Microsoft announces partnership with Peter Jackson to create two new interactive entertainment series for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live
New exclusive “Halo Wars,” “Splinter Cell,” “Grand Theft Auto,” “Bioshock,” “Banjo Kazooie” and “DOOM” announcements wow crowd; HD DVD version of Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” to be distributed with Xbox 360 HD DVD Player this fall.
BARCELONA, Spain — Sept. 27, 2006 — On the shores of one of the world’s most artistic and progressive cities, Microsoft Corp. today thrilled attendees at its annual X06 event with announcements and gameplay experiences by inviting everyone to play the next generation now on the Xbox 360™ system. The announcements highlight how the world’s greatest game creators are stretching the bounds of what’s possible in high definition and online storytelling and included the following:
The “Kameo: Elements of Power” characters are about to get unique makeovers, this time by the gamers themselves. Play as the newly-created Ash with his Griffin-inspired design; conquer the kingdom as Thermite, who now, quite literally, carries the world on his back; or roll with Major Ruin with his all-new egg-shell armor. Gamers will fall in love with their favorites all over again.
Microsoft and Rare today announced that the 11 winning entries from the “Kameo: Elements of Power Design Your Skin” Contest are available today as free, fully playable downloadable content in the new “Design-A-Skin” pack. The content is available exclusively through Xbox Live Marketplace.
This past spring, gamers from across the globe submitted their original redesigns of “Kameo: Elements of Power” characters to a panel of judges from Xbox and Rare. Entries were judged on creativity and game design and the winning entries are now available for gamers to play.
From renowned game developer Rare, "Kameo: Elements of Power," grants players the ability to morph into unique and incredible warriors allowing the main character Kameo to search out and battle ever-present evil. Boasting impeccable next-generation graphics and innovative gameplay, "Kameo: Elements of Power" shines as a giant leap in game development. Continuing its legacy of creating dynamic puzzles, immersive combat and enormous environments, Rare fuses multiple genres to create a strikingly fun gaming experience destined for widespread appeal. For up-to-date information on "Kameo: Elements of Power," visit the official expanded site at http://www.kameo.com.
About Rare
United Kingdom-based Rare, one of the world’s leading video game developers, was founded in 1985 by Chris and Tim Stamper. Rare has been the mastermind behind some of the most popular video games in history, including such global multimillion sellers as “GoldenEye 007” and “Perfect Dark.”
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems, 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 and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as the upcoming “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo®,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport™”; 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®.”
Today this INSANE but mind blowing list of leaked X06 Content for Tomorrow (Sep. 26th 2006) was posted on a forum today and is making a lot of noise on the xbox forums. This could be a big Lie (the 50-64 player option for halo 3 sounds like a lie). But if most of its true we will be in for a big day tomorrow. Here is what it said and a Link.....
Tommorow is the X06 conference in Barcelona. Some info has been leaked including some big surprises. Here is a list of what is going to be anounced tommorow. Tune in for the confernce at Xbox.com from 6pm GMT.
Gears of War single player and multiplayer videos shown. Playable on show floor.
HD-DVD anouncement. Release date and price for Europe and United States. Ł119.99/E149.99 and December 1st release in Europe.$199.99 USD and November 24th release in US.
All will be bundled with Universal Media Remote.
A new Halo 3 trailer is shown. Some multiplayer info revealed. Aiming for 50-64 player online. Announce that Halo 3 will be the first game to run natively on 1080p. They will make full use of this update. Available in 2007. Playable behind closed doors.
Rumors of a built-in HD DVD sku are greatly exaggerated. We're proudly launching the HD DVD Player as an accessory this holiday. Turns out you want a say in how you spend your entertainment dollars. So who are we to burden every customer with the cost of expensive movie technology?
The Xbox way is to let you customize your high def and online experience.
- You see that in the selection of 160 high definition games we're offering this holiday
- You see that in the pricing of the games, which start at $5 for Arcade games and will soon include a Platinum Hits line
You see that in the two Xbox Live offerings--Silver and Gold
* You see that in the family of more than 20 accessories
-Launch accessories included: Wireless Controller, faceplates, Play & Charge Kits, etc
-Holiday '06 Accessories: Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, Xbox Live Vision Camera, Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, and Xbox 360 HD DVD Player
What about high definition entertainment? We have a broad entertainment strategy that gives you the freedom to personalize your experiences:
* Out of the box: Plays HD games, DVD movies, Mp3 music, and digital photos off devices and discs; Xbox 360 also serves as a media center extender
We have all been anticipating the release of this title for sometime.. Heres the official word from microsoft.
Since the first frightening images appeared a little over a year ago, gamers worldwide have felt the ominous rumblings of something approaching that defies all convention. Sightings as recent as at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2006 have confirmed its existence, leaving gamers breathless. Microsoft Corp. today announced what anxious players have been eagerly awaiting: Emergence Day 2006. Available exclusively for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the highly anticipated title “Gears of War” will be available in North America on Nov. 12, 2006.
Developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, “Gears of War” tells the harrowing story of mankind’s struggle against the monstrous Locust Horde through stunning high-definition graphics and an intense storyline on the scale of a blockbuster movie.
One of the most anticipated next-generation console titles of 2006 and the critic’s choice winner for the E3 2006 Best Console Game, “Gears of War” will explode onto store shelves with a standard edition available for $59.99* and a limited collector’s edition available for $69.99. The limited edition will offer an even deeper look into the graphically stunning and frightening world of “Gears of War,” providing an official “Destroyed Beauty” art book and a bonus DVD featuring an inside look at the making of the game — all enclosed in a highly collectible metal box.
“‘Gears of War’ represents the emergence of a thrilling new franchise for Xbox 360 and is the must-have game of 2006,” said Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “Combining the best in innovative gameplay, next-generation graphics and interactive storytelling, Epic has harnessed the extraordinary power of Xbox 360 to create an extremely powerful and immersive entertainment experience.”
“Our vision is to deliver a one-two punch of cinematic action paired with a thrilling and compelling interactive experience,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer at Epic. “With ‘Gears of War’ we’ve created a title that will place gamers directly in the shadows of a ravaged world, surrounded by the beautiful remnants of a destroyed city and the horrific dangers that hide in the rubble.”
“Gears of War” thrusts gamers into humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Blending the best of tactical action games with the best of survival horror titles, “Gears of War” features cinematic, beautifully rendered interactive environments with high-definition visuals.
Demand for the game is high as retailers anticipate the one-two punch of “Gears of War” and Xbox 360 appearing in quantity on store shelves this holiday season. “The interest and buzz on this game has been intense,” said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop Corp. “Certainly gamers are counting the days until Emergence Day arrives, as pre-orders have been very strong.”
More shots have been fired in the platform holders' war of words this week, with Microsoft claiming that this year will be an "Xbox Xmas."
"We're now ramping up with our partners and you'll see our marketing campaigns continue to pick up pace over the coming months. We're very confident."
And McGill stressed that 360's games portfolio and marketing push will be key. "We've got so much to talk about: 160 high definition games on 360. A ten million plus installed base head start. Games for everyone including Gears of War, Pro Evolution Soccer, Viva Pińata, Xbox Live Arcade, Forza 2, Rainbow Six and Dead or Alive Extreme 2, to name but a few. Then there's the promise of being the only place to get Halo 3.
And all this has given Microsoft even greater confidence that it will clean up over the pivotal festive season, according to McGill: "Nowhere else have consumers got a better choice of great gaming and entertainment today, tomorrow and long into the future. I'm very confident this is going to be another Xbox Xmas."
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