The Xbox 360 Uncloaked

[pipo]

Could be interesting: http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2930&Itemid=2

This new book takes in the tale of Xbox 360, and goes behind the scenes to illustrate how the machine came to be, the decisions that were made, who made them and why. Takahashi interviewed 30 Microsoft execs, including all the ones you know, as well as a few who prefer to stay out of the limelight. And he talked to the publishing big cheeses as well as Microsoft suppliers such as IBM, ATI and Seagate.

Next Generation will run two chapters of the book on Monday and Tuesday next week. There's an embargo on the details but we can tell you that they include some juicy details on the early plans for 'Xenon' and how Microsoft saw the need to face up to Sony's technological roadmap for PS3, as well as some great stuff on the arguments that took place behind the scenes, as key decisions were debated among Xbox's elite.

I also spotted the prelude on his blog: http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/05/prelude_the_xbo.html

The Microsoft executives were gathered for a review of the Xbox video game business. All of the numbers reflected the grim losses of going to battle against Sony. The company was losing money, but its online game service was surprisingly strong. Steve Ballmer, the CEO of Microsoft, was pounding with his fist on the table. “Xbox Live is awesome! It’s our differentiator.â€￾ He believed Microsoft could beat out its rivals Sony and Nintendo with better online games and entertainment experiences. He hit the table again and again, shouting “Xbox Live!â€￾ Peter Moore, the new game marketing guy from Sega, quietly watched Ballmer. Moore was astonished at the enthusiasm of his bald-headed boss, whose outbursts were both comical and legendary. Then Ballmer accidentally hit the Polycom voice conferencing phone on the table. It broke. Ballmer stopped pounding and looked sheepish. Ed Fries, the head of Microsoft Game Studios, turned to Moore and said with a smile, “Welcome to Microsoft.â€￾

 

[London Geezer]

Sounds like a story from ShootMyMonkey's chronicles...

 

[pipo]

Just noticed there's a preview up: http://www.spiderworks.com/samples/Xbox360Uncloaked_Preview.pdf

 

[Jabjabs]

That's what I love to hear about Ballmer, a real CEO!

 

[Tap In]

great preview I need to buy the E-book Monday.

It is amazing to read just how much lack of software suport MS had to overcome in the first gen.

It really is a stark contrast to the software picture that they have now. Amazing support on this new machine compared to Xbox.

 

[koldfuzion]

Well, got to give it up to Ballmer for at least giving a S**@. If I had his bank balance I think I'd have trouble getting motivated, other than to stroll down to my beach chair in Cabo and raise my arm to order a Corona. Probably a fun read.