Microsoft Might Be Beta Testing A Live Poker Game

Posted by BradNicholson (812 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Microsoft Game Studios let 1 Vs. 100 fadeaway , but it appears as if the publisher is still intent on making games with the same Primetime structure. Kotaku has obtained a supposed e-mail from Microsoft that calls for beta testers for a title named Texas Heat, a regularly scheduled live poker game that will ask players to "play, win, and compete, against thousands of players around the world." Texas Heat will feature a bankroll to keep track of winnings, and will somehow incorporate unique tells in addition to our custom avatar items and gear. Much like 1 vs. 100 before it, it will also shower winners with prizes as they compete online.

Interestingly, it appears as if Texas Heat is just one scheduled show under an umbrella called "Full House Poker." However, it's also the only game for Full House Poker mentioned in this alleged email.

Sadly, information about Texas Heat and Full House Poker stops at "live" show. Microsoft doesn't even make it clear that Texas Heat will feature the often-televised and much more popular variant of standard poker, Texas Hold 'Em, though its inclusion is implied by the name alone.

With 1 Vs. 100 gone, I'd prefer The Weakest Link Live, but a poker game will do nicely too. Assuming that Texas Heat will be very similar to the first (and so far only) Primetime title, would you be willing to participate? Or are the ads, the odd transitions, and the structure too much for you?

#1 Posted by BradNicholson (812 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Microsoft Game Studios let 1 Vs. 100 fadeaway , but it appears as if the publisher is still intent on making games with the same Primetime structure. Kotaku has obtained a supposed e-mail from Microsoft that calls for beta testers for a title named Texas Heat, a regularly scheduled live poker game that will ask players to "play, win, and compete, against thousands of players around the world." Texas Heat will feature a bankroll to keep track of winnings, and will somehow incorporate unique tells in addition to our custom avatar items and gear. Much like 1 vs. 100 before it, it will also shower winners with prizes as they compete online.

Interestingly, it appears as if Texas Heat is just one scheduled show under an umbrella called "Full House Poker." However, it's also the only game for Full House Poker mentioned in this alleged email.

Sadly, information about Texas Heat and Full House Poker stops at "live" show. Microsoft doesn't even make it clear that Texas Heat will feature the often-televised and much more popular variant of standard poker, Texas Hold 'Em, though its inclusion is implied by the name alone.

With 1 Vs. 100 gone, I'd prefer The Weakest Link Live, but a poker game will do nicely too. Assuming that Texas Heat will be very similar to the first (and so far only) Primetime title, would you be willing to participate? Or are the ads, the odd transitions, and the structure too much for you?

#2 Posted by Kyreo (4594 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Dude I love Poker. This is perfect.... at least I hope it will be.

#3 Posted by RiotBananas (3600 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

More rumours.

#4 Posted by mustachioeugene (442 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Perfect host; Chris Cashman. His last name has CASH in it! The title practically writes itself

#5 Posted by Edin899 (608 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Why did my comments get deleted? Wtf

#6 Posted by Sin4profit (2600 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

curious...do you bet achievement points? i doubt it but that'd be sweet...AND terrible at the same time!

#7 Posted by MikkaQ (9715 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Yeah, but now I can play video game poker with Max, and the Heavy from TF2, it kinda makes this less exciting than it could be.

#8 Posted by zombie2011 (4663 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

fucking yes if this is true.

#9 Posted by rentfn (1160 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I like the poker arcade game that is on live so i'll be pumped for this.

#10 Posted by JohnDudebro (915 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I dunno, I have a feeling this is totally true.

Call it a hunch, but I'm nearly positive these emails did in fact go out.

A "hunch".

#11 Posted by goodwood (600 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Damn you other beta testers why cant you keep secrets!

#12 Posted by ShaunM (82 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

No Chris Cashman, no interest.

#13 Posted by Sogeman (816 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

If this once again isn't available in my country, I'm going to shout.

#14 Posted by Alphazero (1523 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Poker's pretty 2005. We're all about Deerhunter style roulette now. When someone loses you get showered with... well... let's just say not prizes.

#15 Posted by scarace360 (4828 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Does canada get it first again. Come on we need something.

#16 Posted by fazzle (267 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I would play this way too much, assuming there would be games on when I'm not working.

#17 Posted by spiceninja (2985 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

So it's Poker Night at the Inventory but with Full House characters? Sign me up!

#18 Posted by MrHammeh (196 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Would be interested if there were actually nice prizes, otherwise I will stick with my Pokerstars on the PC. =)

#19 Posted by DiscoDuck8k (493 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Poker, seriously? I'd much rather have the trivia.

#20 Posted by Azteck (7330 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@Sin4profit: I'd never play then!

#21 Posted by oopprraahh (47 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@DiscoDuck8k said:

" Poker, seriously? I'd much rather have the trivia. "

yup

#22 Posted by Azteck (7330 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Oh wait, I just realized I'd never play it anyway because it'll probably NEVER BE AVAILABLE IN EUROPE LIKE USUAL.

#23 Posted by Ignor (2372 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Will it have Kinect support?

#24 Posted by elwillow (64 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I don't mind the ads. For stuff to be free it a necessary evil.

#25 Posted by Magicallystoopid (467 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

This is actually a cool idea, just Chris Cashman to host it and I'll gladly do it.

#26 Posted by tsigo (93 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

People still care about poker?

#27 Posted by TJSmash (83 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Why is Giant Bomb posting pics with Kotaku watermarks?

Online

#28 Posted by mekon (251 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@TJSmash said:

" Why is Giant Bomb posting pics with Kotaku watermarks? "

Credit where it's due?

#29 Posted by patrick (539 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@tsigo said:

" People still care about poker? "

what is this i don't even

#30 Posted by Jack_Daniels (1396 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Could be fun if done right. A poker tournament takes more then an hour though when you have lots of players. One round of poker takes about an hour. Also this will only be fun if its no limit.

#31 Posted by timmysprinkles (75 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@DiscoDuck8k said:

" Poker, seriously? I'd much rather have the trivia. "

Agreed

#32 Posted by Killroycantkill (1320 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I think the real question is; does it come with a pre order bonus hat for my Heavy in TF2?

#33 Posted by Det1 (187 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@Killroycantkill said:

" I think the real question is; does it come with a pre order bonus hat for my Heavy in TF2? "

No, but you can earn avatar hats and achievements.

#34 Posted by marrec (256 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Fuck this, I want 1 vs. 100. I can't play Poker against my Wife while we're sitting on the same couch like we could with 1 vs. 100.

#35 Posted by Skald (4366 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Wow, can't play internet poker anywhere else.

#36 Edited by subyman (334 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

No more beta solicitations to kotaku anymore lol. Aren't you supposed to keep this stuff quiet when you receive it? Actually, I got the email as well and here is a bolded line in it:

This beta program is highly confidential . Please do not discuss the game or the beta program with anyone.

#37 Posted by bwmcmaste (806 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@Det1 said:

" @Killroycantkill said:
" I think the real question is; does it come with a pre order bonus hat for my Heavy in TF2? "
No, but you can earn avatar hats and achievements. "

...And it comes with a Daft Punk CD.

#38 Posted by zudthespud (3204 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I love how game journalism now involves writing about what other websites are writing.

Fair play Brad for the easy gig, I just think it's a waste of bandwidth.

#39 Posted by Dinoracha (49 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I'm rather disappointed that 1 Vs 100 is gone; however, I'll give them props for bringing a new event up, not just scrapping these prime time things as a whole.
Well played, sirs.

#40 Posted by confideration (321 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

thanks but no

#41 Posted by Hector (3203 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I hope this is true.

#42 Posted by Meteora (5783 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I thought Microsoft completely gave up on Primetime.

#43 Posted by ahaisthisourchance (1649 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Screw Microsoft! I'd rather have a decent pokergame with a twist.

#44 Posted by LordAndrew (13812 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

@TJSmash said:

" Why is Giant Bomb posting pics with Kotaku watermarks? "

Where else are they supposed to get an image for something that does not officially exist? That's where the image came from.

#45 Posted by Sil3n7 (1013 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

These live shows are really interesting and are really a great product of this "online all the time" environment we now live in

#46 Posted by Garfield360UK (453 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I am glad to see Microsoft possibly are considering a prime time return if this rumour turns out to be true. However I am sadened by it being a poker game, "The Weakest Link" or "Deal or No Deal" or "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" would have been more accepted as a game for all to play really.

#47 Posted by NikoBellic (41 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I got a request to be part of the beta for this. Email from Microsoft that I had to answer a questionnaire and they would be back in touch with me...d
Interesting.....

#48 Posted by carlthenimrod (1539 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

I love to play Texas Hold 'Em so sign me up. I just hope I can win stuff or something.

#49 Posted by Piranesi (439 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

Well, you could ask but I don't think Bob's available ...

#50 Posted by gakon (1938 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago

[card game term] [card game]

Xbox Live Primetime

A now discontinued Xbox Live service which was based around scheduled programming. The intention was that Xbox Live users could log in at a specific time, find friends, and experience live events.

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