Moore on the Xbox 360 Unveiling

This generation's "thought leader" to follow up MTV console debut with in-depth introduction at E3.

The key to success in the next generation will be to bring in more people, people who might not necessarily be gamers right now. Part of Microsoft's strategy for hooking these new gamers is the unveiling of the Xbox successor during a celebrity-studded special set to air on MTV shortly before E3.

"We wanted to say things first to the consumer" - Moore

"We wanted to say things first to the consumer, and give them a sneak peek - albeit in a 30-minute television show - that will give them a peek under the tent of what's going on and allow them to see it at the same time as the rest of the world does," Microsoft vice-president Peter Moore told GameSpot.

Moore said that the MTV special would finally reveal the name of the new hardware, which until now has gone by either its codename, Xenon, or the current front-runner for the final name, Xbox 360. The show will also contain a first look at some of the games Microsoft is preparing to launch alongside the new machine later this year.

But that doesn't mean that Microsoft is skipping E3. The MTV special will serve as more of a preview, while Microsoft's pre-E3 conference, to be held on May 16th, will offer an in-depth look at the hardware and its upcoming games.

And despite the pressure building as the end-of-year launch date approaches, Moore is focused on his company's vision and place in the industry.

"We're the thought leader in this generation," said Moore. "We need to turn that into market leadership in the next generation, and this is just one small example of how we will do that, and do that in a very aggressive manner."

Check out our earlier coverage for full airing details for the MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed special.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games