Microsoft's gamescom line-up

COLOGNE — August 17, 2010 — Xbox will transform entertainment at home and on-the-go this year with Kinect for Xbox 360 officially launching in the UK on 10th November, opening up a new world of controller-free games and Xbox LIVE entertainment. Xbox LIVE and a blockbuster line-up of games on Windows Phone 7 will also launch this Christmas, with Microsoft announcing a new line up of LIVE enabled titles coming to the PC.

Gamescom 2010 is the European premiere of Kinect for Xbox 360, introducing millions more people to the intuitive freedom of being controller-free. Kinect for Xbox 360 will have its European premiere at Gamescom 2010, where the show will unveil new games and experiences which demonstrate the depth and breadth of the launch line-up. This includes more than 15 exclusive Kinect titles, including never-before-seen levels, new environments, achievements and characters for “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Adventures,” “Kinectimals” and “Kinect Joyride.” MTV Games and Harmonix will also announce new chart-topping dance tracks for the highly anticipated “Dance Central.”

Speaking before the show, Chris Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe said, “We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at Gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we’re committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox’s global success. With Kinect launching on November 10, it’s set to not only transform our business but also change how we use entertainment. With Kinect, YOU become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We’re already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share[1].”

“This is a crucial time in expansion for Xbox 360, in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox LIVE and multiple platforms. With Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go. With “Age of Empires Online”, “Fable III” and new games still in development , we’re also bringing social, connected gaming experiences to all new audiences on the PC. When you look at what we are bringing to the market this year, with the magic of Kinect, alongside our blockbuster line-up of games, including the biggest game for 2010, “Halo: Reach”, we’re confident that Xbox 360 has something for all the family and will be the gaming and entertainment console of 2010 and beyond.”

More Kinect To Love

New Kinect game experiences which will be unveiled at Gamescom, reveal a never-before-seen depth to controller-free games that will keep the casual or the hardcore gamer entertained for hours. The classic kart racing title “Kinect Joy Ride” features new modes that will keep gameplay fresh and challenging whether playing alone or with friends, whilst “Kinect Adventures” includes thrilling new adventures exploring exotic locations, collecting treasures and earning rewards. There will also be a host of cute new animal friends to help you explore the world of “Kinectimals” and three new events in “Kinect Sports” which are guaranteed to entice the family off the sofa.

The Blockbusters Get Bigger

2010 finds all the biggest blockbusters on Xbox 360, with an amazing 3rd party line-up including the highly anticipated blockbusters “Halo: Reach” and “Fable III” which will be showing off some new features for play at Gamescom, proving that once again Xbox 360 is the best place to play,

A New Era in Mobile Gaming

Gamescom 2010 is also the venue for the global unveil of the first wave of Xbox LIVE games launching on Windows Phone 7. Building on Microsoft’s pioneering work with Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 will be home to a premier, ever-expanding portfolio of Xbox LIVE titles from the most creative minds in game development, including Microsoft Game Studios. From Avatars to Achievements, friends and more, Windows Phone 7 is putting the power of Xbox LIVE into the palm of your hand.

Reinventing Classic PC Franchises

Microsoft will also unveil the newest addition to the best-selling “Age of Empires” franchise, “Age of Empires Online.” Marrying fresh online features with iconic gameplay, “Age of Empires Online” will offer something for long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between. Additionally, Microsoft will announce the development of a new game inspired by the time-honoured “Flight Simulator” franchise. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, these new titles, along with the previously announced “Fable III,” fully integrate the free[2] “Games for Windows – LIVE” online service to deliver compelling, socially-connected gameplay experiences.

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About Kinect

Kinect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways — no controller required. Simple to use and fun to play, Kinect for Xbox 360 allows owners to jump into Kinect-enabled games for any type of play, and the Kinect Hub puts your favourite movies and TV programs, music, live sports, and social networks all in one place. The Kinect sensor recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice and works with every Xbox 360 console (175 MB of memory required). More information about Kinect for Xbox 360 can be found at http://www.xbox.com/kinect.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of 25 million people across 26 countries, expanding to 35 this fall, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

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.

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