The Countdown for Xbox 360 Begins at X05

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Oct. 4, 2005 - A 19th-century industrial plant in Amsterdam was transformed into a sizzling showcase for the Xbox 360� video game and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp. on Oct. 4 and 5 as more than 1,000 members of the press and retail representatives gathered to get the definitive lowdown on the Xbox 360 launch for Europe and North America at X05, the Xbox� brand experience for the games and entertainment industry.

X05 was the backdrop for several major announcements, proving that Xbox - and partners - are ready to revolutionize gaming and entertainment with their next-generation-defining video games and entertainment system, Xbox 360. The biggest news was game-related, with Xbox taking the opportunity to confirm the fantastic titles that will be coming to the platform before Christmas 2005, as well as revealing some of the more than 200 new titles in development for Xbox 360.

Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft, reiterated today's announcement from Universal Studios that triple Academy Award winners Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as the executive producers of "Halo," the upcoming feature film based on Microsoft's phenomenally popular video game. This unique alliance between Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox, Microsoft, and Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh promises a step forward in motion picture production. "Halo" will benefit from the experience and resources of the film studios, from Microsoft's groundbreaking vision and from Jackson's and Walsh's creative sensibilities and expertise in both traditional filmmaking and the world of emerging digital technologies.