Microsoft Public Relations released a huge, multi-page press release just before Bill Gates´ keynote speech last night at the Consumer Electronics Expo. Here are a few key highlights in from the press release and keynote address.
* Although numbers have not been finalized, NPD is reporting that consumers spend more money on Xbox 360 games and hardware in North America than the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3.
* Xbox Live has hit 10,000,000 (10 million) users. This surpassed Microsoft´s goal of 10,000,000 (10 million) by June 2008. Microsoft is now 6 months ahead of schedule with it´s XBL service. Also, according to VGChartz, this represents an online subscription rate of 62%.
* Casual title Scene It? Lights Camera Action has sold enough units to cover the cost of development of the game in just 2 months. Microsoft PR hinted that this will allow for Scene It? LCA to become a new franchised IP in the MS Library
* Microsoft has parterned with Disney/ABC Television Group, and MGM Studios for more Xbox Live Movies and TV Shows. This includes old school blockbusters such as ´Rocky´ and ´The Terminator´
* Microsoft has parterned with IPTV Company BT, to offer their on-demand IPTV Service, BT Vision, to XBL users.
* Microsoft expects Halo Wars, Too Human, Fable 2, Alan Wake, Splinter Cell: Conviction, and other un-announced exclusives to ship this year (2008).
* For the multi-platform lover, Microsoft also inadvertantly stated that Capcom´s Resident Evil 5 will be coming to the Xbox 360 this year.