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News >> Technology >>
MS to launch Xbox before Diwali
By agencies
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Tuesday, 01 August 2006, 19:30 IST
BANGALORE: The gaming market in the country has finally sprung into action from its dormant state. Microsoft is all geared to launch its X-box 360 video gaming and entertainment system prior to Dassera and Diwali.
Firstly, as a marketing shift from the automotive sector, MS has already raised over 5 crores from its pre-launch orders bookings. With prospective buyers paying a deposit of 5,000 each, it has already attained its target of a million orders.
The tie-up with Adidas has just added to its proceeds. The scheme came along with a discount of 10 percent and freebies too were given galore. As a pilot procedure, MS has introduced a bargain in Korea wherein the systems are licensed to cyber café owners and profits are being duly shared. Should this thrive, it would be adapted in India as well.
There is good news for the true-blue localities as well. Says MS country Manager, Anand there will be local content in games and entertainment system though we wont offer local languages.
The estimated figure of gamers in the country stands at a staggering figure of 1.6million. To meet the demand, MS would also be launching all-in-one home entertainment platform. Campaigns in the country prior to the bookings have already secured 55,000 leads from across the country.
But is it going to be easy on the pockets. Well, thats for the buyer to decide, thoughin India it is estimated to cost about 20,000 excluding taxes. A stand-alone game too would be included which is normally priced $60.with the retail prices overseas being over $299; this brings the Indian price almost parallel.
For Microsoft, the global gaming business was worth $4.5 billion last year, when the global market was worth $24 billion. With a market share of over 30 percent, Microsoft is at second position, behind Sony, despite being the last entrant, in 01.
The global gaming business was worth over $24billion last year with MS being worth $4.5 billion. Interestingly, Sony ranks above Microsoft despite being a late entrant in the market, which has a market share of 30 percent.