Xbox LIVE extends to Windows Vista to create single online gaming service starting with “Halo 2” on May 8.
REDMOND, Wash. — March 14, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the extension of the Xbox LIVE® games and entertainment network to the Windows®platform, bringing together the most popular online console game service with the most popular games platform in the world. Debuting on May 8, 2007,with the launch of the Windows Vista™ version of the Xbox® blockbuster “Halo® 2,” Games for Windows — LIVE will connect Windows gamers to over sixmillion gamers already in the Xbox LIVE community. Then, launching in June, “Shadowrun™” will for the first time connect Windows gamers with Xbox360™ players in cross-platform matches using a single service. “UNO®,” releasing later in 2007, will also support cross-platform play between Windowsand Xbox 360.
The launch of Games for Windows — LIVE marks a major expansion of the LIVE service across multiple platforms, uniting gamers with a single identity,a single gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements attainable on the Xbox 360 and a Windows-based PC. Games for Windows —LIVE gamers will be able to easily find and play supported titles online with their friends across a Windows computer or an Xbox 360. As a unifiedservice with Xbox LIVE, Games for Windows — LIVE will be available in every country and region supported today by Xbox LIVE. “Five years ago, we began building a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of theInteractive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The benefit of expanding LIVE to Games for Windows titlesis twofold: We’re bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we’re enhancing the online experience for PCgamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity — it’s a win for everyone.” Members of Xbox LIVE automatically receive the functionality of Games for Windows — LIVE, using the same gamertag and friends list at no additionalcost. For a single, unified service, the pricing of the LIVE service across both Xbox and Games for Windows is identical. In addition, Games forWindows — LIVE introduces the best of Xbox LIVE functionality to please PC gamers, such as in-game voice chat, integrated achievements and dedicatedservers. The offering of both Silver and Gold memberships will remain in place for gamers on the Xbox 360 and Windows PC. There is no cost associatedwith signing up for a Silver membership. Gold memberships will deliver the premium online network experience for $49.95 (U.S.) per year. Current XboxLIVE Gold members will automatically have access to Gold features on Games for Windows — LIVE titles.
Silver Membership Features
- Single gamertag
- Common gamer profile
- Common gamerscore
- Single player achievements
- Private chat via text and voice
- Common friends list and online presence
- PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games
Gold Membership Features
- All Silver membership features
- Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
- TrueSkill™ matchmaking
- Multiplayer achievements
- Cross-platform gameplay
These features of the LIVE gaming and entertainment network will enable gamers to communicate online and play supported games across both ofMicrosoft’s gaming platforms, bringing more players and their friends together to connect in new and exciting ways. The following games make up thefirst wave of titles to support the LIVE service for gaming:
- “Halo 2” for Windows Vista (Microsoft® Game Studios). Release date: May 8, 2007. The highly anticipated title brings Master Chief to WindowsVista and is the first title to incorporate the new Games for Windows — LIVE service. Windows Vista gamers will be able to challenge each other inPC-to-PC multiplayer matches and earn achievements for the first time in the “Halo” franchise, as well as communicate via voice or text with otherXbox LIVE or Games for Windows — LIVE members. The visually enhanced classic includes an all-new Map Editor, which will allow for new content andgreater game customization. “Halo 2” will be playable with mouse and keyboard or the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.
- “Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios). Release date: June 2007. The intense first-person shooter will let gamers rewrite the rules ofengagement as they vie for supremacy in an experience that rewards cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation through a unique combination ofmodern weapons, ancient magic and advanced technology. The first title to connect both Windows Vista and Xbox 360 gamers in cross-platform competitionwill let up to 16 players battle online. Cross-platform play will require Gold level membership. More information can be found athttp://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=j4e,qwgp,1c28,3auu,7aex,hdjd,ljce
- “UNO®” (Carbonated Games/Mattel Inc.). Release date: 2007. The classic party card game that’s a No. 1 hit on Xbox LIVE Arcade is also comingto Windows Vista and Games for Windows — LIVE. Gamers will be able to compete against three other players on the Xbox 360 or Windows Vista platformsto match colors and symbols and be the first to play every single card in this award-winning game. For gameplay today, “UNO®” is currently availableon MSN® Games, Messenger Games and Xbox LIVE Arcade. 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 hardwarechoices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishersand gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC.
More information can be found online at
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...dfrp,hdjd,ljce 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 operatingsystem and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games forWindows (
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...f1lp,hdjd,ljce including such franchises as “Age of Empires®,” “Flight Simulator”and “Zoo Tycoon®”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...g4bb,hdjd,ljce including such games as “Gears of War”and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport™”; and MSN Games(
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...5n3v,hdjd,ljce the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as“Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.” About Xbox 360 Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE onlinegaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition gamesand is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...gxkj,hdjd,ljce About Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows — LIVE The LIVE service for gaming is the first and most comprehensive online gaming and entertainment network, uniting players on Xbox 360 and select Gamesfor Windows titles. The LIVE service makes it easy for members to find friends, games and entertainment regardless of their preferred platform. LIVEconnects millions of members across 25 countries, allowing them to easily communicate with each other and to enjoy the convenience of a single gamerprofile, Gamerscore and Friends List while playing hundreds of multiplayer games. When accessing the network from an Xbox 360, LIVE members candownload a wide variety of content that includes games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows, and moviesas well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online athttp://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=j4e,qwgp,1c28,ha8b,6r90,hdjd,ljce and
http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on...hxdn,hdjd,ljce About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize theirfull potential. #########
Microsoft, Xbox LIVE, Windows, Windows Vista, Xbox, Halo, Shadowrun, Xbox 360, TrueSkill, MSN, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Fable, Project GothamRacing, Forza Motorsport and Hexic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. UNO and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel Inc. © 2005 Mattel Inc. All rights reserved. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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