Can today's latest games cause Xbox overheating? (problems)

[Chango]

I got Rage yesterday; after about 2 hours of play my Xbox overheated for the first time.

I've heard people complaining that LA Noire caused overheating... it possible that the latest games are pushing the current harware too far? Can a game cause the machine to overheat or is it a technical impossibility?

[Hamtonfordbury]

I leave my system on its side with plenty of breathing room on both sides. I haven't had many heat problems with mine, and I have played LA Noire. Just to be safe I usually try not to exceed 4 hrs straight, but some games get me hooked.