Microsoft unveils Xbox Live Arcade line-up for 360

Microsoft has revealed that more than 20 titles from major publishers are due for release via the Xbox Live Arcade service during the Xbox 360's launch window period.

Peter Moore made the announcement during his keynote speech at the Digital Life event in New York. He confirmed that the likes of Electronic Arts, Midway, Capcom, Vivendi, Konami, Sega and Namco are already committed to Xbox Live Arcade.

"The next generation of Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 will enhance the gaming experience for casual and competitive gamers alike, across the globe, providing something for everyone with world-class games and captivating content," said Moore.

SEGA's Scott A. Steinberg commented: "We're proud to be part of Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360, the world's first and only destination where gamers can find, download and buy smaller games directly to their console."

"Retro, casual and hardcore gamers will be pleased to have access to the selection of quality SEGA titles we plan to offer via the new Xbox Live Arcade."

Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 will be up and running in each territory come console launch day - November 22 in the US, December 2 in Europe and December 10 in Japan. Each console will come with the Xbox Live Arcade feature built in, and a full version of Hexic HD, a puzzle game designed by Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov, preloaded on the hard drive.

360 owners will be able to access and download new content via the Live Marketplace, and try out demos of each game for free. Microsoft plans to make 35 downloadable titles available by summer 2006, including everything from sports games and strategy titles to coin-op and retro classics.

Xbox Live Arcade games announced so far are:

• Astropop (Popcap Games)
• Bankshot Billiards 2 (pixelStorm, Inc.)
• Bejeweled 2 (Popcap Games)
• Crystal Quest (Stainless Games)
• Feeding Frenzy (Popcap Games)
• Gauntlet (Midway)
• Geometry Wars 2 (Bizarre Creations)
• Hardwood Backgammon (Silver Creek)
• Hardwood Hearts (Silver Creek)
• Hardwood Spades (Silver Creek)
• Hexic HD (Microsoft)
• Hoopworld (Streamline Studios)
• Jewel Quest (iWin.com)
• Joust (Midway)
• Marble Blast Ultra (GarageGames)
• Mutant Storm Reloaded (PomPom Games)
• Output Kaloki (Wahoo Studios)
• Robotron 2084 (Midway)
• SmashTV (Midway)
• Wik: Fable of Souls (Reflexive)
• Zuma (Popcap Games)

Publishers and developers who have signed up for Xbox Live Arcade include:

• Atari
• Bizarre Creations
• Capcom
• Codemasters
• CTXM
• Digital Eclipse
• Electronic Arts
• Empire Interactive
• Gaia Studios
• GameHouse Studios
• Garage Games
• Gastronaut Studios
• Hamster
• Harmonix
• HipSoft
• Hudson Soft
• iWin
• Konami
• Llamasoft
• Load, Inc
• Mad Doc Software
• Majesco
• Microsoft Game Studios
• Midway Home Entertainment
• Mumbo Jumbo (United Developers)
• Naked Sky Entertainment
• Namco
• Oberon Media
• Pick Up And Play
• pixelStorm, Inc
• PlayFirst
• PomPom Games
• Popcap Games
• Q Entertainment
• RealNetworks, Inc
• Reflexive Entertainment
• Secret Lair Studios
• SEGA
• Silver Creek Entertainment
• SNK Playmore
• Stainless Games
• Streamline Studios
• Tik Games
• Ubisoft
• uWink
• Vivendi Universal Games
• Wahoo Studios
• Wanako Games
• Wild Tangent