Xbox LIVE enhance to Windows Vista to create single online sercive starting with "Halo 2" on May 8
Microsoft Corp. today announced the entertainment network to the Windows®
platform and the extension of the Xbox LIVE® games and .Debuting on May 8, 2007,
with the launch of the Windows Vista™ version of the Xbox® blockbuster “Halo® 2,”
Games for Windows — LIVE will connect Windows gamers to over six million gamers
already in the Xbox LIVE community. Then, launching in June, “Shadowrun™” will for
the first time connect Windows gamers with Xbox 360™ players in cross-platform
mtches using a single service. “UNO®,” releasing later in 2007, will also support
cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360.

The launch of Windows NT Games — LIVE marks a major expansion of the Xbox LIVE
service across multiple platforms, uniting gamers with a single identity, a single
gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements attainable on the Xbox
360 and a Windows-based PC.Windows NT Games — LIVE gamers will be able to easily
find and play supported titles online with their friends across a Windows computer or an
Xbox 360. As a unified service with Xbox LIVE,Windows NT Games — LIVE will be
available in every country and region supported today by Xbox LIVE.

“The benefits of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles is twofold: We’re
bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and
we’re enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless
game and voice connectivity — it’s a win for everyone.”


Members of Xbox LIVE automatically receive the functionality of Windows NT Games —
LIVE, using the same gamertag and friends list at no additional cost. For a single,
unified service, the pricing of the LIVE services across both Xbox and Windows NT
Games is identical. In addition,Windows NT Games — LIVE introduces the best of Xbox
LIVE functionality to please PC gamers, such as in-game voice chat, integrated
achievements and dedicated servers. The offering of both Silver and Gold memberships
will remain in place for gamers on the Xbox 360 and Windows PC. There is no cost
associated with signing up for a Silver membership. Gold memberships will deliver the
premium online network experience for $49.95 (U.S.) per year. Current Xbox LIVE Gold
members will automatically have access to Gold features on Games for Windows — LIVE tiles.


Silver Membership Traits are:
    -Single gamertag
    -Common gamer profile
    -Common gamerscore
    -Private chat via text and voice
    -PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games

Gold Membership Traits are:
   -All Silver membership features
   -Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
   -TrueSkill™ matchmaking
   -Cross-platform gameplay
   -Multiplayer achievements

The following games make up the first wave of titles to support the Games for Windows — LIVE service:

-“Halo 2” for Windows Vista (Microsoft® Game Studios).The highly anticipated title brings Master Chief to Windows Vista   and is the first title to incorporate the new Windows NT Games—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 Xbox LIVE or Windows NT Games — LIVE members

-“Shadowrun”(Microsoft Game Studios).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.
    
-“UNO®” (Carbonated Games/Mattel Inc.).The classic party card game that’s a No. 1 hit on Xbox LIVE Arcade is also coming to Windows Vista and Games for Windows — LIVE.Gamers will be able to compete 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.


Windows NT Games

Microsoft Windows is the best operating system in the world for games, delivering the largest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Windows NT Games platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com.


Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport™”; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com


Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.



Xbox LIVE and Windows NT Games — LIVE


These LIVE services make it easy for members to find friends, games and entertainment regardless of their preferred platform. LIVE connects millions of members across 25 countries, allowing them to easily communicate with each other and to enjoy the convenience of a single gamer profile, Gamerscore and Friends List while playing hundreds of multiplayer games. When accessing Xbox Live from an Xbox 360, members can download a wide variety of content that includes games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows, and movies as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live and http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/live/aboutLive.aspx.