Inside Video Games: Microsoft's One-Two Punch

Microsoft's One-Two Punch

Posted by jgaudiosi :: Industry Trends

Microsoft announced the first part of its one-two punch to counter Sony's PlayStation 3 launch on November 17. Emergence Day is set for November 12. That's the date Epic Games' "Gears of War" will ship to retail as a $60 game and a $70 "Collector's Edition." The most-anticipated Xbox 360 game outside of "Halo 3" should help Microsoft move more of its hardware, which should be abundantly available at retail during a time that PlayStation 3 and Wii are expected to be in short supply.

The second part of Microsoft's strategy involves an Xbox 360 bundle. The rumored bundle is already appearing on some game retailer Web sites. Rather than dropping the price of its hardware, Microsoft seems poised to add value to the package as early as this month. The Xbox 360 bundle is expected to include the premium console, "Project Gotham Racing 3," three months of Xbox Live Gold and 1,250 Marketplace points for $400. That price is still $100 to $200 cheaper than PS3. And although it's still more than the expected $250 price of Wii, the fact that it comes with a game and those online extras is a nice incentive.

Even if everything goes perfectly for Sony, the game giant isn't going to be able to compete with Microsoft until next year, likely around summer time when supplies are fresh and any hardware kinks are worked out. "Gears of War" is a game that's generated much more anticipation than Sony's PS3 "Resistance: Fall of Man," although that game looks like a solid launch title for the system.

"Halo" put Microsoft on the map and helped Xbox edge past GameCube in the console wars. "Gears of War," along with next year's "Halo 3," will do the same thing for Xbox 360. It's the kind of franchise that will sell hardware and allow for multiple sequels and plenty of merchandising opportunities. Having that game on store shelves before PS3 ships is a huge deal for Microsoft.

If the bundle becomes a reality, that will also help Microsoft gain a further lead on the competition. Beyond the bundle and "Gears of War," Microsoft had a solid line-up of games heading to Xbox 360 this fall and next year. Things are certainly looking good for the game giant, which is making the most of its early lead over Sony and Nintendo.

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Inside Video Games

August 03, 2006

Microsoft's One-Two Punch

Posted by jgaudiosi :: Industry Trends

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