Less than a year after Chinese officials approved rules that allow for the sale of game consoles in the country, Microsoft announced the Sept. 23 launch of its 3,699 yuan ($599) Xbox One.
The upcoming release makes the Xbox One the first console approved for sale in China through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone—a milestone Microsoft marketing vice president Yusuf Mehdi called an honor.
A partnership with E-Home Entertainment's BesTV means Redmond can introduce its Xbox One with a lineup of more than 70 games, as well as hours of movies, sports, documentaries, on-demand TV programs, and more. Free-to-play games join blockbuster titles, like Forza Motorsport 5, which will retail for prices between 99 and 249 yuan.
"We've been working together with Microsoft for more than a year to prepare for the launch of Xbox One and our organizations share a vision for bringing entertainment and gaming innovation to our consumers," Zhang Dashong, senior vice president of Shanghai Media Group and chairman of the board at E-Home Entertainment, said in a statement. "We are excited to start delivering on that promise and are committed to fostering China's original game development."
That original development includes a number of titles not available on any other device in China. Fans will have access to launch-day games like Kinect Sports Rivals, Powerstar Golf, Zoo Tycoon, and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood. More games will follow, including Sunset Overdrive and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Twelve of the world's largest game developers—Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and 2K included—are working to bring some of their best-selling titles to China, where a number of local developers will also lend their talents to the library of Xbox One titles.
"We have made significant investments in China to deliver a tailored Xbox One experience for our fans," Xbox China general manager Enwei Xie said.
Inside every box, consumers will find the Powerstar Golf and Neverwinter Online titles—along with a Special Edition Pack, as well as the BesTV entertainment experience, free access to Xbox Live Gold through March 2015, a localized Chinese interface, translated content, and local payment methods. Plus, a two-year warranty and local customer service support from Microsoft and BesTV is included.
A special Day One limited edition console also comes with Kinect for Xbox One, more games, and other exclusive offers, for 4,299 yuan, while supplies last.
Today's announcement comes just days after Chinese officials showed up unannounced at four Microsoft offices in China, reportedly to investigate antitrust accusations. The disturbance, however, does not appear to have delayed September's console launch.
Once Xbox One sales begin, Redmond intends to stick around China to open two innovation centers, aimed at driving local initiatives in game and app development. With one location set for Shanghai so far, the centers are expected to house some of the world's top innovators looking to accelerate entertainment industry growth in Asia.
The centers will be funded by continuing investments from the local government and Microsoft.
The upcoming release makes the Xbox One the first console approved for sale in China through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone—a milestone Microsoft marketing vice president Yusuf Mehdi called an honor.
A partnership with E-Home Entertainment's BesTV means Redmond can introduce its Xbox One with a lineup of more than 70 games, as well as hours of movies, sports, documentaries, on-demand TV programs, and more. Free-to-play games join blockbuster titles, like Forza Motorsport 5, which will retail for prices between 99 and 249 yuan.
"We've been working together with Microsoft for more than a year to prepare for the launch of Xbox One and our organizations share a vision for bringing entertainment and gaming innovation to our consumers," Zhang Dashong, senior vice president of Shanghai Media Group and chairman of the board at E-Home Entertainment, said in a statement. "We are excited to start delivering on that promise and are committed to fostering China's original game development."
That original development includes a number of titles not available on any other device in China. Fans will have access to launch-day games like Kinect Sports Rivals, Powerstar Golf, Zoo Tycoon, and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood. More games will follow, including Sunset Overdrive and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Twelve of the world's largest game developers—Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and 2K included—are working to bring some of their best-selling titles to China, where a number of local developers will also lend their talents to the library of Xbox One titles.
"We have made significant investments in China to deliver a tailored Xbox One experience for our fans," Xbox China general manager Enwei Xie said.
Inside every box, consumers will find the Powerstar Golf and Neverwinter Online titles—along with a Special Edition Pack, as well as the BesTV entertainment experience, free access to Xbox Live Gold through March 2015, a localized Chinese interface, translated content, and local payment methods. Plus, a two-year warranty and local customer service support from Microsoft and BesTV is included.
A special Day One limited edition console also comes with Kinect for Xbox One, more games, and other exclusive offers, for 4,299 yuan, while supplies last.
Today's announcement comes just days after Chinese officials showed up unannounced at four Microsoft offices in China, reportedly to investigate antitrust accusations. The disturbance, however, does not appear to have delayed September's console launch.
Once Xbox One sales begin, Redmond intends to stick around China to open two innovation centers, aimed at driving local initiatives in game and app development. With one location set for Shanghai so far, the centers are expected to house some of the world's top innovators looking to accelerate entertainment industry growth in Asia.
The centers will be funded by continuing investments from the local government and Microsoft.
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