Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360 launching on November 10 in Europe
By Thomas Ricker 
posted August 17th 2010 1:39AM
posted August 17th 2010 1:39AM
Microsoft transforms entertainment at home and on the go with launch of Kinect and new Xbox LIVE experiences on Windows Phone 7 and PC
Kinect for Xbox 360 brings controller-free entertainment to Europe from November 10, 2010
Game Developers Conference Europe 2010
COLOGNE, Germany--Xbox will transform entertainment at home and on the go this year with Kinect for Xbox 360 officially launching in Europe, Middle East and Africa1 on November 10 opening up a new world of controller-free games and Xbox LIVE entertainment. Xbox LIVE and a blockbuster line up of games on Windows Phone 7 will also launch this holiday and Microsoft announced a new line up of LIVE enabled titles coming to the PC.
Gamescom 2010 is the European premiere of Kinect for Xbox 360, introducing millions more to the intuitive freedom of being controller-free. The show will unveil new games and experiences demonstrating the depth and breadth of the launch lineup of more than 15 exclusive Kinect titles, including never-before-seen levels, new environments, achievements and characters for "Kinect Sports," "Kinect Adventures," "Kinectimals" and "Kinect Joyride." MTV Games and Harmonix will also announce new chart-topping dance tracks for the highly anticipated "Dance Central".
Speaking before the show, Chris Lewis, vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe said, "We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at Gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we're committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox's global success. When Kinect launches on November 10, it's not just transformative for our business but its set to change how you use entertainment. You become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We're already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share2."
"This is also the year of expansion for Xbox 360; in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox LIVE and multiple platforms. With Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go. With "Age of Empires Online", "Fable III" and new games still in development we're also bringing, social, connected gaming experiences to all new audiences on the PC. When you look at what we are bringing to the market this year with the magic of Kinect, alongside our blockbuster line-up of games, including the biggest game for 2010, "Halo: Reach", we're confident that Xbox 360 has something for all the family and will be the gaming and entertainment console of 2010 and beyond."
More Kinect To Love
New Kinect game experiences which will be unveiled at Gamescom reveal a never-before-seen depth to controller-free games that will keep the casual or the hardcore gamer entertained for hours. The classic kart racing title "Kinect Joy Ride" featuring new modes that will keep gameplay fresh and challenging whether playing alone or with friends will be on show, along with thrilling new adventures exploring exotic locations, collecting treasures and earning rewards in "Kinect Adventures". A host of cute new animal friends to help you explore the world of "Kinectimals" and three new events in "Kinect Sports" which are guaranteed to entice the family off the sofa, will also be revealed for the first time at the event.
The Blockbusters Get Bigger
2010 finds all the biggest blockbusters on Xbox 360, with an amazing 3rd party lineup proving that once again Xbox 360 is the best place to play, including the highly anticipated blockbusters "Halo:Reach" and "Fable III" which will be showing off some new features for play at Gamescom.
A New Era in Mobile Gaming
Gamescom 2010 is also the venue for the global unveil of the first wave of Xbox LIVE games launching on Windows Phone 7 this holiday. Building on Microsoft's pioneering work with Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 will be home to a premier, ever-expanding portfolio of Xbox LIVE titles from the most creative minds in game development, including Microsoft Game Studios. From Avatars to Achievements, friends and more, Windows Phone 7 is putting the power of Xbox LIVE into the palm of your hand.
Reinventing Classic PC Franchises
Microsoft will also unveil the newest addition to the best-selling "Age of Empires" franchise, "Age of Empires Online." Marrying fresh online features with iconic gameplay, "Age of Empires Online" will offer something for long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between. Additionally, Microsoft will announce the development of a new game inspired by the time-honored "Flight Simulator" franchise. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, these new titles, along with the previously announced "Fable III," fully integrate the free3 "Games for Windows – LIVE" online service to deliver compelling, socially-connected gameplay experiences.
Kinect for Xbox 360 brings controller-free entertainment to Europe from November 10, 2010
Game Developers Conference Europe 2010
COLOGNE, Germany--Xbox will transform entertainment at home and on the go this year with Kinect for Xbox 360 officially launching in Europe, Middle East and Africa1 on November 10 opening up a new world of controller-free games and Xbox LIVE entertainment. Xbox LIVE and a blockbuster line up of games on Windows Phone 7 will also launch this holiday and Microsoft announced a new line up of LIVE enabled titles coming to the PC.
Gamescom 2010 is the European premiere of Kinect for Xbox 360, introducing millions more to the intuitive freedom of being controller-free. The show will unveil new games and experiences demonstrating the depth and breadth of the launch lineup of more than 15 exclusive Kinect titles, including never-before-seen levels, new environments, achievements and characters for "Kinect Sports," "Kinect Adventures," "Kinectimals" and "Kinect Joyride." MTV Games and Harmonix will also announce new chart-topping dance tracks for the highly anticipated "Dance Central".
Speaking before the show, Chris Lewis, vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe said, "We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at Gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we're committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox's global success. When Kinect launches on November 10, it's not just transformative for our business but its set to change how you use entertainment. You become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We're already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share2."
"This is also the year of expansion for Xbox 360; in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox LIVE and multiple platforms. With Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go. With "Age of Empires Online", "Fable III" and new games still in development we're also bringing, social, connected gaming experiences to all new audiences on the PC. When you look at what we are bringing to the market this year with the magic of Kinect, alongside our blockbuster line-up of games, including the biggest game for 2010, "Halo: Reach", we're confident that Xbox 360 has something for all the family and will be the gaming and entertainment console of 2010 and beyond."
More Kinect To Love
New Kinect game experiences which will be unveiled at Gamescom reveal a never-before-seen depth to controller-free games that will keep the casual or the hardcore gamer entertained for hours. The classic kart racing title "Kinect Joy Ride" featuring new modes that will keep gameplay fresh and challenging whether playing alone or with friends will be on show, along with thrilling new adventures exploring exotic locations, collecting treasures and earning rewards in "Kinect Adventures". A host of cute new animal friends to help you explore the world of "Kinectimals" and three new events in "Kinect Sports" which are guaranteed to entice the family off the sofa, will also be revealed for the first time at the event.
The Blockbusters Get Bigger
2010 finds all the biggest blockbusters on Xbox 360, with an amazing 3rd party lineup proving that once again Xbox 360 is the best place to play, including the highly anticipated blockbusters "Halo:Reach" and "Fable III" which will be showing off some new features for play at Gamescom.
A New Era in Mobile Gaming
Gamescom 2010 is also the venue for the global unveil of the first wave of Xbox LIVE games launching on Windows Phone 7 this holiday. Building on Microsoft's pioneering work with Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 will be home to a premier, ever-expanding portfolio of Xbox LIVE titles from the most creative minds in game development, including Microsoft Game Studios. From Avatars to Achievements, friends and more, Windows Phone 7 is putting the power of Xbox LIVE into the palm of your hand.
Reinventing Classic PC Franchises
Microsoft will also unveil the newest addition to the best-selling "Age of Empires" franchise, "Age of Empires Online." Marrying fresh online features with iconic gameplay, "Age of Empires Online" will offer something for long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between. Additionally, Microsoft will announce the development of a new game inspired by the time-honored "Flight Simulator" franchise. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, these new titles, along with the previously announced "Fable III," fully integrate the free3 "Games for Windows – LIVE" online service to deliver compelling, socially-connected gameplay experiences.
Nobody is going to buy this at this price.
@Cainhunpi downranked due to the topic having nothing about price in it, fail first post
@Cainhunpi Have you seen inside of it? there's just too many things in there, i wouldn't be surprised to hear they are loosing money on hardware
How long until it drops $50 in price after launch?
atleast the us gets something from msoft before euro
Bring it on Microsoft!
Soo..any news about a Canada release date?
@DS1495
November 4th ... Apple really is the only one that screws us over with release dates.
That's just for tech, we also get screwed over by car manufacturers both in price and options/models.
Saw this demoed on Engadget podcast and I am not sure who is more excieted, me or my daughter.
When is the Australian release ??? anyone, someone....
What about Asia? When are they getting Kinect?
Only 6 days? Not bad at all.
Microsoft + worldwide launch = extreme shortages.
Remember how well the Xbox 360 launch went?
Hey!? It's coming out the day before my bday! :D and GT5 will be out early November as well
Released on my birthday, woohoo!
MS are in for a shock if they think this will replace controllers. need some evidence... they discontinued the MS wheel thinking people want to hold their arms out in the air for long periods of time while playing driving games. greedy bastads want some nintendollars
@glennc2
It will, kids eat this stuff up. Soon we'll be the cranky old people complaining about the lack of buttons and joysticks in games today. And the next generation will be playing games in the holodeck.
woot! 6 days!
Not too much of a wait, but just enough that we'll get the Net-Reviews telling us if it is actually worth it ;)
I was super-hyped when it was first revealed, but.. ... It's just not there anymore.
What suprises me is that alo of people seem to like the move more than kinect BUT on the uks largest online games/dvds retailer (PLAY.COM) the kinect on the xbox list of most preordered and most wanted is in the number 5 slot
where the move is at number 10
so to me this looks like more people want kinect than the move
@cleo2525 Well considering the fact that the Move navigation controller is higher than the Move controller AND the starter pack on that chart I wouldn't say it was 100% accurate at judging what the public are wanting more of.
I want a Bing Maps App in XBLA and I want it now. Imagine just telling your xbox where you want to go, and it'll give you a full screen map on your 32" tv telling you, and you can navigate around by waving your hands around
@Francis the Carpenter
That's a small TV you got there.... imagine it on a 56inch
@MarcinK Well you know what they say about people with big TV's
(wiggles pinkie)
First I was thinking about buying WII like thing, but more I think the more I am convinced that Kinect is very well thought product. It can help solve many problems as well not only gaming. speech to text can be enhanced and finally created for some smaller european languages, people with dissabilities can be supported better by computer as well, various "minority report" interfaces can be created without the need of gloves. I mean I really respect Kinect not only because of games, but because of other possible uses: communication and business apps. I am glad that it will be available in Europe. Hopefully in whole EU. My kid will definitely like it more than WII. It is just simpler. WII like interfaces will be like remotes. You can buy cheap Chinese universal remote and it works with most of the TVs. Kinect is the real thing for me.
anyone know when the South/East/SEAsian, & Australasian release is?
That's only like most of the world and no mention Engadget, sigh...
@(Unverified)
should clarify, by "most of the world" I meant demographically.