Xbox 360 to Hit 200 Games by Xmas '07

Things are looking up for Microsoft's box, and fans could soon find themselves with an abundance of choice.

Microsoft's new console may be only five months old but the company is already thinking long term. With hardware shortages becoming something of the past and the post-release doldrums rapidly disappearing, Microsoft is promising much more to come for the Xbox 360 in the next year or so.

The 18-strong library of games that was there for the launch of the system in late 2005 will swell to 150 to 200 within the next 12 to 18 months, Microsoft's Peter Moore said in an interview with Xbox.com.

Moore emphasised that the company is trying to expand its audience through games such as Rare's Viva Pinata and the Xbox Live Arcade.

And there's good news for gamers stuck at home when the who's who goes to Los Angeles next month for the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Moore told Xbox.com that the Xbox Live Marketplace would let Xbox 360 owners see the best the show has to offer:

"It is our goal to bring E3 home to Xbox Live members as best we can, all the videos and the news as quickly as possible," said Moore. "We will give you the flavour of what's going on, on the show floor and some of the stuff that we are showing and debuting here."

The audience using the service is growing by the day. Microsoft's current figures put Xbox Live connections at around 55 per cent, though it has refused to break that down between the free Silver level and the paid-for Gold level. But the challenge is clear: get people paying.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games