Microsoft Prepares Beta For Episodic Game Show Full House Poker

Following in the footsteps of the now-cancelled 1 Vs. 100, Microsoft is preparing for a closed beta test for its next Xbox 360 online game show, Full House Poker. The game will offer regularly scheduled Texas Heat poker game shows that players can join to play against others via Xbox Live, reports Kotaku, based on an email sent to possible participants. The game will feature Xbox Live Avatars, allowing users to emote with their character and use items acquired or purchased in the Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace. Players will compete to earn experience points and chips for their bankroll, and will be able to track their progress on the online leaderboards. The previous Xbox Live game show, 1 Vs. 100, allowed players to earn tangible prizes for winning during scheduled events, though the Microsoft has not revealed whether the same will hold true for Full House Poker. In 1 Vs. 100, users could win virtual goods including Xbox Live Arcade Games and Microsoft Points if they were randomly selected to play in the live game. Players selected to sit in the audience could participate, but would not be eligible for prizes. 1 Vs. 100 also featured a live host who provided commentary on the game during the scheduled Prime Time events, though Beta invitations for Full House Poker give no indication whether the new show will feature live commentators. Full House Poker will soon enter closed beta, though Microsoft urges participants to keep information confidential and has not announced a target release date.