512MB Memory Unit enhances storage capabilities and choice for Xbox 360
gamers; increased Xbox LIVE Arcade size limit provides additional
flexibility for game developers.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the Game Developers
Conference (GDC) 2007, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced plans
to launch a 512MB Memory Unit for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and
entertainment system and an increase in the official size limit of Xbox
LIVE(R) Arcade games from 50 MB to 150 MB.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)
The 512MB Memory Unit, available worldwide beginning April 3, 2007,
will retail for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.) in North
America.* The 512MB Memory Unit will be pre-loaded with the hit Xbox LIVE
Arcade game "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved" from developer Bizarre Creations
Ltd. for a limited time. The original 64MB Memory Unit will simultaneously
drop in price from $39.99 to $29.99 (ERP).*
Eight times larger than the 64MB Memory Unit, the 512MB Memory Unit
will provide Xbox 360 owners with vastly expanded storage capabilities for
gaming on the go, allowing gamers to easily store and transport their gamer
profile and save game data, Xbox LIVE Arcade games and Xbox LIVE
Marketplace content. The 512MB Memory Unit also gives Xbox 360 owners the
ability to download exclusive content from any of the 45,000 Xbox 360
kiosks accessible at retail outlets worldwide.
Beginning today, the Xbox LIVE Arcade game size limit has increased
from 50 MB to 150 MB, giving developers greater flexibility in game design
and expanding the opportunity to add advanced game features while still
keeping games compact.
"The new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and
continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also
ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE can continue to easily
access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade games on Xbox 360," said
Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE Arcade and Microsoft Casual
Games at Microsoft. "If you take a look at current games like 'Roboblitz'
and 'Small Arms,' it's clear that our developers deliver amazing game
experiences within a compact size limit. Our focus is on continuing to
provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of
cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to
game development."
"As we prepare to launch our first Xbox LIVE Arcade game, 'Boom Boom
Rocket,' we're able to see how dynamic and creative this platform is," said
Chip Lange, vice president of Online Commerce for Electronic Arts Inc.
(EA). "Having 'Wing Commander Arena' on Xbox LIVE Arcade allows us to take
full advantage of the online play and bring to life a 16-player online
arcade experience that delivers unparalleled arcade action."
This week at GDC, Microsoft will showcase forthcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade
games from a cross-section of genres to the game development community:
-- "Boom Boom Rocket" (EA and Bizarre Creations). This eagerly anticipated
title from EA and Bizarre Creations is a hypnotic rhythm music game
that will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring, priced at 800
Microsoft Points.
-- "3D Ultra(TM) Minigolf Adventures" (Sierra Online and Wanako Games).
The first outdoor sports game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, "3D Ultra Minigolf
Adventures" lets players putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes on
wild courses that include settings such as the Classic Carnival and the
fantastical Outer Space.
-- "Eets: Chowdown" (Klei Entertainment Inc.). A completely revamped
version of the popular PC title, "Eets: Chowdown" offers a fun puzzle
game experience unlike anything else available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and
features new items and 120 new levels.
-- "Jetpac Refuelled" (Rare Ltd.). This is a new take on Rare/Ultimate's
1983 classic space blaster with enhanced graphics and Xbox LIVE
features; players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel
their ship and amass a fortune over the course of more than 100
high-definition levels.
-- "Pinball FX" (ZEN Studios Ltd.). "Pinball FX" offers an unparalleled
pinball experience that will be fun for novices and experts alike, with
realistic ball physics and stunning 3-D tables. "Pinball FX" also
features real-time, head-to-head competition over Xbox LIVE and Xbox
LIVE Vision camera support.
About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally
distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing
phenomenon with more than 20 million game downloads and a diverse library
of original development and classic titles from the world's best
independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically
updated library and free** trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes
it easy for every type of gamer -- from casual to hard-core -- to get
instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect
and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around
the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information
can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/livearcade.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full
potential.
* Actual retail price may vary.
** Connect-time charges may apply.
Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE 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.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/livearcade
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk
photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
pr.mspx./ /CONTACT: Evan Parker of Edelman,
+1-323-202-1052, evan.parker@edelman.com, for Microsoft Corp.
|
