Microsoft’s new Xbox game console arrived in Japan in a major launch personally directed by Bill Gates.
The platform launched with 12 titles, some of which were developed by such popular Japanese game developers as Sega, Capcom, Konami and Tecmo. Approximately 22 titles are scheduled for release there by the end of the month.
“Today’s Xbox launch demonstrates our long-term commitment to Japanese video game players,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer (CXO) at Microsoft. “Xbox is just getting started in Japan, and already the launch lineup of games is very strong. It’s amazing to see what many of the legendary Japanese game designers have been able to accomplish on Xbox.”
“This is just the beginning for Xbox in Japan,” said Hirohisa Ohura, managing director and head of the Xbox Division at Microsoft Japan. “We are continuing to work with our incredible partners to develop unprecedented games that can only be created on Xbox.”
Japanese launch titles included the following: “JSRF — Jet Set Radio Future”; “Genma Onimusha”; “Silent Hill; Saigo no Uta”; “Wreckless: The Yazuka Missions”; “Air Force Delta II”; “Hyper Sports 2002 Winter”; “ESPN Winter X Games Snowboarding 2002”; “Nobunaga’s Ambition: Chronicles of Chaos”; “Nezmix; “Tenku: Freestyle Snowboarding” (aka Amped); “Project Gotham Racing: World Street Racer”; “Dead or Alive 3.”
