GC: Microsoft expands in Europe, stands firmly behind Windows

Microsoft today outlined the future of Games for Windows and announced Xbox 360 exclusivity for football titles, among a number of announcements in a packed Leipzig conference.

During a packed Xbox 360 and Games for Windows conference in Leipzig, the platform holder said that it had fashioned a deal to bring Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and FIFA '07 to Xbox 360 exclusively for the next 12 months - with no other next-generation versions to appear.

It also reiterated that its HD-DVD drive would launch this autumn, although Xbox 360 heavy-hitter Forza Motorsport 2 will be here "this winter" having previously been labelled as "Christmas" - something we're seeking clarification on now.

Later in the year, the company said, its Games for Windows branding campaign would come into full force, with a logo to be visible on many PC game boxes signifying compatibility, parental controls and other features set to become standard with Windows Vista.

Trumpeting the worldwide success of Xbox 360 in its first 10 months on the market, Microsoft also announced plans to launch the console in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic on November 3rd.

Other announcements included the pledge of three new board games to Live Arcade - Carcassone, Alhambra and Settlers of Catan - although there was no news on the release dates for in-development titles like Lumine Live.

Gamers who want to use wireless peripherals with Windows will be able to do so later this year too, thanks to the Windows Wireless Gaming Receiver, priced EUR 49.99, while the Xbox Vision Camera - due out on October 2nd - will retail for EUR 49.99 or EUR 89.99 when bought with a 12 month Xbox Live Gold subscription.

There was also room to announce a partnership deal with BMW/Mini, through which there will be an Xbox Cup for racing taking place in 2007.

The conference played host to innumerable trailers - mostly comprised of already-seen footage, admittedly - as well as product demos of FIFA '07, Live Anywhere on mobile phones, Viva Pinata on Xbox 360 and various Windows Vista titles. Developers including Bill Roper professed their support.

And as part of its XNA strategy for empowering gamers to create their own games, Microsoft also demonstrated a quick and easy drag-and-drop process for creating a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up game.

XNA can create other types of game too though, it said, including one, called Culture, which involves circling weeds on a spherical planet using other flowers.

XNA will also be added to the curriculums of several universities in Europe - three in the UK (Hull, Nottingham and Bradford) and two in Germany (Karlsruhe and Munich's Technical University).

Microsoft also took the opportunity to reiterate that it aims to ship 10 million Xbox 360s worldwide by the end of 2006.

The Leipzig Games Convention continues.