No Need for Gamers to go 'All In'; Full Version of 'Texas Hold 'em' on Xbox Live Arcade is a Free Download for First 48 Hours

LONDON: 16th August, 2006 - Microsoft isn't bluffing: Gamers can log on to Xbox Live within the first 48 hours after launch and download 'Texas Hold 'em' - completely free of charge! This full-featured poker title for Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360 will launch on Wednesday, 23rd August at 0800 GMT / 0900 CET. For 48 hours only - Wednesday, 23rd August until 0800 GMT/0900 CET on Friday, 25th August- as a special limited-time only promotion - gamers can download (and own) the game at no charge (for all Xbox Live Gold and Silver members). Starting at 0801 GMT / 0901 CET Friday, 25th August, 'Texas Hold 'em' for Xbox Live Arcade will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

Not only is 'Texas Hold 'em' free to all gamers, this title comes equipped with features that can only be found on Xbox 360. Designed to simulate the risk-reward of real poker gameplay, keep gamers honest, and discourage opponents from betting too recklessly, 'Texas Hold 'em' has an innovative new feature called Persistent Bankroll. Your virtual bankroll is tied to your Xbox Live Gamertag and keeps a running tally of your chip count. If you lose all of your chips in a poker game, you'll have to play lower stakes buy-in games to make back your stack and earn your way to the big tables.

'Texas Hold 'em' also offers multiplayer support for up to eight gamers, three modes of gameplay (Standard Games, Scenarios and Tournaments), Achievements, extensive online leaderboards and statistics, and high-definition graphics. Enjoy poker night every night with friends, family and gamers around the world (please note that this title may not be available in some countries).

In addition to the exciting release of 'Texas Hold 'em' on 23rd August, gamers can also look forward to new game titles and premium downloadable game content on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays from 16th August until 6th September, including:

· 'Cloning Clyde Picture Pack', the action adventure/puzzle game created by Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee (developer of the popular 'Outpost Kaloki X' for Xbox Live Arcade), will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, 16th August, allowing gamers to check out more unique pictures of Clyde. Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).

· 'Time Pilot', the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download 'Time Pilot' on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, 30th August. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

· 'Scramble', the classic side-scrolling 'shoot-'em up' coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first 'multi-level shooter,' launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday 6th September. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

All Xbox Live Arcade games can be demoed for free on Xbox Live Marketplace. Check out Xbox Live and Xbox.com for continuing updates on exciting new content available to Xbox 360 gamers. As always, all launch dates are subject to change. Gold subscription is required for multiplayer features. A memory unit or hard drive is required to download content from Xbox Live Marketplace.

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About Xbox Live

Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects more than 3 million members across 24 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. The system was first launched in North America, Europe and Japan in 2005 and then in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About the Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division

Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division was created in September 2005 to support the company's software-based services vision and drive innovation in the digital entertainment space. The Entertainment and Devices Division is composed of four main businesses: the Interactive Entertainment Business, which includes both the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses; the Entertainment Business, which focuses on Microsoft's digital entertainment efforts in music, TV and video and includes the MSTV and the Windows XP Media Center Edition products; the Consumer Productivity Experiences Business, which includes the mice and keyboards business, the Macintosh Business Unit, and consumer productivity applications including Encarta, Money and Digital Image Suite; and the Mobile and Embedded Business, which drives the Windows Mobile-based devices business and focuses on the embedded market for Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded and the Automotive Business Unit.

For further information please contact:

Sophie Jackson or Toby Parker on 0207 025 6500