Xbox ads won't hinder play

Microsoft has revealed it's planning to plop adverts on the Xbox Live dashboard and is trying to appease grumblers by insisting the ads won't get in the way, writes Video Games Republic.

“I need to let you know that you don't need to worry about a huge influx of ads across the dashboard,” a post on Major Nelson said. “One of our core principles is to enhance, not interfere with the gaming experience and we work directly with our partners to only deliver experiences that are relevant to the Live community,” the post continued.

It goes on to say that the Silverlight technology, which is a new competitor to Flash, will “make those ads a more organic part of the dashboard” assuring fans it won't end up looking like a billboard-plastered city.

It has been announced that SA's annual gaming and technology expo, rAge, will return this year in what will be the seventh running of the event, looking set to be “wall-to-wall with the latest cutting-edge computer and videogames, technology, gaming gadgets and lifestyle entertainment products”, reports EL33TOnline.

Senior project manager of rAge, Michael James said: “The expo has enjoyed an average year-on-year attendance growth of 30% and exhibitor growth of 20%, making it the biggest and fastest-growing expo of its kind in the country.”

rAge will take place from 2 to 4 October at the Coca Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.

Families going to the movies will get a chance to experience the first interactive family 3D game, debuting in 20 UK-based Vue theatres on 10 July, according to AHN.

Theatre-goers will have the chance to play the 3D game 'Asteroid Storm' that will have players control a damaged spaceship that needs the audience's help to guide the ship safely out of an asteroid belt.

The Starship 02 is controlled by different areas of the audience as they put their hands up into the air. Two cameras that are mounted on the ceiling use infra-red scanners to follow hand movements. The sensors in the camera then translate the movements through a gaming server which projects the movements of the ship into real-time.