XBOX PREVIEWS BLOCKBUSTER TITLES AT SINGAPORE’S FIRST XO3 EVENT

500 witness screening of more than 30 titles coming to Singapore

Microsoft Singapore today previewed more than 30 new titles at its first Xbox XO3 event. XO3 is Xbox's biggest event and annual showcase of adrenalin- pumping, heart stopping titles that will be launched in Singapore in the coming months.

Attended by more than 500 guests, including publishers, distributors, retailers, press and consumers, the event was a fitting celebration of the success of Xbox to date and anticipation of great things to come.

"In less than one year since the launch of Xbox in Singapore, we've nurtured a burgeoning community of Xbox gamers, developed a strong business network with our partners and built a brand that marks Xbox as the most powerful and innovative console gaming platform in the world," said Mr Alex Chua, Product Marketing Manager for Microsoft Singapore's Home & Entertainment Division.

"Xbox Singapore released the largest number of official games in English in 2003, and by Christmas this year we will have 150 titles available in Singapore. We're very excited to present our lineup of new releases at XO3 that demonstrate our focus on delivering the best range of games and experiences to the Singapore gaming community."

At XO3, Xbox presented a unique depth and breadth in titles such as: "Project Gotham Racing 2", the highly anticipated sequel to one of Xbox's top five selling titles that has sold more than a million units to date. "Counter-Strike", one of the world's most popular action games and first person shooter which will make its console debut exclusively on Xbox; "Magatama", one of the most hotly anticipated action/adventure titles of the year as well as "SWAT: Global Strike Force" which includes specially developed engine that makes it one of the most visually impressive games ever.

Other games that were shown include: "WWE Raw 2", "SSX3", "Metal Arms: Glitch In The System", "Prince Of Persia: Sands Of Time", "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six III", "XIII", "Beyond Good and Evil" ; "Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes", "Magic The Gathering", and "Hunter The Reckoning: Redeemer".

Microsoft Singapore's commitment to building a sustainable business here is demonstrated by its relationship with prominent local partners. Gamers can pick up Xbox consoles and games at more than 120 locations around the island, including Courts Superstore, Best Denki, Harvey Norman, CK Tangs, Challenger Superstore and Cyberactive Computer & Comics Connection.

Said Mr Loo Leong Thye, Chief Executive of Challenger Superstore, "Some of our Xbox titles fly off the shelves as fast as we put them there. Judging from our good sales, we're happy about our decision to retail Xbox. The gaming industry has certainly become more active since Xbox entered the market. Will Xbox be leading the way for the future of gaming in Singapore? We certainly hope so."

Brotherhood of the Box
Since it's launch, Xbox has attracted a community of likeminded gamers, Brotherhood of the Box (BOB) fan club (www.bob.com.sg), the most active and prominent. With over 300 paid members and close to 1,100 online members, BOB is the single biggest fan club for a gaming console in Singapore.

"Xbox's presence in Singapore is growing everyday," said Mr Jacky Choo, President and Founder of Brotherhood of the Box. "Almost everyone from all walks of life knows about the Xbox. Our membership has grown steadily over the last 11 months, and with so many new titles coming our way, I believe hardcore gaming enthusiasts as well as new owners of Xbox have a lot to look forward to. True to the Xbox tagline, it's good to play together and that is why we've set up this fan club!"

x-square - The future Multimedia Cafes Unveiled
NTUC Club Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chng Hee Kok revealed details of a S$5 million marketing tie-up with Xbox to set up 20 Xbox multimedia cafes over the next 2 years. Each multimedia cafe, to be named x-square, will feature gaming areas for all genres of Xbox games, a music corner for music lovers and DVD movies at the Xbox theatre section. The first x-square outlet will open in December 2003 at Downtown East, covering 1,500 sq feet.
Also in the pipeline are plans to install Xbox consoles in 100 resort rooms in Resort Downtown East, so that resort guests can enjoy a multimedia experience in the comfort of their rooms.