Microsoft Offers More Ways to Play Games for Windows and Xbox 360 at German Games Convention
Posted by: Aaron Lockard on August 23, 2006 11:23:01 AM (126 Reads)

Microsoft's game platforms show unstoppable momentum.

Once again proving that its game platforms offer more ways for gamers to have fun, Microsoft Corp. today announced great new games and accessories for Xbox 360 and Windows gamers. Delivering on the worldwide demand for Xbox 360, Xbox Live and Games for Windows, Microsoft revealed key additions to its Windows Vista showcase library and Xbox 360 titles today at the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig. In addition to announcing new European-centric board games for the hugely successful Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox Live, the premier online gaming service, Microsoft announced that the next generation of soccer will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360 console this year. With "FIFA 07" from Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) and "Pro Evolution Soccer 6" from Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., Xbox 360 will be the only place where gamers can enjoy next generation soccer this year.

Nearly doubling its physical presence at the Games Convention over last year, Microsoft is giving gamers the opportunity to see and play the newest titles for Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. More than 130 game stations and more than 40 titles are available for gamers to test at the Microsoft booth on the convention show floor.

Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade

Hot on the heels of an exciting 2006 FIFA World Cup, EA announced that "FIFA 07," featuring a revolutionary new game engine and online play, will be available on Xbox 360. Konami will also bring "Pro Evolution Soccer 6" to the console, making Xbox 360 the exclusive home to next-generation soccer this holiday season.

In addition, with more and more gamers enjoying the growing number of games on Xbox Live Arcade every day, Microsoft is giving gamers a splash of global influence with the forthcoming release of three board-game-inspired titles from Europe. "Settlers of Catan," "Carcassonne" and "Alhambra" are set to bring the classic board games to the high-definition screen on Xbox Live Arcade via Xbox Live Marketplace.

Games for Windows

Expanding one of the largest game libraries available for any gaming system, Microsoft and industry partners announced two additional family-friendly showcase titles for the new Windows operating system, Windows Vista. "LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy" from LucasArts and "Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania" from Microsoft Game Studios will join the growing list of Windows Vista titles that will offer breakthrough features to push the boundaries of gamers' expectations and set the bar for cutting-edge, next-generation gaming on the Windows Vista platform. Due to release in early 2007, Windows Vista will provide improved experiences for gamers from the most casual gamers to the hard-core enthusiasts through new features such as the Games Explorer, Microsoft DirectX 10 and Parental Controls.

"We promised gamers they would experience a renaissance of gaming goodness on the most popular Microsoft game platform," said Rich Wickham, director of Games for Windows business at Microsoft. "Windows has always provided a fantastic experience for gamers, but Windows Vista and these new games really take advantage of the enhancements in Windows Vista and are just the start of our renewed commitment to Windows gamers."

During its convention keynote address, Microsoft also showed a playable demonstration of the Windows Vista showcase title "Flight Simulator X" using the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller and the new Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. Convention attendees got a glimpse of the exciting new gaming experiences available in the latest iteration of Microsoft's longest-running franchise for Windows operating systems and the next step in cross-platform game controls.

Xbox 360 Accessories

Just in time for the holiday season and adding to the widely acclaimed Xbox 360 Controller, consumers can enhance their already vibrant Xbox 360 and Windows game experiences with several new accessories, including these:

Xbox Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360 system. Consumers can chat via video, send photo messages, put their own face in a game, and customize their gamertag on the Xbox Live network. The camera will be available in the U.S. on Sept. 19 and in Europe on Oct. 6 in two packages:

Xbox Live Vision. This package includes Xbox Live Vision camera, one-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox 360 Headset, and free* downloads of two full-version Xbox Live Arcade games: the popular "UNO" card game and "TotemBall," the new 3-D platform game from Freeverse and Strange Flavour Ltd. that is a mixture of platform skills and puzzles (estimated retail price (ERP) $39.99 U.S./ €49.99**).

Xbox Live Video Chat Gold Kit. This package includes the Xbox Live Vision camera, a 12-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, an Xbox 360 Headset, free* downloads of three full-version Xbox Live Arcade games the "UNO" card game, "TotemBall," and the classic "Robotron" action shooter and 200 Microsoft Points (ERP $79.99 U.S./€89.99**).

Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. For true racing enthusiasts who demand unparalleled driving realism at home, this innovatively designed wheel combines form and function with the latest technology in wireless and force feedback. Consumers who purchase the wheel will also get a limited-edition force feedback version of "Project Gotham Racing 3" while supplies last (ERP $149.99 U.S.**, available in November).

Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Providing the ultimate wireless experience, this headset integrates seamlessly with the Xbox 360 console to provide wireless voice chat capabilities, stylish design and superior voice quality over the Xbox Live network (ERP $59.99 U.S.**, available in November).

Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. By plugging the compact receiver into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port on a PC, gamers can use Xbox 360 wireless accessories on their Windows-based computer (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in late December).

Xbox 360 Faceplates. Consumers can customize their consoles with one of three new special-edition faceplates featuring images from their favorite games, including the "Halo" franchise, "Viva Pinata" and "Forza Motorsport 2" (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in early November).

Emerging Markets

Continuing its commitment to gamers around the world, Microsoft announced availability for the Xbox 360 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Xbox 360 will be launched in Eastern Europe on Nov. 3, following the recently announced launch in South Africa on Sept. 29.

"We're incredibly excited to bring Xbox 360 consoles and game experiences into these countries," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Gamers around the world have spoken: They want Xbox 360 and the unique experiences only Xbox 360 affords them. We are doing all we can to deliver."

--- Related articles after the ad ---

Related Aritcles