Microsoft: It's a crucial time for Xbox

Kinect - a key moment in the Xbox annals
Kinect - a key moment in the Xbox annals

Microsoft has insisted that it is a 'crucial time for expansion' for the Xbox 360, with the arrival of Kinect and Xbox Live on Windows Phone 7.

Speaking ahead of the Kinect showcase at Gamescon 2010, Microsoft Europe's vice president of interactive entertainment business, Chris Lewis, insisted that the European market was hugely important for the Xbox brand, and also hinted as future plans in Windows gaming.

"This is a crucial time in expansion for Xbox 360, in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox Live and multiple platforms," said Lewis.

Quality, consistency, community

"With Xbox Live on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go, he added

"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.

Lewis believes that the new arrivals will propel Xbox ahead of the competition for the foreseeable future.

"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," he concluded.

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.