Xbox Live to be used in US elections.

Tuesday 26th August 2008 - 17:00


Polls and electoral registration available to Xbox Live users, Sony says "Home is still on track" and Fable II Xbox 360 screens



It's happening over there and perhaps it could happen over here. Microsoft has signed a partnership with US activist group Rock The Vote to boost interest in the upcoming election among young people - especially gamers.

Under the new initiative, American gamers will be able to use Xbox Live to register to vote in the November presidential elections - in addition to also taking part in polls and offering feedback in forums on potential candidates.

"To realise our goal of registering two million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are," said Heather Smith, executive director of Rock the Vote, in a statement. "There's no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live."

Microsoft said that the Rock The Vote campaign to use Xbox Live would begin on 25 August.

Other initiatives that appear to be staying on track include Sony's ambitious answer to Xbox Live that is, PlayStation Home. Home is a real-time online 3D, networked community where players can build physical versions of themselves and even own and furnish their own accommodation! The system apparently allows PS3 users to interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share private content and even build and show off their own personal spaces to others in real time. It has been in development hell for over 18 months, but now we're convinced a release is within touching distance.

In an interview with trade website mcv.com, SCEE president David Reeves confirmed that the open-beta trials were all set for autumn and that an official release announcement was imminent. Speaking after the Leipzig Games Convention conference, he said: "There is no new news, and it's completely on track. The closed beta has just ended and the open beta will launch in Autumn. When that will be announced, I'm not actually sure - but it's all on track and we have lots of third parties on board."

Back to the Xbox 360 to finish off this next-gen bulletin. We have some brand new Fable II screenshots courtesy of Microsoft to drool over - with a release announced for Oct 24. Fable II pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to master hand weapons, ranged combat weapons and magic, each using a different single button on the Xbox 360 controller, making the game approachable and accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers. An open-ended world of adventure will be available for all Xbox 360 gamers to explore at the end of October.