In early September, Xbox Live General Manager Ron Pessner showed you how Xbox SmartGlass will be an integral part of your entertainment on Xbox One. He shared a few examples of how the companion experience will be used in games, but today we’re excited to share more specific details.

“Dead Rising 3,” “Project Spark” and “Just Dance 2014” each utilize SmartGlass in unique and compelling ways that complement the core gameplay experience. Here’s a bit more detail, directly from the developers of these highly anticipated games:

“Dead Rising 3” – from Josh Bridge, Executive Producer (Capcom)





When Microsoft gave us the opportunity to use Xbox SmartGlass in “Dead Rising 3,” we immediately established two simple goals: Integrate the experience into the storyline and fiction of Los Perdidos, and ensure the experience is additive, yet rewarding.

We’re now about two months from launch and I’m excited to say I think we’ve accomplished both of these goals.

In “Dead Rising 3,” SmartGlass becomes your in-game smartphone, compatible with all Windows 8, iOS and Android SmartGlass-enabled devices. As Nick Ramos, you’re trying to escape Los Perdidos and fight your way through thousands of zombies before an impending military strike wipes the city (and everyone still in it) off the map. Thankfully, Nick’s not alone. There are other survivors banding together with the same purpose.

Early in the story, Nick finds a smartphone. At this point the player can connect their SmartGlass device and turn it into a Zombie Defense and Control PDA. This is totally optional, but again, we wanted to make it a rewarding and fun experience that feels fully integrated into the game – not just tacked on.

Here are the features Nick’s ZDC PDA will support:

Exclusive Side Missions and Rewards: You will receive phone calls and text messages from in-game characters on your SmartGlass device which will activate special missions exclusive to SmartGlass users. These missions have their own story that feeds back into the fiction of “Dead Rising 3″ and will reward players with exclusive weapons and additional support applications for your ZDC PDA.

Mission Tracker: Track your progress towards all your active missions without having to pause and navigate the in-game menus. SmartGlass gives you a mission checklist as well as a map for quick reference as you fight your way through the zombie hordes.



Los Perdidos News Ticker: With the news ticker, you’ll get updates and hints on where zombie outbreaks are happening around the city, giving you an edge as you plan your escape (or attack!).

Real-Time Map: Shows your location in Los Perdidos, the location of your co-op player and other points of interest in the world.



Support Applications: Use the ZDC Military Support app to request drone gun support, military grade flares to distract zombies or an air strike to decimate an infected area. You can also utilize Item Finders to locate specific weapons, vehicles and stores scattered throughout Los Perdidos, or the Backup app to call in survivors to help you fight and get Hints to help with missions or boss fights.



With Xbox SmartGlass, we’re unlocking a new layer of gameplay and are bringing you deeper into the world of “Dead Rising” than ever before, and we can’t wait to unleash the game to the world starting Nov. 22.









“Project Spark” – from Saxs Persson, Director Microsoft Studios (Team Dakota)



“Project Spark” is all about putting the power of creation in your hands, and we’re literally doing that with Xbox SmartGlass available on all Windows 8, iOS and Android SmartGlass-enabled devices.



What we have created is not really a “companion” app as much as a mirror of the Xbox One experience, and more. It delivers the full power and visual fidelity of Xbox One with the additional benefit of the Windows 8 touch interface and a virtual keyboard on the device connected via SmartGlass. This means that you can play, create, and share on SmartGlass devices.



Anything you can do on your Xbox One in “Project Spark,” you can do with “Project Spark” on SmartGlass. This even includes playing games built with, and designed for, touch input.



SmartGlass infinitely expands the possibilities of “Project Spark” user-created games on Xbox One. For example, someone could create a touch-only based game and, using SmartGlass, Xbox One players can play, remix, and share that game without platform limitations. Creators could even create games where there is a mix between the two – a shooter or action game where controller works best, and then puzzles that require touch input to solve.



Our goal is to open players’ imaginations and give them the tools they need to create anything they can dream up. Combining SmartGlass with Xbox One lets us deliver on that promise. Team Dakota is extremely excited to see what you can create with these powerful tools.



We’re introducing the game to the world at the end of October via a closed beta for Windows 8, and then enabling the beta on Xbox One in January. You can register at www.projectspark.com.





“Just Dance 2014” – from Dale Scullion, Lead Game Designer (Reflections, Ubisoft)





Xbox SmartGlass has enabled us to take the interactive party experience to the next level for “Just Dance 2014.” Here at Ubisoft we have designed a range of new features that really compliment the Kinect platform. Now, anyone with a smartphone device or tablet is able to connect to the game using the SmartGlass application and instantly take control of the game… and the party.



One of the SmartGlass-enabled features in “Just Dance” is the ability to set up endless playlists during gameplay. Players can set up play lists featuring their favorite “Just Dance 2014” songs like Psy’s “Gentlemen” or One Directions “Kiss you.” The player also has the ability to add or remove songs during gameplay allowing them to transform the soundtrack of the party instantly.



In addition, “Just Dance 2014” creates instant video recaps of a dance session in a feature called Autodance. Autodance videos feature the coolest moments of a party mixed together and presented as a music video at the end of a song. The player also has the ability to edit the videos and apply crazy and funny effects. This is where the SmartGlass functionality really shines! By using the touchscreen controls, players are able to edit these videos effortlessly in an editing suite.



Players will also have access to “Just Dance 2014’s” brand new PartyMaster game mode via SmartGlass. PartyMaster gives ultimate control to one player by letting them choose the next dance move in real-time on their smartphone or tablet and even switch tracks mid-song to become the DJ of the party.



SmartGlass makes the classic “Just Dance” experience even more fluid and dynamic—it offers new modes and experiences for player to connect with one another. Smartglass on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One enables players to become the Party Master of “Just Dance 2014!” SmartGlass for “Just Dance 2014” is available for iPhone, Android and Windows devices.