Andre Vrignaud to Amazon

SEPT. 8, 2010 • Amazon.com hired away Microsoft’s director of game platform strategy, Andre Vrignaud. Vrignaud had been with Microsoft since 2002, and has been an instrumental participant in the establishment of Xbox Live. For what purpose Amazon hired Vrignaud has not been disclosed. Impact: We had been surprised that Amazon.com had not seemed to be very aggressive in focusing on digita.....

Xbox Live Gold Subscription Price Increased to $59

AUG. 30, 2010 • Starting Nov. 1 Microsoft will raise the annual Xbox Live Gold subscription to $59.99 from $49.99. The move will make the previously announced Family Subscription a greater value. The Gold Family Pack will provide four Gold memberships for $99. In addition, existing Gold user will be able to roll their single subscription into the Gold Family Pack, The family plan includes a more family-friending dashboard, and content availability will be slight.....

Microsoft China Seeks Approval For Xbox 360 Launch

JULY 29, 2010 • The Shanghai Daily reported that Microsoft China has requested approval from Chinese regulators to sell the Xbox 360 in the country. No timetable has been established since Chinese agencies often evaluate such submissions at their own pace. Impact: The Chinese government banned console systems back in 2000. However, there have been exceptions like the Nintendo iQue. Meanwhile.....