MCVUK

The world may be waiting for news of a new console, but Microsoft is focused on making 2012 the biggest year in Xbox 360 history.

The platform holder has told MCV it believes it can defy the economy and record a seventh straight year of growth with its ‘strongest portfolio’ ever. 

That includes a new Halo game starring iconic hero Master Chief.

“We have hit that target of being global No.1 and we want to keep that going and to have an even bigger year in 2012,” director of global marketing for Xbox Steve Beinner told MCV during Xbox’s spring showcase in San Francisco.

“There is a tremendous amount of life left in Xbox 360.

“Halo 4 is our big bet for the year and we want it to be talked about everywhere. If you go back to 2007 when we launched Halo 3, it was all about being culturally relevant. I remember the stuff they did in the UK to make sure it wasn’t just gamers talking about it, everybody in mainstream was. It is bigger than just a game. It is a big piece of entertainment. A blockbuster movie.”

Microsoft’s bold ambition follows an impressive 2011 performance. According to Chart-Track, Xbox 360 was the only format to increase its software sales year-over-year during 2011.

Xbox Europe chief Chris Lewis added: “We have an enviable line-up, not just with our own first-party titles, but also from third-party developers. 

“And if I look at this coming Christmas, I think we have a stronger portfolio than ever. With some of the biggest titles that utilise Kinect in a way, certainly for the core audience, that hasn’t been there in the past.”

Halo 4 is one of three big first-party games headed for Xbox 360 this Christmas, which also includes Kinect RPG Fable: The Journey and a brand new Forza game. 

And Lewis told MCV there are still more surprises to come.

“It’s no secret that Halo is hugely important for us,” he said. “But of course there is more to come, and we will use the beats throughout the year, such as E3 and Gamescom, to share more details.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ms-xbox-can-defy-economy-and-grow-for-7th-consecutive-year/092553?

'an enviable line up'

Right...

It's true, it helped make the 360 #1 last christmas.

Sony have great core, but crap casual SW, Ninty the opposite, MS are smack bang in the middle. (when it comes to selling power)

Anyway ...

Craaaaazy, love to see them pull it off though. Halo is rumoured for November, they will NEED to price cut to even think about record growth, no doubt about that.

Perhaps they plan to get Kinect Bundle down to sub $199, and 4GB 360 at $129.

then cut the damn price

Why so angry? They'd be foolish to cut before September, and they were clearly right not to cut last year.

if they cut it,i will buy a new one

waiting for price cut over 1 year

lol, oh ok, well it'll def happen this year so you just need to hold out for 6 months or so

Not really defying any economy here. Last year they defied economy, and the year before. This year, the economy is getting better albeit slightly. Things will continue to improve this year.

It's pretty obvious that they're going to have a massive price cut this year. I think they will slash the price of all models by ~$70 and it will happen in about 2 months. Imagine how many 360s will sell on Black Friday if there are deals for $89-$99 base models.