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Lol, wut?!

Somehow, Microsoft have managed to make the Xbox One's approach to always-online connectivity even more confusing than it was before they actually said anything!

Apparently, the upcoming console does not have to always be connected, but it does "require" an internet connection.

During the Xbox One reveal event, Stephen Spielberg revealed that he'll be producing a live-action Halo TV show. Describing the franchise as "myth-making meat" via an on-screen presentation, the legendary director confirmed that he'll be working closely with 343 Industries, and we can assume that the oft-delayed Halo film probably won't be happening any time soon.

Halo: The Television Series will apparently be a "premium" show delivered via Xbox One's television services. We don't know whether it will be pay-per-view or free for Xbox Live Gold members yet. We'd have probably preferred a Halo 5 announcement, but we'll take what we can can get.

One of the things being hotly debated before today's reveal was whether or not Microsoft would be scrapping their yearly subscription service Xbox Live Gold for their next-gen console, especially given Sony and Nintendo's approach to free online multiplayer.

Well, the answer is "no". Xbox LIVE Gold will still exist on the Xbox One, and will apparently "carry over seamlessly" from Xbox 360, "becoming more valuable than ever," according to the freshly published Xbox One fact sheet.

We don't know exactly what that will entail, nor whether we'll see the price increase because of it, but we're fairly certain that we'll find out soon.

Right, let's get what we know out of the way right now: it will be mandatory to install all Xbox One games to the console's hard drive before those games can be played.

It is unknown at this point, however, exactly how this will affect any sort of pre-owned game use, although a fresh report suggests that players will have to pay a fee if they want to use a disc with a second account.

UPDATE: Microsoft have also now confirmed that your Xbox LIVE Gold Membership will carry over to the Xbox One as well.

Microsoft have confirmed that the Xbox One will allow your existing Gamertag, avatar, and all of your hard-earned points for your Gamerscore to be ported over from the Xbox 360.

This one shouldn't come as much of a surprise, and Sony have said the same thing about the PS4. Essentially, due to the x86 architecture employed by the Xbox One, the new console "won't play any existing Xbox 360 games".

Mo-Capped Dogs Confirmed

Call Of Duty: Ghosts took to the Xbox One stage to reveal our first look at their next-generation engine, which seems to do a fantastic job of handling foliage and facial expressions (the latter of which is odd for a game about "masked warriors," but hey ho). Infinity Ward promise that it will be the "best" and "most emotional" Call Of Duty game to date, with writing duties falling to Stephen Gaghan (Traffic, Syriana).

You can watch the gameplay trailer above and hit the jump for the more detailed behind-the-scenes dev diary - along with some more details.

"Xbox! Go Home!"

Xbox One will feature three distinct input methods: a traditional gamepad controller and smartglass functionality underpinned by the all-seeing eye of an upgraded Kinect sensor. The motion-control peripheral promises to be much more than a gimmick, instead both providing numerous shortcuts and voice commands that could make navigation much more intuitive (or at least more enjoyable as you boss your console around).

Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Max Payne and Alan Wake, have announced their exclusive debut game for Microsoft's next-gen Xbox One, titled Quantum Break.

Well, here it is, folks. The Xbox One is now officially confirmed, and described as an "all-in-one entertainment system." Here's a closer look at the console, controller and new Kinect sensor while our coverage is incoming.

Thoughts?

Forza Motorsport 5 has been confirmed as a launch title for Xbox One. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, the game was unveiled as part of Microsoft's Xbox Reveal event earlier today.

8-Core Processor, 8GB Of Memory, Out This Year

Microsoft has officially revealed their next-gen console as Xbox One, an "all-in-one entertainment system" slated for release before the end of the year. Their hefty black box ships with an upgraded Kinect sensor and revamped controller, while an in-built DVR captures game footage as you play. Television, sports, and Skype will play a key role alongside traditional gaming, which now seems to be just a small facet of what Microsoft plans to concentrate on over the next few years.

Oh, and as we'll be reporting soon, games will have to be installed to the hard drive, meaning that users have to pay a fee to play pre-owned games.

More details after the jump, and incoming by the wire.

Major Nelson has lifted the lid on the Xbox LIVE updates coming this fortnight a little early, presumably due to some event thingy happening this evening.

Highlights over the next two weeks involve the surprisingly awesome Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, the complete DLC bundle for NFS: Most Wanted, the addition of Batgirl to the Injustice roster, and a big price cut on Ghost Recon: Future Soldier downloadables and Darkstalkers Resurrection.

If you've been waiting to get involved with ArenaNet's superb MMO Guild Wars 2, you'll be delighted to learn that NCSOFT have permanently slashed the retail price down to £34.99 (naturally we'll keep an eye out for another £19.99 sale!). As Carl explains in our detailed Guild Wars 2 review, it's a uniquely versatile proposition that blends solo storyline progression with massive-scale co-op and PvP options in an unpredictable world.

And you won't have to pay a subscription fee.

Some special events and updates will also be taking place this week, which you can check out through the link. If you do decide to take the plunge, be sure to hang out with Harry McGarnagle (Carl) and Byskk (me) on the Desolation server!

Pre-Order Bonus Lets You Ride A Pig

A new video has emerged showing off some delightfully whimsical Tearaway footage. On top of that, Media Molecule have outlined the pre-order bonuses for their upcoming, inventive Vita title.

But Should Focus On Games, Not Entertainment

Peter Molyneux has praised the Xbox 360's performance this generation, suggesting that Microsoft can 'rightfully' claim to have 'won' it, but reckons that the company needs to reassess their priorities going into the next one.

Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger is out today, as evidenced by our full review and a brand new launch trailer for Ubisoft's downloadable six shooter. A strong bounty hunting campaign and enjoyable arcade mode make this well worth the asking price, pardner.

I'll probably pick this up soon, because I want to be a cowboy, baby [I thought we agreed to never reference Kid Rock - Ed].

Sony Japan Studios' mysterious Panopticon has been outed as 'Freedom Wars,' a "Recovery Multiplayer Action" game for the PS Vita due in 2014. The new reveal trailer builds on the teaser's cyberpunk art direction and massive sci-fi monsters, while revealing that characters constantly display a depleting jail sentence over their heads. Could they be trapped in a virtual prison, perhaps, or is murdering monsters what counts for community service in this bizarre futuristic London?

Either way, check out the new trailer below. We'll bring you more details as we hear them.