Last week in San Francisco, we held a special media event to show off some upcoming Xbox 360, Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone titles. Keep any eye on the Inside Xbox channel on the Xbox 360 dashboard for the video coverage that will go up later today. Until then, here are some of the highlights from the press release:
Xbox 360
“Halo 4” (343 Industries) – Get an exciting first look at this year’s most anticipated blockbuster, “Halo 4,” through a behind-the-scenes video on HaloWaypoint.com. Launching worldwide this Holiday, “Halo 4” takes the iconic franchise in a bold new direction with the return of Master Chief, and the beginning of a new saga.
“Forza Horizon” (Playground Games) – “Forza Horizon” is a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play racing game and the newest entry in the Forza Motorsport franchise. Available this Fall, the game is being created in partnership with acclaimed racing development studio Playground Games.
“Forza Motorsport 4” (Turn 10 Studios) – Available this Spring, the Porsche Expansion Pack for “Forza Motorsport 4” will contain 30 modern and classic Porsche vehicles fromthe iconic German manufacturer, seven of which are new to the “Forza” franchise.
“Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” (Slant Six Games, Capcom) – Program the Nemesis and unleash devastating attacks on your opposing squad in an exclusive fifth online competitive multiplayer versus battle available only for Xbox 360.
“Gears of War 3” (Epic Games) – The curb-stomping fun continues with the release of the “Forces of Nature” map pack for “Gears of War 3” on March 27. Included in the game’s Season Pass or available for 800 Microsoft Points, “Forces of Nature” will feature five maps, new characters, new weapon skins and a 250 Gamescore. Also, starting March 27, “Gears of War 3” will be available through Games on Demand.
“Dragon’s Dogma” (Capcom) – Explore the woodlands surrounding a collapsed fortress and battle against its fearsome inhabitants, including a monstrous Cyclops, a vicious Chimera and a savage Drake Dragon. Additionally, purchasers of the Xbox 360 version of “Dragon’s Dogma” will be able to redeem a token and download the “Resident Evil 6” demo globally on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace 60 days earlier than on any other platform, starting July 3.
“Darksiders II” (THQ/Vigil Games) – Explore non-playable character gameplay interaction with exclusive fiction reveals from the vast Makers Realm in “Darksiders II.” Fans who pre-order the game will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Limited Edition, or can pick up the Collector’s Edition.
Kinect on Xbox 360
“Fable: The Journey” (Lionhead Studios) – From the creative geniuses at Lionhead, “Fable: The Journey” is a whole new way to experience the deep storyline, heart-pounding action and picturesque world of Albion. “Fable: The Journey” launches this Fall on Kinect for Xbox 360.
“Mass Effect 3” (BioWare, Electronic Arts) – Step into the role of Commander Shepard and use voice controls to direct squad mates during battle and command weapon selection to quickly engage in combat. “Mass Effect 3” supports dozens of commands to interact with the world and the characters, without pausing the action.
“Kinect Star Wars” (Microsoft Studios) – In “Kinect Star Wars,” available April 3, Star Wars fans can physically hone their Jedi skills, wield the power of the Force in their hands, pilot iconic ships and vehicles, rampage as a vicious rancor monster and dance with iconic Star Wars characters.
“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13” (Electronic Arts) – Featuring a more immersive Masters Tournament experience as well as Kinect for Xbox 360 integration, the world’s number one golf video game is back with “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13.”
“Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor” (Capcom) – Launching on June 19, fight side by side with your comrades and retake Manhattan Beach from the enemy. Defend your infantry and blast every VT that crosses your path!
“Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” (Microsoft Studios) – Pixar fans will be able to scan themselves into an avatar based on their favorite character from Disney•Pixar’s "Up" and venture into the vast interior of the Spirit of Adventure. Players will also team up with characters from “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Cars” and “Toy Story” to solve puzzles and uncover secrets.
“Dance Central 2” (Harmonix)– Experience new add-on songs from electro-pop sensations LMFAO, including their hit single “Party Rock”.
“Kinect Sports: Season Two” (Rare Studios, Big Park) – Launching worldwide on April 3, the all-new basketball game add-on content puts players’ basketball skills to the test by shooting, passing, and scoring with the new activities.
Xbox LIVE Arcade
“Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” (4J Studios, Mojang) – Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in Spring 2012, “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” brings the global PC phenomenon to gamers for the first time on any console platform.
“Wreckateer” (Iron Galaxy) – “Wreckateer” uses Kinect for Xbox 360 to put players in control of a massive castle-wrecking ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, players can travel the land and destroy 60 castles infested with goblins using six magical projectiles.
“Fable Heroes” (Lionhead Studios) –“Fable Heroes” delivers a fresh spin on the “Fable” franchise with an action-packed hack-and-slash adventure on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
“Trials Evolution” (RedLynx/Ubisoft) – Coming soon are new “Trials Evolution” maps in the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning “Trials HD.”
“Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD” (Robomodo, Activision) – Activision’s “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD” for Xbox LIVE Arcade takes the best elements of “Tony Hawk Pro Skater” and “Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2” and upgrades them with sharp visuals and fresh content.
“South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge” (South Park Digital Studios, Other Ocean Interactive) – Scott Tenorman is back and he wants revenge! Play multiplayer with Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny to take on Tenorman and his army of Ginger robots before they destroy South Park!
“Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (Hidden Path Entertainment, Valve) – The all-new “Demolition” mode in “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” delivers a fast-paced game experience made up of tight small maps to get into the action quickly.
“Quantum Conundrum” (Airtight Games, Square Enix) – Enter a new dimension – the heavy dimension – in the latest environment-bending feature in the quirky, first-person puzzle game “Quantum Conundrum” from Square Enix and Airtight Games.
“Bloodforge” (Climax Studios) – “Bloodforge” combines devastating melee, ranged and magical attacks to deliver a fast-paced, bloodthirsty, brutal combat experience available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
“Deadlight” (Tequila Works) – “Deadlight,” a brand new experience for Xbox LIVE Arcade, is a narrative-driven puzzle platformer set in the post-apocalyptic 80s devastated by a zombie epidemic.
“Diabolical Pitch” (Grasshopper Manufacture) – Available beginning April 4, Kinect for Xbox 360 turns living rooms into playing fields and the “Diabolical Pitch” is the main attraction.
“Joe Danger: The Movie” (Hello Games) – Race jetpacks against hoverboards and skis against skidoos in all-new multiplayer modes in “Joe Danger: The Movie.”
Xbox 360 Hardware
Xbox 360 Kinect Family Bundle – The Xbox 360 Kinect Family Bundle features everything a family needs to get started playing together. Available globally beginning February 28 for $299, the bundle includes a limited edition all-white Xbox 360 4GB console, white Kinect sensor, white Xbox 360 wireless controller, “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Adventures,” and a three month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold—the complete Xbox 360 experience.
“Microsoft Flight” (Microsoft Studios) – Available to download for free at www.MicrosoftFlight.com, “Microsoft Flight” is a new Windows PC game that lets players jump into the thrill of flight with no special hardware or past experience. This Spring, fans will be able to purchase the Journey to Alaska Pack, the second in a series of expansion packs for the game with over 1.2 million square miles of captivating scenery, additional missions and new aircraft.
“Carcassone” (Microsoft Studios) –The award-winning tile-based board game “Carcassonne” is coming to Windows Phone! With the online multiplayer, Xbox LIVE achievements, leaderboards and more, this game never gets old.
“Civilization Revolution” (2K) – Award winning Sid Meier’s “Civilization Revolution” is coming to Windows Phone! Build, Discover, Rule the world.
“DODONPACHI” (CAVE)– An original shooter by Arcade veteran CAVE is arriving for Windows Phone. Can you handle EVAC Industries’ Maximum Bullet Simulator.
“GeoDefense Swarm” (Microsoft Studios) –The fast-paced tower defense game “GeoDefense Swarm” for Windows Phone gives the power to obliterate a horde of vibrant, vector-styled enemies with multiple weapons of choice.
“Gerbil Physics” (Microsoft Studios) – In “Gerbil Physics,” a physics-based puzzle game that blows up buildings made of gerbils for Windows Phone, it’s all about adorable destruction.
“Pinball FX2” (Microsoft Studios) – “Pinball FX2” for Windows Phone features new tables and all-new features including a state-of-the-art physics model and a connection to your Xbox 360 “Pinball FX2” scores.
“Pirates!” – Available now on Windows Phone, Sid Meier’s “Pirates!” is an exciting high-seas adventure overflowing with intense pirate action and a treasure chest of gameplay riches!
“Pro Evolution Soccer 2012” (Konami) – This spring, the unrivalled and award-winning football simulation from Konami is entering a new season on Windows Phone!
“Shoot 1UP!” (Microsoft Studios) –This Spring, an armada of ships is coming to Windows Phone in “Shoot 1UP.”
“Wordament” (Microsoft Studios) – In the world of “Wordament” for Xbox LIVE, Windows Phone word searchers across the whole Internet compete on the same board, in real-time, to get the highest score.
Content:Mass Effect 3 Demo Price: Free Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Fire the first shots in the war to take Earth back! Voted Most Anticipated Game of 2012 at the SpikeTV VGAs, Mass Effect 3 puts you at the center of an all-out galactic war – and how to wage that war is up to you. The demo begins in dramatic fashion with the spectacular attack on Earth, followed by a mid-game section showcasing the groundbreaking interactive storytelling, adrenaline-pumping action, ruthless and intelligent enemies, and deep customization that make Mass Effect 3 the must-have title of 2012. Jump into 4 player co-op missions with your friends in two maps from the full game and earn a wide variety of upgrades for your characters. The multiplayer portion of the demo features an early-access period, so visit www.masseffect.com to find out how you can be among the first to the front lines!
Note: This demo contains Kinect integration. While not required to use the demo, if you have Kinect you’ll be able to use your voice to control your squad via voice.
With five dynamic modes – Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate – “Kinect Star Wars” makes it possible for Star Wars fans of all ages to delve into immersive Star Wars experiences. In addition to the previously announced Jedi, Podracing and Rancor modes, Xbox 360 and LucasArts have today unveiled new additions to the game, including:
New experiences within Jedi Destiny Mode, including:
o Space battles: As you travel the Galaxy to face an evil that threatens to undermine the fabric of the Republic, you’ll engage with forces of the Empire in intense space battles
o Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders: Pilot iconic Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders on your epic journey
o New duels: Battle opponents like Count Dooku and Darth Vader on your journey to become a Jedi
· New Duels of Fate mode, a battle-by-battle experience to sharpen your Jedi skills against the Dark Side.
· NewGalactic Dance Off mode loaded with Star Wars-themed pop tunes where those still honing their Jedi skills can take a break to battle Darth Vader on the dance floor or bust a move “Solo style.”
Additionally, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle will feature an exclusive C-3PO unlockable for Dance Mode. With these new reveals and the ability to play in 3D, “Kinect Star Wars” adds to the growing popularity of the family-friendly gaming portfolio for Kinect for Xbox 360.
Fans of the game can get a sneak preview on Saturday, February 11th at select AMC Theatre locations across the United States. In celebration of the theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D on February 10th, select theatres will feature a day full of Star Wars activities, including hands-on time with “Kinect Star Wars.” For participating theater locations, please visit http://www.starwars.com/news/episode_1_amc_screenings.html.
If you are at CES this week, drop by the Microsoft Booth (#7244) and see how KinectScan will put you into such Disney Pixar films as Cars, The Incredibles, Toy Story and more.
March 20th will see the release of ‘Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure.’ I’ll add in a video link when it becomes available.
Content:Rise of Nightmares Demo Price: Free Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Can you fight through hordes of the undead? Can you tear them apart with chainsaws, axes and your bare fists? Can you rescue your wife from the clutches of an evil madman and escape his nightmarish plans for you both? In this exclusive demo, survive one hellish night as you fight against terrifying enemies using the hands-free controls of Microsoft Kinect.
Content:Kung-Fu High Impact Demo Price: Free Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Kung-Fu High Impact is a full-body motion fighting adventure that uses Kinect to scan YOU inside the game! Fight baddies using your killer-instincts to throw kicks and punches. Become the hero and star in your own comic book adventure. Challenge your friends in unique multiplayer combat.
Content:Adrenaline Wingsuit Diving Demo Price: Free Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Motionsports Adrenaline features 6 of the world’s most extreme sports and this demo let’s you try the most dangerous of all – Wingsuit proximity flying! Experience the thrill of hurtling down a Himalayan mountainside at speeds of over 120mph and take advantage of Kinect’s full-body tracking as you instinctually lean, jump and duck your way past treacherous obstacles and pull off tricks. Try to collect as many items as possible and break speed records in single player mode. Or try out split screen multiplayer and use the multitude of different weapons along the course to slow down your friends and reach the landing zone first! Once you’ve conquered this Wingsuit level, check out the full game which also features Mountain Biking, Extreme Skiing, Whitewater Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Kite Surfing. At last, here’s your chance to try some of the world’s most Adrenaline-fueled activities in some of the most astounding places on earth… without risking life and limb!
Content:Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 – Demo Price: Free Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 is the personalized fitness game on Xbox Kinect that delivers serious results. With this demo, check out the intensity of Bootcamp, the engaging fun of Jumprope and the rhythms of African Dance. With over 90 hours of customizable activities, Your Shape allows you to workout your way! The state-of-the-art motion tracking technology provides enhanced feedback on your exercises, and now monitors floor movements for exercises like push-ups and sit-ups. Tailor your workout by using the in-game personal trainer, focusing on specific muscle groups or building a routine around your time limits. And tap into the Your Shape Center community to share and compete with players around the world.
Complete details in the press release that went out earlier today:
“Kinect Sports: Season Two” Serves up Free Game Add-On to Separate the Pros from the Rookies
Launching Nov. 7, “Kinect Sports: Season Two Challenge Pack #1,” sponsored by Braun, brings six heart-thumping, sweat-inducing activities to elevate your game and inspire competitive fun for the whole family
Players, take your mark. The teams from Rare and Big Park Games today unveiled “Kinect Sports: Season Two Challenge Pack #1,” a free game add-on sponsored by Braun,and the first of our monthly updates for “Kinect Sports: Season Two.” Available Nov. 7 on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, “Challenge Pack #1” stirs up friendly competition in the living room with six new Challenge Play activities, helping eager athletes hone their athletic prowess on the field, green, court, slopes and even the dart board.
Invest sweat equity in all six new sports featured in “Kinect Sports: Season Two” through new exciting activities available in Quick Play and Challenge Play, allowing you to compete with your friends and family either in your living room or send a challenge over Xbox LIVE for friends to tackle later:
· Baseball: Frantic Fielder – Oil up your mitt and get ready for action! “Frantic Fielder” for Baseball gives all new meaning to playing catch. Fielding an endless stream of balls from a lineup of mascots tests everything from hand-eye coordination to speed. The more you catch the harder it gets – three misses and you’re OUT!
· Darts: Smart Shot – Exercise the brain and throwing arm simultaneously with “Smart Shot” for Darts. If hitting the bulls-eye wasn’t challenge enough, try competing against the clock with mathematical puzzles that require a sharp mind and even sharper aim.
· Football: Crazy Kicker – As the star kicker in “Crazy Kicker” for Football, you’ll discover the challenge of making a 40-yard field goal with all eyes watching. Account for factors like distance and wind to line up your shot perfectly and score! The crowd and mascots will cheer you on with every amazing goal.
· Golf: Champion Chip – “Champion Chip” for Golf takes the short game to a new level. Chip shots become increasingly challenging from different surfaces, distances, and with natural obstacles like wind steering the course.
· Skiing: Cool Ringings – Swoosh down the slopes with a license for speed, dodging mascots and ringing the cowbells for extra points in “Cool Ringings” for Skiing. Five different courses help players build their ski legs just in time for ski season.
· Tennis: Rapid Returner – Breaking a sweat is easy with “Rapid Returner” for Tennis, where mascots serve up a variety of zingers at increasing speeds to the forehand, backhand, net and baseline. If you’re looking for the ultimate Tennis training game, grab your racquet for and get ready for action.
New game add-ons will be made available each and every month through Spring 2012, with each release including some kind of free content to keep you on the field and in the game. Stay tuned for more details on additional challenges, features and even a whole new sport coming next year!
This bundle will retail for US $149 MSRP and will include a Kinect Sensor and three full Kinect Games: Fruit Ninja Kinect, The Gunstringer and Kinect Adventures. This bundle will be available for a limited time while supplies last and individual offers may vary by region.
This week, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kinect, and today we’re announcing the Kinect For Windows commercial program will launch early next year.
The full text of the press release is below:
One year ago this week, Xbox 360 set out to change the way we interact with games and entertainment with the launch of Kinect for Xbox 360. Controller-free games and entertainment – once the stuff of science fiction – had become a reality through the magic of Kinect. Sales immediately soared with more than 10 million Kinect sensors sold, setting the Guinness World Record as the fastest-selling consumer electronics device in 60 days along the way. Kinect opened up Xbox to a broad set of new audiences bringing new categories ofentertainment to the platform. Leading brands such as Disney, Sesame Street and National Geographic were inspired by the simplicity and intuitiveness of Kinect’s voice and gesture control technologies, developing immersive, fun experiences for everyone. Nearly 40 world-leading entertainment providers, Comcast, Verizon FiOS and HBO GO will join current providers like Netflix, Hulu Plus and ESPN on Xbox 360 this holiday season and beyond, to deliver TV entertainment experiences that are more personal, effortless and social.
People were inspired. Six months ago, a diverse group of hobbyists and academics from around the world embraced the possibilities of Kinect. In a wave of creativity, they downloaded the Microsoft Kinect for Windows SDK and began developing creative applications and innovative uses in healthcare, education, art and so much more. Microsoft has recognized this phenomenon as “The Kinect Effect.”
Marking the November 4th anniversary of Kinect, Xbox 360 today announced that the Kinect for Windows commercial program will be launched early next year. The commercial program will give businesses the tools to develop applications that not only could improve their own operations, but potentially revolutionize entire industries. To date, more than 200 businesses worldwide—including Toyota, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Razorfish— have joined a Kinect for Windows pilot program to begin exploring the possibilities of Kinect. While no one knows what the future holds, if the past year is any indication, it’s going to be inspiring.
For more information on the “Kinect Effect,” please visit:
Now through Saturday, Nov. 5, Dance Central celebrates the launch of Dance Central 2 and Kinect for Xbox 360’s first anniversary with discounts on its entire downloadable catalog:
Today in New York, we announced ‘playful learning’ experiences that use Kinect in new ways to learn.
Highlights from the press release below:
NEW YORK — Oct. 18, 2011 — What if you could learn the ABCs and 123s with Grover? What if you could explore the wonders of nature as a bear? What if you could experience a beloved children’s book from within the story? Working closely with trusted children’s brands such as Sesame Street, produced by Sesame Workshop, and National Geographic, featuring TV programming from Nat Geo WILD, and leading academics and learning research institutions, Xbox 360 today reveals how its “playful learning” experiences revolutionize interactive television, allowing children and their families to engage, interact and learn in an entirely new way — all through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360.
Microsoft Studios also announced plans to expand its award-winning portfolio of family games through an extended collaboration with Disney and unveiled a new game code-named “Rush.”
Learning Through Play
Working in partnership with experts from Sesame Workshop and National Geographic, Microsoft Corp.’s initial “playful learning” experiences —“Kinect Sesame Street TV,” “Kinect Nat Geo TV” and code-named “Project Columbia” — seek to inspire kids and their parents to get off the couch and into the action, working cooperatively with their favorite characters to have fun and learn at the same time.
“We know that the most effective learning environments for children are those that are engaging and exciting, and that foster collaboration and a positive attitude toward learning,” said Alex Games, Ph.D. curriculum and learning sciences expert and educational design director for Microsoft. “With the controller-free magic of Kinect, we can encourage kids to use their motor skills and to learn using their body in immersive experiences. This new way to play allows children to learn by interacting with their favorite characters and engage with content in novel ways.”
Xbox 360 is filming a season of interactive shows in partnership with Sesame Street production, bringing a whole new level of interactivity to educational television with “Kinect Sesame Street TV.” With interactive versions of shows from the current television season, new content written and filmed just for Kinect and access to classic clips from the “Sesame Street” archive, “Kinect Sesame Street TV” is bringing educational television to life.
“Sesame Workshop and Microsoft are committed to producing rich engaging content in a new media platform for children who will have positive educational experiences,” said Rosemarie Truglio, PhD, vice president Education and Research, Sesame Workshop. “This partnership is an opportunity to combine the interactive platform of Kinect with Sesame Workshop’s 42 years of innovative and research-based approaches to educational content. This new media experience allows for meaningful learning — leveraging kids’ gross motor abilities by creating exciting, gesture-based movements that allow them to connect with our characters and content.”
“Kinect Sesame Street TV” and “Kinect Nat Geo TV” transform interactive television, blending play and television experiences to evolve children’s traditional watching habits and promote active and dynamic on-screen engagements. Kids and families can jump into the action with this next generation of TV entertainment, helping Elmo and Cookie Monster with tasks on Sesame Street and exploring the natural world with Nat Geo WILD TV shows — using full-body and voice recognition.
“Nat Geo WILD is an ideal partner for Kinect, turning passive television viewing into a creative, immersive experience where kids and families can actually interact with our unique content,” said Brad Dancer, senior vice president of Digital Media and Research, National Geographic Channels. “By partnering the stories, images and information from Nat Geo WILD with the Kinect platform, we are pushing the boundaries of traditional television and gaming to help inspire and train the next generation of explorers.”
Code-named “Project Columbia,” another experience being designed in collaboration with the Sesame Workshop Curriculum Team, encourages a love for books and changes the way children read. This new portal allows children to play an active role in bringing stories to life — interacting with words and illustrations and immersing themselves in the story. By using the multisensory and active nature of Kinect, the power of play can help emphasize understanding and the meaning of what is written, not just decode it. With titles such as “Project Columbia,” Xbox 360 is just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible.
In partnership with the New York University-based Games for Learning Institute , a joint research endeavor bringing together game designers, computer scientists and education researchers committed to pursuing the art and science of educational games, Xbox 360 will maximize the learning value of its “playful learning” experiences for children and families. Applying education theory and research-based models of learning, Games for Learning Institute researchers examine the intersection between Kinect play and children’s learning. These studies and collaborations with experts will determine the best ways in which Kinect experiences can be optimized to create content that is both fun and academically enriching.
Games for the Whole Family
Microsoft Studios today also shared plans to work with Disney to continue bringing the worlds of Disney•Pixar to life through Kinect, building upon its growing, award-winning portfolio of family games. Following the debut of “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” this November, Microsoft today announced code-named “Rush,” which arrives in spring 2012. “Rush” will invite children, their parents and fans of all ages to experience the worlds of beloved Disney•Pixar movies like never before. Using Kinect, kids can scan themselves into five Pixar worlds to team up with their favorite characters from “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3” and “Cars 2” in a race against time to solve exciting challenges.
“Creating amazing games is part of Microsoft Studios’ DNA, and with Kinect, we have the power to transform these experiences beyond what was thought possible,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. “By joining forces with iconic brands such as Disney and Pixar, Kinect and Xbox 360 can bring families together more than ever.”
Created by famed developer Tim Shafer and Double Fine Productions Inc., “Double Fine Happy Action Theater” is a series of vibrant, exciting activities designed to activate gross motor skills, inspire imagination and entertain players of all ages, from preschoolers to grandparents. Available globally this holiday on Xbox LIVE, each of the 18 “Happy Action Theater” experiences are similar to toys players can interact with on screen through the magic of Kinect. Dive into an undersea adventure, play with hot lava, or become a giant monster and stomp buildings to the ground. “Happy Action Theater” is a virtual playground for all ages that is immediately accessible and intuitively responds to players’ body movements. No rules, no menus, no instructions — just pure fun.
Through new games such as “Rush” and “Happy Action Theater,” Xbox 360 continues to broaden its family portfolio with something for everyone. Titles available this holiday include “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures,” “Kinectimals Now with Bears,” “Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster,” “Kinect Sports: Season Two” and “Dance Central 2.”
Today we have announced we’re updating the Kinect Sensor bundle to include both Kinect Adventures and a download code for a free copy of Child of Eden. This new bundle will be priced the same as the current sensor bundle and will start appearing in stores next week in all Xbox LIVE regions (except Japan since Child of Eden has not been released there.) This bundle will be available in limited quantities and while supplies last so be sure to look for the special packaging above to make sure you’re getting Child of Eden!
Avatar Kinect is now available for download. Once the download is complete, you can either select ‘Play Now’ from the download screen, or later, you can return to the Guide and select the “Games” tab, then “Quick Launch” to play. If you have FunLabs, go to “My Gadgets” and select “Avatar Kinect.” Once you upload your movies, then go to KinectShare.com where you can watch the video, download it or share it out on Facebook.
If you are attending Comic Con today (or just in the San Diego area) and want to check out some Xbox 360 hotness, head over to the Xbox Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel (directly across the street from SDCC.) Drop in and play with Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports 2, Fruit Ninja Kinect, The Guntstringer, Rise Of Nightmares, Age of Empires online, Summer of Arcade 2011 titles and more.
The lounge is free and open to the public (no passes needed!) on
Saturday from 9a-7p and Sunday from 9a-5p.
Xbox 360 has a full schedule of Comic Con events, and you can see us on the show floor in Booth 5252 where you can play Gears of War 3 horde Mode.
So when the crowds on the show floor get to be too much for you, take a quick walk over to the Xbox 360 lounge to kick back and relax and play some unreleased games.
Today we are happy to announce that the Kinect for Windows SDK is now available as a free download from Microsoft Research. It not only includes drivers but also APIs, device interfaces, installer documents and resource materials.
Content:Kinect Sports Calorie Challenge Pack Price: 320 Microsoft Points Availability:Check availability in your Xbox LIVE region Dash Text: Get fighting fit the Kinect Sports way! Hit calorie-loss targets by beating mascot rivals in the Calorie Challenge Pack: STEADY CELERY, BLAZING BANANA, MIGHTY MILK, SUPER SODA, PEPPY PIZZA, and CHUNKY CHOCOLATE. Also includes Free Play mode and 10 achievements for 250 gamerscore, with food mascots selectable in Party Play.
Content:Dance Central Demo Price: Free Availability: Check availability for your region Dash Text: From the creators of Rock Band comes the next great music experience: Dance Central. Take your moves to the next level in the first controller-free, body tracking, fully immersive dance video game.
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