm OR 5pm-2am, Monday through Friday.
◦Must be ready to work overtime hours when needed including weekends.
◦Should be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
◦You must be able to write clearly in English and have good verbal communication skills.
◦Can learn quickly and effectively.
◦Pay is $10/hour

This job posting is for 2K Games Los Angeles only. Local candidates only please. Part time positions are not available.

Please apply by emailing or faxing your resume and cover letter.

Fax: 818-672-8041
Email: la.jobs@2kgames.com
2K Games
8550 Balboa Blvd
Suite 100, Lobby 2
Northridge, CA 91325

Link: http://2ksports.com/info/jobs

NBA 2K10 Xbox 360 / PS3 Patch

2K Sports has announced the details of the first patch that is coming for NBA 2K10. We all have experienced the same issues during the first few weeks of the release and some of us are pretty upset at the poor quality control process that 2KSports implements on their new release games. From poor framerate issues to online play being completely disfunctional, we are desperetaley awaiting for 2K Sports to fix these issues and many more so that we can all enjoy a good basketball game.

With that being said, I can tell you that 2K Sports Development Team are taking the stand and are aware of the issues. Recently, they have released a statement that a patch is in the works and it will be coming out within a few weeks. After calling technical support in the UK, I spoke with a representative of 2K Sports and they informed me that the patch is being tested as of right now, which indicates that it is finished. However, once it goes through its QC process, the patch will be then given to Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation game division for their own testing. This can take 7 - 10 business days to get approved and then it will be release as an update for us consumers. Based on the turn around time that we have seen the updates come in, it is clear that it will take about 3 weeks for its release.

I was given a list of fixes that the patch will address that I am prepare to share with you guys, so please post any comments regarding other issues that you have experienced that are not in the list below:

GENERAL

• Improved game performance in all arenas and camera angles.


• Corrected a framerate issue that was causing noticeable slowdown in the paint in specific arenas.


• Corrected a framerate issue that was causing noticeable slowdown during NBA D-League games.


• Fixed an issue where Coach Settings were not properly saving to the user’s Settings file.


• Addressed an issue where the user would enter into a game where there would either be no crowd present or the opposing team would not appear on the court.


• Fixed an issue where users would get NBA Blacktop rules (no intentional fouls, no 3-in-the-key, etc.) turned on when attempting to play a Quick Game.


• In-game saves should now load up correctly in the Playoffs game mode.


• Users are now able to assign any jersey number to a player, on any team, when playing outside of The Association game mode.


• Games played in the NBA D-League should now have appropriate sized crowds.


• Fixed a slowdown issue during stoppages of play with created teams.


• Made a change to where the value for headband colors is stored at. These changes can now be made through Living Roster releases once the patch is released.

GAMEPLAY

• Tuned shooting percentages across the board, particularly in the paint where more shots are now initiated with contact.


• Fixed a soft hang on an inbound where the inbounding player would miss the ball handoff from the referee.


• Plays will no longer break when the user strays slightly from the intended path.


• Both User/CPU alley-oop success has been toned down such that only realistic attempts should now be completed.


• Assists should now only be credited to the passer at appropriate times.


• Only 1 timeout is deducted from the total when the CPU calls a timeout for the user.


• The CPU should no longer pass the ball to a teammate when the recipient has a foot out of bounds.


• Bad passes should be less inaccurate now. They still happen with similar frequency, but some
  passes can be recovered now.


• CPU players now have better logic behind their turbo energy management (which will keep them fresher for key moments in the game).


• CPU players should now be more aware of being called for 3 second violations.


• Defensive assist is now turned off when the ball is not in play.


• The dribbler should no longer teleport back a few feet on the court following a two player steal
  attempt.


• Players with unique free throw stances (ex., Paul Pierce) will no longer slide into position to
  shoot the free throw.


• Point Guards should no longer end up out of bounds during baseline inbounds coming out of a timeout or dead ball.


• Fixed a case where the PG would run in a circle (in anticipation of receiving the ball) in the
  backcourt during transitions.


• Players should no longer get stuck in the post in a single player hold-ball animation (often leading to a 24-second violation) when trying to drive to the basket.


• Fixed an issue where the user was unable to give certain players their player-specific animation packages.


• Fixed an issue with a baseline layup where opposing defenders weren’t able to create contact when the animation played out.


• Addressed a specific dunk animation that would sometimes not result in a made basket despite a successful dunk.


• The user should now notice more over-the-back calls on rebounds when the boxed out player attempts a rebound.


• Improvements to the ‘walk the dog’ inbounds play including increased velocity on the inbound.


• A good number of other changes aimed towards increasing user satisfaction have also been made in this release. These will be apparent as you play the game (ex. The referee will now utilize a bounce pass rather than a chest pass when passing the ball to the shooter during free throw situations, plays will now start quicker when the user manually calls a play, etc.).
  

PRESENTATION

• During NBA Today/Association games, the ‘Upcoming Schedule’ overlay will no longer obstruct
  gameplay.


• Fixed an issue where the substitution overlay would sometimes briefly cover the action on the
  court.


• Blank overlays should no longer quickly appear/disappear during gameplay.

ONLINE

• Improved performance and stability for all online game types.


• Corrected an issue in Team-Up play where all players would sometimes see the same player (PG) listed in all substitution slots.


• Ranked game difficulty has been changed to SuperStar for Team-Up games.


• Removed the spotlights for online play only to improve performance during stoppages of play.


• Corrected an issue with the My Player Pick-Up games that would sometimes cause games to diverge upon initiation.


• Fixed an issue where online Association games would diverge at halftime if neither user skipped
  through the presentation sequence.


• Fixed a hang that would sometimes occur when making substitutions during an online Association game.


• Fatigue should now behave as expected during private Team-Up games.


• Fixed a hang in Who’s Online that would occur when the user scrolled quickly with a large number of friends on the list.


• Replays uploaded via GameTrack should now play properly when viewed at 2ksports.com.


• Fixed an issue with the Screenshot Upload feature that would sometimes upload an incorrect screenshot.


• Fixed an issue where a user’s consecutive win streak would get reset to zero if the user won a
  game where his/her opponent quit out of the active game.


• Fixed an issue in private matches with friends where all users would disconnect when attempting to play a second game.


• Fixed an issue where games in online leagues would diverge if users made changes to the default roster.


• Addressed an issue where completed ranked games would sometimes not report the results to the server.

MY PLAYER

• Fixed an issue that would cause a clone of the user’s player to be created when changing teams at the end of the Summer Circuit. Existing cloned players will be removed
  with this patch.


• Tuned the substitution logic such that users should no longer be substituted out only to be
  substituted in at the next dead ball.


• The logic that determines whether or not you get an invite to Training Camp, make the NBA team, and get an invite from an NBA team while in the NBA D-League have all
  been changed to be a little more forgiving.


• Resolved an issue where the 2K Insider was not informing the user of his/her contract status at the conclusion of a 10-day contract.


• Fixed a rare case that would cause a hang during the offseason following a My Player season.


• Animation packages will no longer be reset to the ‘best’ package every time a corresponding attribute is upgraded.


• The user’s ‘Drills Remaining’ value will now be properly saved as new drills are accumulated
  throughout the NBA/D-League season.

ASSOCIATION

• The ability for the user to upload their Association stats/standings to the blog interface on
  2KSports.com has been added.


• Fixed an issue where player ratings would drop upon the successful completion of a Development Drill.


• Tuned the Player Progression system such that Shot Tendencies will progress/regress over a
  player’s career. Additionally, general Player Progression/Regression has been slightly increased as well.


• Fixed an issue where the number of players the user had sent down to their D-League affiliate wasn’t getting reset despite recalling players back to their NBA team.


• Fixed an issue where draft classes loaded in future years would change the age of the prospects inside the draft class. They should now have the same age they were created
  with.


• 10-day contracts should now work in year 2 and beyond.


• Lower rated players should now be more accepting of the ‘Role Player’ role.


• Stats accumulated during NBA D-League games will no longer register as Season/Career Highs for players.


• Corrected an issue where users were able to continue drafting players once the NBA Draft had ended.


• Users should no longer have an obstructed view of the court when performing Development Drills.


• Users should no longer be able to see the overall rating of players during the NBA Draft.


• Corrected an issue where backloaded contracts were getting incorrectly multiplied in the latter years of the contract.