Microsoft selects Babel for the Authorized Xbox Test Program
Babel, a world leader in specialist outsourced services to the games industry, has been selected as one of only three Microsoft approved European test houses for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, it was announced today. As part of the Xbox Authorized Test Program, Babel offers a complete range of functionality, localisation and Technical Certification Requirements checks as well as peripheral compatibility, network emulation and benchmarking.
The Program is designed to make available consistent, high quality and scalable 3rd party test resources to developers and publishers of Xbox titles worldwide. Babel will receive technical support, training and equipment from the Program.
"If publishers and developers require 3rd party testing for their titles prior to submitting to Microsoft for certification, we are encouraging them to talk to the Authorized Xbox Test Vendors who will be the only test houses supported by the Xbox Game Quality team," said John Barr, Xbox Game Quality Program Manager. "We're delighted that Babel has joined the Program."
Babel has already worked on many hit Xbox titles including Juiced, The Incredibles, Black Hawk Dawn, Championship Manager, Conflict Vietnam and Terminator 3. The company's clients include Microsoft, Sony, SEGA, Nintendo, Atari, Eidos, THQ, Capcom, Disney, SCi, NovaLogic and Namco.
Babel has offices in Brighton, New Delhi and Santa Monica, and was selected for the Program on the basis of its track record, current client services, quality and training standards, security, infrastructure and scalability.
The company currently employs 150 full-time and freelance testers in Brighton and New Delhi, working across functionality, localisation, online and technical QA. Increasingly the company is working on multiple platform, multiple language titles that require the full range of Babel's services from localisation, audio and print to QA and marketing services.
'We are very pleased to join the Authorized Xbox Test Program," said Algy Williams, Managing Director of Babel. "It's a great milestone for the company, and provides us with the tools and training necessary to deliver the highest quality service to our clients."
Notes to Editors
Babel is the industry leader in specialist outsourced services for the games and interactive entertainment industry. The company has offices in Brighton, New Delhi and Los Angeles providing comprehensive games-focused localisation, QA, certification, audio, print and marketing services.
Clients include Microsoft, Nintendo, SEGA, Atari, SCi, Capcom, Vodafone, Namco, Activision, Sony, THQ, Disney, Majesco, NovaLogic, Hip Interactive, iFone, THQ Wireless, Orange, Motorola, Digital Bridges, Eidos, Bandai, Taito, Capcom, Gameloft, Cenega and SEGA.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.