Xtival 2009

With a leading line up of music content, movies, games and money can’t buy prizes it’s time to party like it’s 2009!

London, 29th April 2009 – This weekend sees the return of Xtival - and this year it is bigger and better than ever before. Xtival 2009 will bring a broad range of entertainment content and experiences from music, movies, game tournaments and promotions from the 1st – 4th May, all available exclusively on Xbox LIVE.

For the first time ever, LIVE users will be able to view full length music concerts, straight to their living room, an experience which has never been offered by any console. Music fans can watch concerts from rock music legends Queen taken from their tour ‘Rock Montreal 1982’, there will also be 3 tracks available, to keep any dedicated Queen fans happy. In addition fans of indie rock favourites Franz Ferdinand can watch their iconic Big Gig O2 Arena 09 in HD, all from the comfort of their sofa.**

‘Xtival 09’ will also satisfy pop music lovers everywhere, with the chance to experience great content from the MSN Xclusives, with Xbox LIVE delivering content previously available only on the PC straight to the TV. This includes performances and interviews from sexy girl group The Pussycat Dolls and up and coming girl band The Saturdays, showcasing material from their debut album ‘Chasing Lights’. In addition, Xbox LIVE have partnered with the world’s biggest selling weekly rock magazine ‘Kerrang’ bringing over 25 exclusive items of content including Placebo, Fightstar, You Me at Six and many many more. Plus, all readers of Kerrang will be offered a unique theme pack experience to join in the Xtival 09 madness!

Xbox LIVE will continue its journey as a diverse entertainment platform, with ‘Xtival 09’ bringing a collection of blockbuster Hollywood film content. Films fans can enjoy Heath Ledger’s ‘Oscar award winning’ and chilling performance as the Joker from the smash hit ‘The Dark Knight, watch Brad Pitt grow younger with time, in the multi Oscar nominated ‘Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Or for some light hearted action there is ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’***

There will also be plenty to keep the gamers happy, with lots of multiplayer tournaments and exclusive prizes on offer. A Call of Duty competition will see one lucky Xbox member win a fantastic trip to Los Angeles. In addition, one singing superstar will have the chance to sing and win a pair of limited edition Lips microphones made with Crystallized™ – Swarovski Elements.

Stephen McGill, Director, Entertainment and Xbox, Microsoft Ltd said, “This is by far the broadest entertainment content spectrum we’ve ever had, with great music, movies, gaming content and a number of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, offered through our games tournaments. This is the first time we are showing full length concerts on the LIVE platform and are showcasing material from such a diverse range of music artists. Not forgetting all the movie stuff available during the weekend”.

Set the alarms, cancel plans, block out your diaries, divert your mobile, Xtival is your chance to round up all your mates, hang out for 3 days, to play, watch, listen and party!

For more details, please visit www.xbox.com/xtival

-Ends-

For press information, please contact:

Nik Thakkar / 020 3047 4087 / nik_thakkar@jcpr.com

Georgina Edwards / 020 3047 4057 / georgina_edwards@jcpr.com

Notes to Editors:

*Xtival is free to all LIVE members – both Silver and Gold.

** Concerts will be available to download at: SD 600 Microsoft points / HD 800 Microsoft points

*** Films will be charged at standard rate but additional behind the scenes footage is available free.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE connects more than 17 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more content from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are — in the living room or across the world. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games plus more standard and high-definition movies on demand than any other device connected to the TV. The digital centre of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

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.