Gamescom 2010: Local Kinect Launch Date Revealed

Microsoft has just announced that Kinect will be released across Europe, Asia and most importantly Africa on Wednesday the 10th of November 2010.

They also restated that their will be at least 15 Kinect titles at launch with the current front runners being Dance Central, Kinectimals, Joy Ride and Kinect Adventures.

We’ll be bringing you more news as and when it happens out of Gamescom 2010 but you can check out the full press release after the break.

Cologne, Germany – August 17, 2010 – 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.

All information contained in this news post comes directly from a press release sent out by Microsoft.

Source: PlanetXbox360

Last Updated: August 17, 2010