Microsoft Outlines Plans To Kick Off E3

Straight from my inbox:

Microsoft Outlines Plans for Changing the Game To Kick Off Electronic Entertainment Exposition

Xbox Flexes Its Leadership Muscle in Games, Software and Alliances; Microsoft and Electronic Arts Team Up for Xbox Live Agreement

LOS ANGELES – May 10, 2004 – To a packed house of video game leaders two days before the opening of the Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3), Microsoft Corp. boldly showcased its plans to lead the industry in games, online services, software and alliances. Flanked by legendary sports stars, including Muhammad Ali, St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk and Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony, Microsoft Chief Xbox® Officer Robbie Bach and Electronic Arts Inc. President of Worldwide Studios Don Mattrick brought down the renowned Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles by announcing Electronic Arts’ commitment to bringing its critically acclaimed games to the Microsoft® Xbox Liveâ„¢ online gaming service starting this summer.

“EA has always been a great publisher for Xbox,” Bach said. “We’re strengthening our alliance by bringing EA’s world-class games to Xbox Live, the undisputed leader in online console gaming.”

Through this long-term agreement, many of EA’s major franchises will be coming to Xbox Live, with more than 15 titles expected in the coming months including “Madden NFLâ„¢ 2005,” NBA LIVE 2005,” “FIFA Soccer 2005,” and “Need for Speedâ„¢ Underground 2,” as well as “Burnoutâ„¢ 3,” “TimeSplitters Future Perfectâ„¢” and the popular online franchise, “Battlefield.” The news is welcomed by nearly 1 million Xbox Live members in 24 countries pining to play EA franchises online.

Blockbuster Xbox Games Coming Soon

In addition to the EA announcement, Microsoft showcased breakthrough titles, bringing new levels of personalization, compelling story lines, and graphics superiority only achievable on Xbox. Capping the night, Microsoft demonstrated the continuous innovation and leadership of Xbox Live as the premier online service for console video games now and into the future.

Microsoft revealed that the highly anticipated blockbuster “Halo® 2” will be on store shelves Nov. 9, 2004. “Halo 2” is the sequel to one of the greatest games ever made, “Halo: Combat Evolved,” with more than 4 million copies sold worldwide. Although much of the story line of the game remains one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, the battle comes to Earth as Master Chief, a genetically enhanced super soldier, is the only thing standing between the relentless alien Covenant and the destruction of all humankind. “Halo 2” promises graphics that push the powerful Xbox hardware to its limits and gameplay that showcases breakthrough Xbox Live play.

Proving that its game pipeline is fully loaded, Microsoft also showcased upcoming games that redefine their respective genres through compelling story lines, personalization and jaw-dropping graphics achievable only on Xbox. These games also reflect the boundless imagination of their creators:

“DOOM 3” (Developed by id Software and distributed by Activision Inc.). A console exclusive for Xbox, “DOOM 3” draws players into the most terrifying and gripping 3-D gaming experience ever created. Built on id’s revolutionary new 3-D graphics engine, “DOOM 3” delivers an epic clash against pure evil as gamers battle the forces of Hell alone or cooperatively on Xbox Live.

“Dead or Alive® Ultimate” (Tecmo Inc.). Tecmo’s esteemed development group, Team Ninja, has created the ultimate “Dead or Alive” fighting experience, “Dead or Alive Ultimate,” by coupling the original version of “Dead or Alive” with a completely redesigned “Dead or Alive 2” on the Xbox video game system to create one of the first 3-D online fighting games. Both games will be Xbox Live multiplayer-compatible, enabling players to test their fighting skills against a vast community of gamers from around the world.

“Fableâ„¢” (Developed by Big Blue Box Studios and Lionhead Studios for Microsoft Game Studios). In this groundbreaking role-playing adventure game, gamers choose the path of righteousness or a life of evil, and watch themselves transform into a reflection of their actions and decisions.

“Forza Motorsportâ„¢” (Microsoft Game Studios). “Forza Motorsport” is the first fully customizable racing simulation for Xbox. This groundbreaking game allows gamers to drive hundreds of the hottest cars in the world from more than 60 manufacturers at breakneck speeds. For gamers eager to put their reputation on the line against the best on Xbox Live, “Forza Motorsport” takes the checkered flag.

“Jade Empireâ„¢” (Developed by BioWare Corp. for Microsoft Game Studios). From the developer of the acclaimed “Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republicâ„¢” comes an action role-playing game with an innovative new fighting engine. More than 30 martial-arts fighting styles have been incorporated into the game, and only by mastering them and using the right ones at the right time will players rise to the top in the world of “Jade Empire.”

“Xbox Live Arcadeâ„¢.” This fall, the casual games people love to play with their families will be playable on their television screens with “Xbox Live Arcade.” Games will include puzzle games such as “Bejeweled”; card games such as poker, hearts and bridge; and classic action and arcade favorites such as Namco’s “Dig Dug” and “Galaxian©.” Microsoft is working with leading companies – such as Atari Inc., PopCap Games Inc., GarageGames and Nolan Bushnell’s uWink.com Inc. – to bring a robust offering to “Xbox Live Arcade.”

Software Powers the Future of Games

Finally, Microsoft tantalized attendees by taking social communication to the next level with XNAâ„¢, software that will power the future of games. The company announced that “Vanguard: Saga of Heroes,” a Windows®-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from Sigil Games Online Inc., will employ voice and notification software tools from Xbox Live to the Windows gaming world. “Vanguard: Saga of Heroes,” whose development team includes the original producer and co-creator of the wildly successful “EverQuestâ„¢,” will be integrated with MSN® Messenger in mobile devices, cell phones and more, allowing players to be notified if their friends are online, their castle is under siege or a troll needs to be vanquished.

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 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.