The Xbox one may have come a long way since its launch, but back when it was still suffering from the disastrous reveal at E3 2013, it was trying to get all the good publicity that it could get. YouTube group Machinima came up with a program for just that- make a positive video about the Xbox One, get paid extra. And of course, don’t talk about this program, because NDAs.

It was shady and underhanded, and apparently, the Federal Trade Commission in the United States thinks so too. Slamming Machinima for deceptive marketing, done without full disclosure, they released a statement pointing out that a settlement had been reached that would prevent Machinima from pulling something like this ever again.

“In numerous instances, Respondent has failed to disclose, or disclose adequately, that the individuals who posted the reviews were compensated in connection with their endorsements,” wrote the FTC. “This fact would be material to consumers in their purchasing decisions regarding Xbox One and the Launch Titles. The failure to disclose this fact, in light of the representations made, was, and is, a deceptive practice.”

Yeesh. I mean, under Spencer, the Xbox division seems to be a different entity entirely, but yikes, guys.

Microsoft’s public perception with the gaming public, which was at an all time high after the initial success of the Xbox 360, began to take a nosedive in that console’s later years, as Microsoft repositioned the machine as a casual media center, and began to focus too much on peripheral apps and experiences instead of core games. Then after last year’s initial Xbox One reveal, it took a beating.

It follows then, that Microsoft wants to reverse its image, but the way it has apparently gone about it is underhanded, sneaky, and even illegal. If true, Microsoft may find itself in a lot of trouble.

Ars Technica reports that a leaked document reveals that Microsoft and Machinima are paying popular Youtube personalities to speak about the Xbox One, preferably positively, at worst neutrally; while endorsement deals like this are far from outrageous, they are usually accompanied by a message or notification that the content is in fact paid for, sponsored, or just flat out an advertisement.

But, the document Ars Technica has specifically says that “video creators may not say anything negative or disparaging about Machinima, Xbox One, or any of its Games, and that must keep the details of the promotional agreement confidential in order to qualify for payment.”

This is a clear violation of FCC rules that mandate that every advertisement or sponsored message is clearly labeled as such, and Microsoft and Machinima may find themselves in a world of hurt if this is true.

Responding to the increasing controversy around the incident, Microsoft and Machinima released a joint statement earlier today:

“This partnership between Machinima and Microsoft was a typical marketing partnership to promote Xbox One in December. The Xbox team does not review any specific content or provide feedback on content. Any confidentiality provisions, terms, or other guidelines are standard documents provided by Machinima. For clarity, confidentiality relates to the agreements themselves, not the existence of the promotion.”

We’ll keep you updated on the story as it develops.

Earlier this morning, Machinima released the first trailer for Borderlands: Jack’s Exodus, which is a live action series that will be based off of Borderlands 2. You can see the trailer above, or check out the project’s website here.

This won’t be the only Borderlands related content that fans can look forward to next year though- in addition, there is a PlayStation Vita port of Borderlands 2 coming as well, as well as a Telltale Games developed adventure game series similar to The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us hitting next year as well, so it sounds like Gearbox is pimping out the brand for all that it’s worth.

For those of you who are interested in the live action series, however, the first episode will on January 3rd at the Games on Film festival in Washington D. C.

Stay tuned to GamingBolt for more coverage on this, and everything else Borderlands related.

Debuting at this year’s E3, Ryse: Son of Rome sees you take control of Roman general Marius Titus and his infantry as they go about taking part in epic battles and just laying the hurt on whoever is foolish enough to get in their way. Ryse has attracted a ton of controversy due to criticism of its QTEs and its resolution, but the footage we’ve seen thus far gives us hope.

Ryse: Son of Rome releases on November 22nd alongside the Xbox One across 13 territories worldwide. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

Machinima is one of the most popular apps on the Xbox 360, so it stands to reason that it would also show up on Microsoft’s next generation Xbox One console. And sure enough, the console is getting an exclusive Machinima app, one that we are promised provides ‘a highly integrated Xbox One experience.’

The app will be fully multitaskable (meaning it can work using the Xbox One’s Snap feature, running side by side with the game you are playing, and even providing a selection of curated videos on the game you are playing as you play it); in addition, the app will also support the Xbox SmartGlass feature, which will provide the exact same experience as the Snap functionality, except with Machinima occupying your second screen (tablet or smartphone) so that your TV screen can be dedicated to your game.

The app launches on November 22, along with the Xbox One itself.

[Official Xbox Website]

Raise the Bar is a sort of retelling of the events of Black Mesa in the original game. It showcases how different characters – from Barneys to scientists – used the iconic crowbar in their last moments. It’s somewhat poetic and also fairly gruesome. The question is: Does the G-Man raise the bar? You’ll need to watch to find out.

For those keeping track, it’s now been more than six years since the release of Half Life 2: Episode 2, with still no Half Life 3. And thus the wait continues.

Machinima is a combination that blends the words “gaming” and “cinema” and is used in short films that are animated and recorded within a video game engine. Machinima in many aspects represents traditional film making.

The engines that are used in some of the names mentioned in the list will be familiar to most of you. Regardless of whether the videos are good or bad, they take a lot of work especially in developing the video and editing and syncing it according to the sounds. So take a peek at some of the Top Machinima videos and be amazed.

Do you agree with our list? Do you have anything else to add? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more exciting features and top 10 lists, please click here. Stay tuned to GamingBolt for more news and updates.

100.Election Coverage Rallying the Voters – Sims 3

The video was created using the Sims 3 engine. The people who made this short but really funny video must have had a blast. The trailer was quite amusing to watch, especially the facial expressions and the whole parody of the election race. The ending was quite priceless as well.

In short: Yes, Mojang could’ve claimed revenue from all videos that used Minecraft in some shape or form for profit. They thankfully refused though, as stated on Twitter:

We had a meeting with YouTube and got told we could get a cut of all Minecraft video ad revenue. It was tempting.

— Markus Persson (@notch) May 16, 2013

The developer also revealed on Reddit that video site Machinima demanded a cut of their revenues, stating that, “their videos were driving sales for Minecraft, and that they should get a cut.

“While that was almost certainly true, and that this is one of the reasons we allow videos (another one is that I personally love watching gameplay videos, especially speed-runs), they’re also making money off our work. It’s the perfect example of a win-win situation, and them asking money from us was just offensive.”

He went on to state that Machinima has “amazing engineers and passionate directors, but their business practices are insane.”

Director of Xbox programming Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb stated that, “We worked with Machinima in the past to launch the digital series ‘Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,’ and knew that they would be an ideal partner for the release of our first global app. The sheer volume of downloads is a great milestone that demonstrates the popularity of Machinima among Xbox owners.”

Machinima CEO Allen DeBevoise added that, “We are excited to be the first global app on Xbox 360. The overwhelmingly positive response from the consumers validates the true worldwide power of the Machinima audience and brand. We know our audience watches video on Xbox. Developing the Machinima app makes it easier for them to watch, engage with, and share our content.”

RSA President Jules Daly stated that, “There is a plethora of great talent here and sometimes they don’t have a platform for great ideas that would work well in shorts.

“It could be an established director wanting to try something new, or a brilliant young director from Sweden who surprises us. This is the future, it’s new territory we believe we must investigate.”

Scott stated that, “RSA has always been at the forefront of creating innovative work. With new media transforming the way audiences connect with films and filmmakers, Machinima is a great partner for us as we embark on this new model of delivering original content to fans.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for pushing the creative boundaries for both our filmmakers and the audience.”

Scott and Daly will serve as executive producers for all 12 short films, but it will be Machinima that decides who will direct each and what the ultimate goal of each film will be.

Source: GIBiz