Acey Bongos has posted a self made interview on his blog. You can read it by clicking the link that follows >
Who are you?
I’m Graeme Boyd, and I’m the Xbox Community Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. My GamerTag is AceyBongos - hence www.AceyBongos.com. This here is my blog and I update it with assorted Xbox news.
Do you work for Xbox?
Yup.
What do you do for Xbox?
My job is to represent the European community within the Xbox Team and try to make sure that the voice of the community is heard. I also try to make sure that the community is involved in everything we do.
What’s up with Xbox LIVE?
This is a message from Marc Whitten, General Manager of Xbox LIVE, about the issues:
“During this past holiday season you helped us break a number of Xbox LIVE records. This included our largest sign-up of new members to Xbox LIVE in our 5 year history and just yesterday you broke the record for the single biggest day of concurrent members ever on the service.
As a result of this massive increase in usage we know that some of you experienced intermittent Xbox LIVE issues over the holiday break. While the service was not completely offline at any given time, we are disappointed in our performance. I would like to take this moment to thank you each and every one of you for your patience and understanding as our team has worked around the clock to return the service to a stable state.”
The teams are still working on the problem and will do so until everything is perfect. Apologies for any hassle you’ve had and thanks for your patience!
Is it true that we’re getting a free Xbox LIVE Arcade game because of the problems with LIVE?
This is true - as a thank you we’ll be offering a free XBLA game. Not sure what game it will be or when it’ll be available, but keep your eyes peeled.
Can you fix Xbox LIVE?
I’m afraid that I, personally, cannot fix Xbox LIVE. I wish it was like changing a lightbulb or replacing a fuse, but it’s not that easy. What I can do is take your feedback, thoughts and experiences and communicate them to the wider Xbox team to make sure they’re all aware of the scale of the problem and how you feel about it.
Can you fix Call of Duty 4?
Again, sorry. But again, I make sure the right people know about any problems you’re facing.
When is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the new Warner Bros. movies coming to Video Store, and when are new movies coming to Video Store?
Soon! Sorry that we accidentally promoted them for a short time on Inside Xbox - that was a mistake. Look out for them soon, and after they arrive we’ll have a steady stream of new stuff coming.
When are more Xbox Originals games coming, and what will they be?
Nothing confirmed yet, but more will be coming soon. As soon as I know I’ll let you know.
Can you accept my chat request?
I’m really sorry but I can’t accept chat requests - because since I get so many I’d be sitting all night chatting to people (and sometimes I need to completely concentrate on unlocking Achievements…)! If you want to send me a message please do it through AceyBongos.com.
Can you add me to you Friends List?
It’s full, sorry. I wish I could, but my existing pals might get a bit put-out if I keep dropping them…
Someone says they’ve done something to my console - can you help?
If anyone ever threatens you on Xbox LIVE please report them by using the Guide button, and if you ever have any reason to believe that there is a problem with your Xbox 360 please call Xbox Support.
Why can’t I see a preview of Themes and GamerPics?
Sometimes you’ll get a little preview of them in the Marketplace image, but I know it’s not ideal. Sorry about that!
When is GTA IV coming out?
No confirmed date yet, I’m afraid. When it’s announced I’m sure it’ll be huge news!
Is there a GTA IV demo coming out?
I have no idea - not even secret squirrel knows this stuff.
Do you know Bill Gates?
Ha ha! This one made me laugh! No, I don’t know him. Wish I did, though!
Are you Scottish?
Yes, that’s why I have the Scotland flag on my GamerPic! I’m from Aberdeen, but now live in London.
If you’re Scottish, how come you work for Xbox?
That was another one that made me laugh! There are no rules against it! In fact, there are a few Scots working for Xbox. FREEDOM!
Where did you get your Scotland flag GamerPic from?
SO many people have asked me this - I reckon I should be on commission from Team DZN. It’s from the Team DZN European Rugby Picture pack, which is 160 MS Points.
How do I stop my Pinatas from fighting each other in Viva Pinata?
Some Pinatas just don’t like each other - that’s nature! You can try to seperate them with fences, but sometimes it’s better just to accept that some Pinatas don’t play well together and make decisions about which complementary types you’d like to have in your garden. And sometimes you need your Pinatas to fight or eat each other, so it’s not all bad!
How do you get the Shot Putter Achievement in Crackdown?
I did it by chucking the head of the Shri-Gen corporation off the very top of his tower, since it’s the second highest building in the game. You need to be up high, you need to run and jump before your through to get maximum distance, and you need to chuck something that’s not too heavy.
How do you get the Lucky Winner Achievement in BioShock?
I just caned the first fruit machine I saw and it eventually hit the jackpot. I don’t think it’s any more complicated than that!
Is Monopoly coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade?
This seems like a popular idea. I haven’t heard anything about this, sorry. Would be interesting though, wouldn’t it?
Is Speedball 2 any good?
Yes it is, in a retro sports spectacle kind of way. I’m a big fan, but then I was a big fan when it came out first time around on my Atari ST!
Is Mass Effect any good?
Oh yes. Very good indeed. I found all the dialogue int he first few hours quite heavy-going, but after that it rocks along brilliantly.
Can you bring the Sega classic Cave Man to Xbox LIVE Arcade?
Good idea! Loads of people would like different games to come to Arcade, and it’s always interesting to hear the games discussed. I can’t do it personally, but I can report that you would like it!
When is Fallout 3 coming out?
Not confirmed, but late this year I think.
When is Army of Two coming out?
Not confirmed.
When is Fable 2 coming out?
Not confirmed.
When is Rock band coming out?
Guess what? Not confirmed.
