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Despite a tough economy, the gaming industry held strong in 2008 and
Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox360 video game and entertainment system
recorded the biggest year in Xbox history, with
more consoles, games and online entertainment experiences sold than
any previous year. It was a year in which life-to-date unit sales of
Xbox360 systems climbed to 28 million consoles worldwide — expanding
the product’s lead over SONY’s PLAYSTATION3 to more than 8 million
units. The XboxLIVE! community also grew to more than 17
million active members, as online consumer spending increased 84%
from last year. Since the launch of the Xbox360 three years ago,
more than $1 billion has been spent on XboxLIVE!. This
amazing growth was fuelled by the launch of the New Xbox Experience;
the broadest selection of hit games, TV shows, and movies available;
and mass-market price points, starting at $199/£99.
Xbox360 is experiencing record-setting sales around the globe,
particularly in Japan and Europe, nearly doubling market share in
these key territories. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
specifically, Xbox360 has now sold more than 8 million units,
extending its lead over the PLAYSTATION3 by more than 1 million
units.
“For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal
growth year at retail and online — even in the face of tough
economic conditions,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of
the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Worldwide, a
record number of players flocked to our broadest games and
entertainment lineup ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled
millions of fans by making our console even more engaging. And yet,
we’ve only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive
entertainment that we’re imagining. The best of Xbox360 is yet to
come.”
One of the biggest trends in 2008 was consumers taking advantage of
the convenience and value with digital distribution of games and
entertainment content. One of the most popular offerings this
holiday was Netflix on Xbox360, which as a Netflix member provides
users with access to unlimited viewing of more than 12,000 movies
and TV shows in DVD quality as well as many in high definition. 2 In
addition, XboxLIVE! is home to the largest library of
downloadable games, game add-ons, movies and TV shows.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, XboxLIVE! experienced
its busiest week ever, with a record of more than 1.5 million
concurrent members online. During that week, some of the most
popular movies, TV shows, arcade games and game add-ons included
these:
Movies:
• “The Dark Knight”
• “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” (unrated)
• “Hellboy II: The Golden Army”
• “Iron Man”
• “Tropic Thunder”
TV Shows:
• “South Park”
• “Family Guy”
• “The Office”
• “House”
• “Heroes”
Arcade Games:
• A Kingdom for Keflings
• Castle Crashers
• Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
• Puzzle Arcade
• Worms
Game Add-Ons:
• “Rock Band”
• “Guitar Hero”
• “Halo 3”
• “Gears of War 2”
• “Call of Duty 4” |
