Games Industry Heavyweight Gosen Joins Xbox Europe

LONDON - 20th March 2008: Microsoft today announced the appointment of David Gosen as VP, Strategic Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business EMEA. Gosen brings more than 20 years' experience with the games industry and with major consumer and consumer technology brands in Europe, and will enable the IEB EMEA organisation to focus on expanding the market for Xbox 360 in the region.

Gosen will be a key member of the Microsoft IEB EMEA leadership team, driving the communications strategy and all marketing for the division as well as having responsibility for the Xbox LIVE ® business in Europe. Reporting to Chris Lewis, VP, IEB EMEA, Gosen will have responsibility for expanding the market in Europe for Xbox 360 as the platform and portfolio grows to offer broader and more mass-market entertainment experiences for consumers of all ages, skills and interests.

Gosen joins the business at a major milestone in its lifecycle. The recent reduction in the estimated retail price (ERP) of Xbox 360 in EMEA has made the platform a mass-market proposition and allowed more consumers in the region to enjoy the ultimate in high-def entertainment.

"I'm very excited to be part of Microsoft IEB at this key stage in the gaming industry," said Gosen. "Xbox 360 is now a mass-market gaming console, and with the recent ERP reduction we're poised to open the market for Xbox 360 even wider. The content portfolio goes from strength to strength and is providing compelling experiences for a broader audience, and the titles we have coming up are massively appealing. Meanwhile Xbox LIVE continues to set the standards for online gaming and community - it is the first unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for consumers to find the friends, games and entertainment they want. I'm looking forward to joining the the Microsoft IEB team and inviting more and more people into the world of Xbox."

"We're very happy to welcome David to the Microsoft IEB leadership team," said Lewis. "We recently re-aligned to combine laser-sharp focus with strong industry and consumer marketing experience. With David leading strategic marketing, Phil Spencer leading MGS in Europe, and Richard Teversham as Business and Strategy Director, we are in a great position to leverage Xbox 360's European success to further widen the market for Xbox as a mass-market proposition"

Gosen has more than 20 years of senior management experience with blue-chip entertainment , consumer goods multinationals and venture backed enterprises. He most recently served as CEO of I-play Mobile Entertainment, where he drove the company to be one of the Top 5 mobile gaming publishers through a casual consumer focused strategy. Prior to that he was Managing Director of Nintendo, Europe where, over a 5-year period, he was responsible for leading Nintendo's significant European growth across console and handheld. He previously served in senior management positions at British Sky Broadcasting, Mercury One-to-One, Pepsico, and Coca-Cola & Schweppes Beverages.

Xbox 360 - Mass-Market in Europe

The new ERPs are part of Microsoft's ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with an offering for everyone:

· Best Choice for Families:

o Xbox 360 grows as your family does, offering games and entertainment for every member of the family - from movies to games to music videos

o With over 150 3+ rated[1] games and unparalleled parental controls, parents can feel good about their kids playing Xbox 360

· Most Diverse Entertainment:

o Xbox 360 offers great choice in high-definition entertainment

o Xbox LIVE Video Store offers a wide variety of movies to download, both in HD and SD, enabling great entertainment in the living room at the press of a button

o It's easy to view and enjoy video and photos on Xbox 360 as well as connect wirelessly to share content with a Windows Media Center PC

· The Best Games:

o There will be over 1,000 games available on Xbox 360 by the end of the year, with something for every skill level, interest and taste

o New community games allow gamers to sample the best of indie games, providing innovative new ways to play and enjoy

o Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto IV, with exclusive downloadable episodes on Xbox LIVE, and Rock Band make Xbox 360 the place to be this Spring

o Xbox 360 exclusives for 2008 include Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Too Human, setting new standards for next-generation gaming

Ends

For press information, please contact:

Kate Szlendak / 0118 909 5334 / i-kaszle@microsoft.com

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows ( http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon"; Xbox and Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.com), including such games as "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo," "Fable," "Project Gotham Racing" and "Forza Motorsport"; and MSN Games ( http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic."

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Xbox LIVE Arcade

Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with a diverse library of original development and classic titles from the world's best independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer - from casual to hard-core - to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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[1] PEGI ratings system