Microsoft and Leading Game Publishers Unveil First Wave of Games for Windows Titles
19th September, 2006
"LEGO® Star Wars® II: The Original Trilogy" and "Company of Heroes" blast off on the Windows scene with the new Games for Windows packaging, branding and game features available only on the Windows platform. The next wave of releases will be from Microsoft Games Studios and include Flight Sim X, Age of Empires III: The Warchiefs, Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania and Zoo Tycoon 2: Zookeeper Collection all of which will be hitting the shelves in October.
Microsoft is excited to announce the recent release of the first game titles carrying the new Games for Windows branding bar and packaging, "LEGO® Star Wars® II: The Original Trilogy" from LucasArts and the Windows exclusive, "Company of Heroes" from THQ. Coinciding with the retail availability of both titles, gamers will easily be able to identify the Windows version with new branding and a familiar DVD-style package.
Microsoft's commitment to Games for Windows will also deliver a new retail experience as additional Games for Windows titles appear on store shelves. Consumers will begin to see the Games for Windows branding within retail stores across the U.K. from now and over the comings months into 2007.
LucasArts and THQ, the first among leading game publishers, are using the Games for Windows branding bar after meeting a set of technical guidelines which will ensure consumers have a consistent, reliable gaming experience on Windows XP and Windows Vista. The guidelines include easier game installation, improved reliability, and support for key Windows Vista features such as the Games Explorer and Parental Controls.
"LEGO® Star Wars® II: The Original Trilogy" (LucasArts) is the sequel to the best-selling "LEGO® Star Wars®: The Video Game," combining the fun and endless customisation ability of the LEGO play pattern with the epic story, characters and action from the revolutionary Star Wars.
"Company of Heroes®" (THQ) is a World War II RTS from Relic Entertainment, the creators of game-of-the-year winners "Homeworld" and "Dawn of War," that brings the cinematic intensity and dynamic battlefields of World War II to life through a truly visceral gaming experience.
These and other new game titles carrying the Games for Windows branding will support wide-screen gaming, can be launched from within Windows Media Center, will be compatible with 64 bit consumer versions of Windows and support the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows (for games which enable gamepads).
About Games for Windows
Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
For more information or hires versions of the box fronts, please contact:
Marie-Claire Suter
UK PR Manager - Xbox & Games For Windows
Tel: +44 (0) 118 909 4599
Email: i-maries@microsoft.com