Japan Getting Behind Xbox 360

Today at the Xbox Summit 2005 in Tokyo, more than 50 of Japan's elite game publishers pledged their support for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, underscoring the momentum Microsoft is amassing behind the next-generation console. The games announced today, to a standing-room-only audience, span a full range of genres and include titles previously exclusive to other video game systems. These next-generation games, including major titles such as "Resident Evil" and "Ridge Racer," showcase the incredible experiences enabled through Xbox 360, presenting entertainment experiences that are always connected, always personalized and always optimized for high-definition television, while also spectacular on standard-definition televisions. By leveraging the system's revolutionary combination of hardware, software and services, these developers have brought their globally popular brand of gaming artistry to the next generation.

Japanese publishers that announced their support today for Xbox 360 include Capcom, Konami Corp, Namco and Tecmo, among others.

"Japan is one of the most important video game markets in the world and is a key pillar of our global strategy for Xbox 360," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft. "Our deep commitment to the Japanese market is evident in the exciting and unprecedented alliances we've forged with Japan's most talented and beloved game developers. Their new Xbox 360 titles will show the Japanese community and beyond that we are committed to defining the next generation of interactive entertainment."

Xbox 360 Game Titles Shown at Xbox Summit 2005

Activision

Call of Duty 2
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
Quake IV
Gun

A R C System Works

Versus Tactical Action (working title)

Artdink

A-Train X

Atari Japan

Test Drive Unlimited

Bandai

Mobile Suit Gundam (working title)

Banpresto

Super Robot Wars (working title)

Capcom

Biohazard 5 (Resident Evil 5)
Dead Rising

E-D-FX (working title)
Chambara Beauty X (working title)

Electronic Arts

FIFA Soccer 2006
NBA Live 2006
Need for Speed Most Wanted

KOEI

Dynasty Warriors 5

Konami

Winning Eleven (Pro Evolution Soccer)
Rumble Roses XX (working title)
Proyakyu Spirits (working title)

Microsoft

NINETY-NINE NIGHTS
Every Party
Project Gotham Racing 3

Namco

Frame City Killer
Ridge Racer 6

# RPG Title TBA
Love Football (working title)

FromSoftware

eNCHANT arM

Genki

Shutokou Battle (working title)

Hudson Soft

Far East of Eden Ziria ? Tales from Distant Jipang

SEGA

Chromehounds (working title)

SNK Playmore

King of Fighters Maximum Impact 2 (working title)

Square Enix

Final Fantasy XI

Success

Zookeeper (working title)
Operation Darkness (working title)

TAITO

World Airforce (working title)]

Tecmo

Dead or Alive 4
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
Project Progressive
Dead or Alive code: Cronus

THQ

Saints Row
The Outfit

Tomy

Zoids (working title)

Ubisoft

Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (working title)

Yuke's

Wrestle Kingdom

Japanese-developed games have been embraced across the world for their unique design, eclectic characters, film-quality production values and fantastic gameplay. With Xbox 360 providing next-generation muscle, these fascinating worlds and characters explode into the high-definition era. Today's breathtaking game demonstrations proved to the world, with staggering results, what happens when Japan's unique visionaries develop for the most powerful next-generation system.

"The next generation is here, and Microsoft is ready to deliver," said Shigeru Yokoyama, Contents and Technology Company president of Namco. "With the blend of powerful hardware, software and services, Xbox 360 allows us to create gaming experiences more satisfying, more lifelike and more interactive then ever before. The possibilities of some of our most exciting franchises and games, such as 'Ridge Racer' and 'Frame City Killer,' are limitless on Xbox 360."

"Bandai is developing three exclusive games for Xbox 360, one of which is 'Mobile Suit Gundam,' a fully networked game that utilizes the Xbox Live infrastructure. With a combination of HD quality and Xbox Live, gamers will be able to experience a totally new Gundam world," said Shin Unozawa, president of Bandai.

"With Xbox 360, we are working with the most advanced gaming technology in the world to create the ultimate gaming experience," said Isamu Fukada, director of Tecmo. "Microsoft's next-generation platform demonstrates a sincere commitment to delivering great games to the Japanese market."

"Microsoft has assembled an impressive lineup of Japanese game developers and seems committed to producing games that appeal to this market," said Michihiro Ishizuka, corporate officer, president, Konami. "We are excited about the possibilities provided by Xbox 360's powerful hardware and services, and look forward to creating dynamic new worlds for gamers to explore."

Today's demonstrations also showcased the innovative strides being taken to advance the online gameplay experience through Microsoft's industry-leading online games service, Xbox Live. Xbox Live has a worldwide membership exceeding 2 million, having doubled its dynamic community in just one year ? the equivalent to adding one Xbox Live member every 30 seconds. With Xbox 360, gamers can expect incredible new experiences in the next generation of Xbox Live with features such as multiple levels of service (free Xbox Live Silver membership to premium Gold membership), Gamercards, Gamerzones, an integrated message center and Xbox Live Marketplace, a one-stop shop for downloadable content, including free and premium maps, levels, demos, casual games, trailers, and other game-enhancing content.

Xbox 360 is on track to launch in three regions this Christmas holiday: Japan, Europe and North America. This three-region launch will be a first in video game history. A date has not yet been confirmed for New Zealand but it will probably be in the first quarter of 2006. Keep it locked onto NZGamer.com for all the latest on the Xbox 360.

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