Schiphol-Rijk, 15 november 2006 - For the fifth anniversary of the release of the landmark Xbox® video game "Halo®," Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today announced an exclusive hands-on experience with "Halo 3," one of the industry's most anticipated sequels. The Xbox Live® multiplayer public beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of "Halo 3," is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on the Xbox 360(tm) video game and entertainment system.
In addition, Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie confirmed today that consumers will be able to experience the "Halo" universe this holiday season through a one-time airing of a stirring, 60-second "Halo 3" teaser ad. Finally, it was announced that new, premium downloadable content for "Halo 2," exclusive to Xbox 360, is scheduled for release in spring 2007.
Expanding on everything that has made the "Halo" franchise so widely recognized, the final version of "Halo 3" will provide a wealth of technical and gameplay advancements, available only through Xbox 360, the leading next-generation video game entertainment system. Via the Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, a first of its kind for the "Halo" franchise, gamers will be able to play online via Microsoft's premier online entertainment network and participate in a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of "Halo 3." This beta also represents an opportunity for gamers worldwide to participate in the development of "Halo 3." Through the resulting feedback, Bungie Studios will be able to further refine and hone the end result of "Halo 3."
Unveiled earlier this year at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, "Halo 3" represents the third chapter in the "Halo" trilogy, an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon.
On 4th December , the special 60-second "Halo 3" advertising spot will be broadcast in North America and for the first time ever, gamers here in Europe will be able to view the ad simultaneously via Xbox.com. The ad, created by advertising agency McCann Erickson, will provide viewers with a unique and compelling look at Master Chief and the world of "Halo 3." It is easily one of the most anticipated ads of the year and promises to be the biggest event in appointment advertising this year. It underscores the innovative approach and driving influence the "Halo" franchise has commanded. The ad will also be available for download exclusively for Xbox 360 users via Xbox Live Marketplace.
In addition, gamers who have jumped in to Xbox 360 will be able to join legions of Xbox fans next spring in all-new multiplayer maps for "Halo 2" available for download through Xbox Live Marketplace. The exclusive "Halo 2" content will bring new experiences and excitement to the seminal sequel that made entertainment retail history in its first 24 hours.
"Since its original release, 'Halo 2' has redefined online play, delivering superior multiplayer capabilities in addition to an incredible social experience, and nurturing a constantly growing community through Xbox Live," said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "After five years of rabid fan interest in the 'Halo' franchise and with more than 4 million users and counting on Xbox Live worldwide, this is the perfect time to invite fans to join the global 'Halo' phenomenon."
Next-generation high-definition visuals; enhanced artificial intelligence; an advanced real-time lighting engine; and new weapons, characters and challenges are just a few examples of the evolution of design and technology in "Halo 3." These improvements are designed to give gamers an unparalleled experience and tell an even more compelling and engrossing story. Working in concert with Xbox Live on Xbox 360, "Halo 3" builds on the unique social multiplayer experience of "Halo 2" and promises to expand the innovative and evolving online gameplay and community of "Halo 2" on Xbox Live. In this third chapter of the "Halo" trilogy, Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.
Over Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is een wereldwijd vooraanstaand uitgever en ontwikkelaar van games voor de Xbox en de Xbox 360, voor Windows en voor online platforms. Met een netwerk van topontwikkelaars, streeft Microsoft Game Studios naar het creëren van innovatieve en diverse games voor Windows (
www.microsoft.com/games), met bekende gamefranchises als 'Age of Empires', 'Flight Simulator' en 'Zoo Tycoon'; Xbox en Xbox 360 (
www.xbox.com) met games als het binnenkort te verschijnen 'Gears of War' en franchises als 'Halo', 'Fable', 'Project Gotham Racing' en 'Forza Motorspor' en MSN Games (
games.msn.com), het officiële gameskanaal voor MSN, met hits als 'Bejeweled' en 'Hexic'.
Over Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is het krachtige high-definition gaming- en entertainmentsysteem dat gamers centraal stelt, met de beste games, het Xbox Live online gamingnetwerk en alle vormen van digitaal entertainment. Tegen het van 2006 wordt veracht dat er ruim 160 high-definition gametitels voor Xbox 360 beschikbaar zullen zijn, terwijl Xbox 360 eind 2007 in bijna 40 landen te koop zijn. Meer informatie is te vinden op
www.xbox.com/xbox360.
Over Xbox Live
Xbox Live brengt gamers uit de hele wereld bijeen, is nu beschikbaar in 24 landen en telt miljoenen leden. Het is 's werelds enige wereldwijde online dienst voor games en entertainment voor spelconsoles. Deze unieke dienst biedt de beste online games, intelligente koppeling van gamers, exclusieve programma's, toernooien en integratie met Xbox.com. Meer informatie is te vinden op
www.xbox.com/live.
Microsoft
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is opgericht in 1975 en is een bekend innovator op het gebied van software, diensten en technologie voor zowel zakelijk als persoonlijk computergebruik. Het bedrijf levert een brede reeks aan oplossingen en diensten die mensen en organisaties overal ter wereld in staat stelt hun ambities te verwezenlijken.
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