Future unveils Xbox World 360 as launch of new Xbox console looms

26/09/05 - Future's 100% unofficial Xbox title unveils its exciting new look later week, when it relaunches as Xbox World 360.

Following a comprehensive redesign, Xbox World 360 reflects the excitement surrounding a new generation of hardware, and the all-encompassing entertainment experience offered by the Xbox 360. Uncompromising in its mission to tell the truth about the latest games, Xbox World 360 has become a better looking, brighter and busier magazine, while retaining its no-nonsense attitude.

Although the magazine is shifting its main focus to the Xbox 360, it promises to keep reviewing and previewing every game that matters for the original Xbox, and the relaunch issue has over 30-pages dedicated to the Xbox - with the definitive reviews of Far Cry: Instincts, FIFA 2006 and Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks as well as the latest news on Half Life 2, Star Wars Battlefront II, and loads more.

Every issue of Xbox World 360 will come with a packed DVD video, showcasing the best games available for both consoles. The disc will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, cheat codes which promise to bust open the secrets and features of the latest games for the Xbox. The magazine will also feature further exciting covermounts, including regular innovative gifts.

Matt Pierce is Publisher of Xbox World 360:

"This is a hugely exciting time for Xbox gaming, with some great current generation games due out, as well as of course, the next-gen console on December 2nd. We know that as many of our readers as possible will be getting their hands on the new console right away, so Xbox World 360 will focus on delivering all the essential buying advice they need, as well as in-depth features designed to show them how to get the most from their new machine. The discs will showcase the incredible new Xbox 360 games on the horizon too, meaning readers can see them in all their glory before deciding which to buy.

"Despite the Xbox 360 focus, the magazine will remain the best place to read about original Xbox games too. Rather than abandon the format, Xbox World 360 will reflect the complete Xbox gaming experience - all in one exciting, fresh-looking package."

On sale September 29th, issue 31 of Xbox World 360 takes a look into the future of Halo and features hands-on impressions of some of the hottest new games due to launch with the Xbox 360. The magazine nets an exclusive first-play of Activision's hotly anticipated 360 title, Call of Duty 2 and catches up with Shingo 'Seabass' Takasuka, mastermind of the Pro Evolution Soccer games, who offers some tantalising snippets on the next-gen PES 360.

Celebrating the rebirth of the magazine, the November issue also comes with TWO sensational DVDs - one showcasing the best new titles still to come for the original Xbox, the second looking ahead to the Xbox 360 and including stacks of unseen in-game footage, including Ghost Recon 3 and Gears of War, and Brit games legend Peter Molyneux revealing his hopes for the new console.

Xbox World 360 hits newsstands on Thursday, 29th September with a coverprice of £4.99 - including two covermounted DVDs.

ENDS

About Future

Future plc was founded in the UK in 1985. Today, it publishes over 150 special-interest consumer magazines worldwide with strong portfolios in the computing, games, music, automotive, sports, crafts and leisure sectors. It is the fifth largest magazine publisher in the UK. Future employs 1,450 people in offices in the UK, US, France and Italy. Over 100 international editions of Future's magazines are also published under licence in 30 other countries across the world. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR).

For more information:

Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, 01225 822517.