At the Leipzig Games Convention, Microsoft had a number of announcements for both the Xbox 360 and their PC gaming platforms, but still left gamers wanting more. While Microsoft was demonstrating their HD-DVD add-on drive for audiences at the show, neither price nor availability was mentioned. Still, there were some interesting items mentioned. First, that Microsoft would hold a twelve month exclusivity lock on the next generation soccer games, Fifa 07 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6. Given that the Playstation 3 is just launching this winter, this probably isn’t as big of a deal as Microsoft would have gamers believe.

For the hard core board game contingent, Microsoft announced that three new “German-style” board games would be coming to Xbox Live, including Settlers of Catan, Alhambra and Carcassonne.

Microsoft officially demonstrated some of its new Xbox 360 peripherals, including the Xbox Live Vision camera (which has already leaked into some gamers hands), their Wireless Racing Wheel and new Wireless headset.

On the PC side of gaming, Microsoft announced a few hardware pieces. First, they are partnering with Razer to bring the Habu gaming mouse to Windows. A piece of Razer hardware with the Microsoft stamp of approval might mean better support under Windows. Those gamers dedicated to the “old school” Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 should be happy, as Microsoft also announced that they are bringing this peripheral back. Finally, Microsoft also showed off the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, a USB dongle that will allow Windows gamers to use Xbox 360 wireless controllers on their PC.

So, while consumers may not have gotten all the information that they wanted from Microsoft’s announcements, overall the company presented the Xbox 360 and Windows gaming as a unified assault on the market.

Microsoft’s Leipzig Press Release continues below.

Microsoft Offers More Ways to Play Games for Windows and Xbox 360 at German Games Convention

Microsoft’s game platforms show unstoppable momentum.

LEIPZIG, Germany — Aug. 23, 2006 — Once again proving that its game platforms offer more ways for gamers to have fun, Microsoft Corp. today announced great new games and accessories for Xbox 360™ and Windows® gamers. Delivering on the worldwide demand for Xbox 360, Xbox Live® and Games for Windows, Microsoft revealed key additions to its Windows Vista™ showcase library and Xbox 360 titles today at the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig. In addition to announcing new European-centric board games for the hugely successful Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox Live, the premier online gaming service, Microsoft announced that the next generation of soccer will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360 console this year. With “FIFA 07” from Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) and “Pro Evolution Soccer 6” from Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., Xbox 360 will be the only place where gamers can enjoy next generation soccer this year.

Nearly doubling its physical presence at the Games Convention over last year, Microsoft is giving gamers the opportunity to see and play the newest titles for Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. More than 130 game stations and more than 40 titles are available for gamers to test at the Microsoft booth on the convention show floor.

Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade

Hot on the heels of an exciting 2006 FIFA World Cup™, EA announced that “FIFA 07,” featuring a revolutionary new game engine and online play, will be available on Xbox 360. Konami will also bring “Pro Evolution Soccer 6” to the console, making Xbox 360 the exclusive home to next-generation soccer this holiday season.

In addition, with more and more gamers enjoying the growing number of games on Xbox Live Arcade every day, Microsoft is giving gamers a splash of global influence with the forthcoming release of three board-game-inspired titles from Europe. “Settlers of Catan™,” “Carcassonne™” and “Alhambra™” are set to bring the classic board games to the high-definition screen on Xbox Live Arcade via Xbox Live Marketplace.

Games for Windows

Expanding one of the largest game libraries available for any gaming system, Microsoft and industry partners announced two additional family-friendly showcase titles for the new Windows operating system, Windows Vista. “LEGO® Star Wars II™: The Original Trilogy” from LucasArts and “Zoo Tycoon® 2: Marine Mania®” from Microsoft Game Studios will join the growing list of Windows Vista titles that will offer breakthrough features to push the boundaries of gamers’ expectations and set the bar for cutting-edge, next-generation gaming on the Windows Vista platform. Due to release in early 2007, Windows Vista will provide improved experiences for gamers — from the most casual gamers to the hard-core enthusiasts — through new features such as the Games Explorer, Microsoft® DirectX® 10 and Parental Controls.

“We promised gamers they would experience a renaissance of gaming goodness on the most popular Microsoft game platform,” said Rich Wickham, director of Games for Windows business at Microsoft. “Windows has always provided a fantastic experience for gamers, but Windows Vista and these new games really take advantage of the enhancements in Windows Vista and are just the start of our renewed commitment to Windows gamers.”

During its convention keynote address, Microsoft also showed a playable demonstration of the Windows Vista showcase title “Flight Simulator X” using the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller and the new Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. Convention attendees got a glimpse of the exciting new gaming experiences available in the latest iteration of Microsoft’s longest-running franchise for Windows operating systems and the next step in cross-platform game controls.

Xbox 360 Accessories

Just in time for the holiday season and adding to the widely acclaimed Xbox 360 Controller, consumers can enhance their already vibrant Xbox 360 and Windows game experiences with several new accessories, including these:

·      Xbox Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360 system. Consumers can chat via video, send photo messages, put their own face in a game, and customize their gamertag on the Xbox Live network. The camera will be available in the U.S. on Sept. 19 and in Europe on Oct. 6 in two packages:

–      Xbox Live Vision. This package includes Xbox Live Vision camera, one-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox 360 Headset, and free* downloads of two full-version Xbox Live Arcade games: the popular “UNO®” card game and “TotemBall,” the new 3-D platform game from Freeverse and Strange Flavour Ltd. that is a mixture of platform skills and puzzles (estimated retail price (ERP) $39.99 U.S./ €49.99**).

–      Xbox Live Video Chat Gold Kit. This package includes the Xbox Live Vision camera, a 12-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, an Xbox 360 Headset, free* downloads of three full-version Xbox Live Arcade games — the “UNO” card game, “TotemBall,” and the classic “Robotron™” action shooter — and 200 Microsoft Points (ERP $79.99 U.S./€89.99**).

·      Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. For true racing enthusiasts who demand unparalleled driving realism at home, this innovatively designed wheel combines form and function with the latest technology in wireless and force feedback. Consumers who purchase the wheel will also get a limited-edition force feedback version of “Project Gotham Racing® 3” while supplies last (ERP $149.99 U.S.**, available in November).

·      Xbox 360 Wireless Headset. Providing the ultimate wireless experience, this headset integrates seamlessly with the Xbox 360 console to provide wireless voice chat capabilities, stylish design and superior voice quality over the Xbox Live network (ERP $59.99 U.S.**, available in November).

·      Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. By plugging the compact receiver into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port on a PC, gamers can use Xbox 360 wireless accessories on their Windows-based computer (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in late December).

·      Xbox 360 Faceplates. Consumers can customize their consoles with one of three new special-edition faceplates featuring images from their favorite games, including the “Halo®” franchise, “Viva Piñata™” and “Forza Motorsport™ 2” (ERP $19.99 U.S.**, available in early November).

Emerging Markets

Continuing its commitment to gamers around the world, Microsoft announced availability for the Xbox 360 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Xbox 360 will be launched in Eastern Europe on Nov. 3, following the recently announced launch in South Africa on Sept. 29.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Xbox 360 consoles and game experiences into these countries,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “Gamers around the world have spoken: They want Xbox 360 and the unique experiences only Xbox 360 affords them. We are doing all we can to deliver.”

About Xbox and Xbox 360

Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001 launch of Xbox® (http://www.xbox.com/), its first-generation video game and entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries. Microsoft introduced its next-generation system, Xbox 360, in the 2005 holiday season in Europe, Japan and North America, and launched the system in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com/xbox360) is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers.

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 millions of 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 favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Games for Windows

Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com.

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.

#########

*Internet connection charges may apply.

** Actual retail prices may vary.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Windows, Xbox Live, Windows Vista, Zoo Tycoon, Marine Mania, DirectX, Project Gotham Racing, Halo, Viva Piñata, Forza Motorsport and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.