E3: Microsoft announce Games for Windows line-up, topped by Gears of War

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 11 July 2007 11:53

Your IT - Entertainment

SYDNEY 11 July 2007 - At the E3 Business Media summit, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled incredible momentum for the Games for Windows initiative, announcing more than 30 new titles carrying the Games for Windows brand from major publishers including Activision Inc., Bethesda Softworks and Midway Home Entertainment Inc.

Microsoft also announced strong support for the Games for Windows - LIVE online service, with Eidos Interactive Ltd., SEGA of America Inc. and THQ Inc. signed on to deliver titles this year.  Additionally, Microsoft Game Studios unveiled plans to bring "Gears of War", the best-selling Xbox 360TM game of 2006, and the hit game "Viva Pinata" to Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista gamers this year. 

David McLean, Entertainment and Devices Division Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand says, "Microsoft's Games for Windows initiative is in full swing and set to deliver the strongest Windows portfolio ever. With the support of the biggest names in gaming delivering more than 60 Games for Windows titles this year, Windows gamers will have more high quality choices than ever before for gaming on their PC and online."
 
With approximately two and a half million units of Games for Windows-branded titles already sold worldwide, publishers including EA Partners, Atari Inc., Midway, Sega, 2K Games, Activision and more have committed to deliver the quality, compatibility and safety features offered by games carrying the Games for Windows brand. Upcoming titles include:

*         "Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties" (Microsoft Game Studios)

*         "Bee MovieTM Game" (Activision)

*         "BlackSite: Area 51" (Midway)

*         "Clive Barker's JerichoTM" (Codemasters)

*         "The Club" (SEGA)

*         "Company Of Heroes: Opposing Fronts" (THQ)

*         "Empire Earth 3" (Sierra Entertainment)

*         "Fallout 3" (Bethesda Softworks)

*         "Flight Simulator X: Acceleration" (Microsoft Game Studios)

*         "Gears of War" (Microsoft Game Studios)

*         "Hour of Victory" (Midway)

*         "John Woo Presents Stranglehold" (Midway)

*         "Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights" (THQ)

*         "Kane & Lynch: Dead Men" (Eidos)

*         "Nancy Drew: Legend of Crystal Skull" (HER Interactive)

*         "Operation FlashpointTM 2" (Codemasters)

*         "Rise of The Argonauts" (Codemasters)

*         "Rogue Warrior" (Bethesda Softworks)

*         "SEGA Rally Revo" (SEGA)

*         "Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the SwordTM" (2K Games)

*         "Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Gold Edition" (2K Games)

*         "Spider-ManTM: Friend or Foe" (Activision)

*         "Star Wars: Empire At War: Gold Pack" (LucasArts)

*         "The Witcher" (Atari)

*         "ThrillvilleTM: Off The RailsTM" (LucasArts)

*         "Turning PointTM: Fall Of Liberty" (Codemasters)

*         "Universe at War: Earth AssaultTM" (Sega)

*         "Viva Pinata" (Microsoft Game Studios)

*         "Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals" (Microsoft Game Studios)

Additionally, Eidos, SEGA, and THQ announced their intention to join Microsoft Game Studios in supporting the Games for Windows - LIVE online service for Windows XP and Windows Vista.  The first wave of titles to support the service includes:

*         "The Club" (SEGA)

*          "Gears of War" (Microsoft Game Studios)

*         "Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights" (THQ)

*         "Kane & Lynch: Dead Men" (Eidos)

*          "Universe at War: Earth Assault" (Sega)

*         "Viva Pinata" (Microsoft Game Studios)

Microsoft Game Studios is set to bring the critically acclaimed "Gears of War" and "Viva Pinata" to the Windows platform, both of which will support Games for Windows - LIVE. "Gears of War" will emerge on Windows XP and Windows Vista PCs this Christmas with five new campaign chapters, a new multiplayer mode and a new game editor that will unleash the creativity of "Gears of War" players - only available for Windows. "Gears of War" will also take advantage of DirectX 10 graphics
technology, which is only available on Windows Vista.

Also today, Epic Games unveiled the addition of Games for Windows - LIVE integration to the award winning Unreal Engine 3.  This landmark announcement will make it easier than ever for game developers using Epic's next-generation technology to take advantage of Microsoft's online gaming network.

At E3, Microsoft is demonstrating innovation and leadership across two of the world's most popular next-generation gaming platforms: Windows and Xbox 360. Xbox 360 gamers will enjoy the strongest console lineup in video game history with experiences that go beyond the box with Xbox LIVE Marketplace content. Windows gamers will have more high-quality choices than ever for gaming on their PC and online. Together, Microsoft's gaming platforms will deliver the best holiday season ever