Xbox Portfolio Continues to Raise the Bar at E3
Momentum for Xbox continues as the industry's finest boast best-in-class games for current generation.
LOS ANGELES -- May 18, 2005 -- Gaming industry heavyweights are still rolling out top-notch games for the Xbox® video game system. All-stars including Activision Publishing Inc., Buena Vista Games, Electronic Arts Inc., LucasArts, Microsoft Game Studios, Ubisoft Entertainment and Valve Corp. introduced premier current-generation Xbox titles today in what promises to be the most remarkable development portfolio in current generation gaming.
"It's certainly a great time to be a gamer," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Xbox global content and marketing at Microsoft Corp. "While there is obviously a ton of noise around the Xbox 360 TM system, the hardware, software and services of the current Xbox platform are still driving amazing levels of innovation that is producing some of the most exhilarating game experiences yet."
Attendees of this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) can experience the irreverent and entertaining gameplay of "Halo® 2 Multiplayer Map Pack" from Bungie Studios, Microsoft's "Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes" from Blueside Studios and Phantagram Ltd. and Microsoft Game Studios' "Conker TM : Live and Reloaded" from Rare TM Ltd. at the Xbox booth. In addition, gamers can experience a bevy of third-party Xbox titles, including Activision's "Ultimate Spider-Man," Buena Vista Games' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Electronic Arts' "Need for Speed TM Most Wanted," LucasArts' "Star Wars Battlefront TM II," Ubisoft's "Far Cry Instincts" and Valve's "Half-Life 2."
These titles demonstrate the breadth and depth of the current platform, and show what's possible when powerful hardware is combined with inventive software and top-notch online services. Microsoft is fully committed to this generation of Xbox games, and gamers can expect an amazing pipeline of titles into 2007. This year alone, Xbox publishers and developers will deliver more than 200 games to the platform. Since its launch, Xbox has sold 20 million consoles worldwide, and is expected to sell millions more.
Microsoft also continues to provide a growing and thriving Xbox Live TM community with best-in-class games, downloadable content, unique programming, and the expanded features and services found only on Xbox and Xbox Live . Xbox Live remains the only global unified online console games service to offer revolutionary experiences. There are close to 250 Xbox Live -enabled titles available for gamers today, and this portfolio will exceed 300 Xbox Live -enabled titles by holiday 2005.
About Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The tag line, "It's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
About Xbox Live
Now in its third generation of transforming and uniting Xbox game communities, with more than 300 games planned by end of holiday 2005 and now with presence in 24 countries worldwide, Xbox Live has set the bar for online games entertainment. As the first global, unified online console games service, Xbox Live continues to take online gameplay and entertainment to unprecedented heights. With a rapidly growing global community, Xbox Live offers best-in-class games, intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, unique programming and integration with Xbox.com -- there is simply nothing else like it. The service continues to provide more and more ways for members to meet, interact and stay engaged with each other.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox video game system, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon®"; Xbox (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as "Fable" and franchises as "Halo," "Project Gotham Racing®" and "MechAssault®"; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic®."
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.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .