Microsoft Corp. today announced the extension of the Xbox LIVE® online games and entertainment network to the Windows® platform, bringing the online console game service and the most popular games platform in the world together. The first Windows title to support LIVE arrives in May with “Halo® 2” for Windows VistaTM, followed by “Shadowrun” in June and “UNO” releasing later in the year.
Shadowrun helps unite the world of PC and Xbox
With the launch of “Halo 2” for Windows Vista in May, Windows gamers will join over six million members already in the LIVE community. LIVE members will have a single identity, a single gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements attainable on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system and a Windows-based PC.
Then, launching in June, “Shadowrun” will for the first time connect Windows gamers with Xbox 360 players in cross-platform matches using a single service. Xbox 360 and Windows gamers with a LIVE Gold subscription will be able to challenge each other in online combat to decide what is mightier: the PC mouse and keyboard or the Xbox 360 controller.
“UNO”, releasing later in 2007, will also support cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360.
As a single, unified service, the pricing of the LIVE service across Xbox 360 and Games for Windows is identical. There is no cost associated with signing up for a Silver membership. Gold memberships will deliver the premium online network experience for a RRP of $79.95 per year. Existing LIVE members can access their account and the full functionality of the service on both platforms at no additional cost. Current Xbox LIVE 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
See Silver on Xbox 360...
Gold Membership Features
- All Silver membership features
- Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
- TrueSkill™ matchmaking
- Multiplayer achievements
- Cross-platform gameplay
See Gold on Xbox 360...
These games make up the first wave of titles to support the LIVE service for gaming:
- “Halo 2” for Windows Vista (Microsoft® Game Studios). Release date: 17 May 2007. The highly anticipated title brings Master Chief to Windows Vista and is the first Games for Windows title to incorporate the LIVE service. Windows Vista gamers will be able to challenge each other in PC-to-PC multiplayer matches and earn achievements for the first time in the “Halo” franchise, as well as communicate via voice or text with other LIVE members. The visually enhanced classic includes an all-new Map Editor, which will allow for new content and greater game customisation. “Halo 2” will be playable with mouse and keyboard or the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows. See Halo 2 on Xbox.
- "Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios). Release date: June 2007. The intense first-person shooter will let gamers rewrite the rules of engagement as they vie for supremacy in an experience that rewards cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation through a unique combination of modern weapons, ancient magic and advanced technology. The first title to connect both Windows Vista and Xbox 360 gamers in cross-platform competition will let up to 16 players battle online. Cross-platform play will require Gold level membership on the LIVE gaming and entertainment network. See Shadowrun on Xbox 360.
- “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 coming to Windows Vista. Gamers will be able to compete via LIVE against three other players on the Xbox 360 or Windows Vista platforms to match colors and symbols and be the first to play every single card in this award-winning game. For gameplay today, “UNO” is currently available on MSN® Games, Messenger Games and Xbox LIVE Arcade. See UNO on Xbox 360.
Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Windows Vista, TrueSkill, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Halo, Project Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN and Hexic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
