Developers show support For Xbox 2 in newly released list

In preparation for Microsoft’s next console unveiling at E3, the hype machine is already in full swing with a list of developers who are supporting the next console being released to eager gamers who are desperate for any nuggets of Xbox 2 info.

“The key to bringing the vision for the HD Era of gaming to life is our partners: world-class publishers and developers that have molded and shaped the history of interactive entertainment for tens of millions of gamers worldwide,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Xbox global content and marketing at Microsoft. “This stellar lineup of publishers and developers is poised to deliver games experiences our customers only dreamed were possible, and is ultimately committed to elevating video games to be the No. 1 form of entertainment.”

It appears that these companies are so keen to support the next Xbox that they were willing to comment on their decisions for next-gen development. The list of supporters includes Activision, Atari, Capcom, Codemasters, Eidos, EA, KOEI, Konami, Midway, Namco, Rockstar, SEGA, Tecmo, THQ, Ubisoft, Ubisoft and more. We expect to see some of the first games for the next Xbox from these supporters at E3 in May.

For the full list of supporters (announced so far) and a comment from each of them, take a look at the massive set of quotes below.

“Moving into the next generation of console hardware, Microsoft is dedicated to creating cutting-edge technology that enables us to develop more immersive and graphically stunning games. Gamers everywhere benefit as Microsoft’s state-of-the-art tools allow us to turn our ideas into unparalleled gaming experiences.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Greg Thomas

President

Visual Concepts, developers of 2K Games’ critically acclaimed 2K5 Sports series

“The next-generation Xbox video game system platform gives us unprecedented personalization abilities that allow gamers to completely customize their gaming experiences like never before. We share Microsoft’s vision for the HD Era and look forward to providing consumers with unparalleled game and entertainment experiences.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Kathy Vrabeck

President

Activision Publishing

“The online interface and customization offered by the next-generation Xbox is a leap forward in how consumers interact with games. Atari hopes to maximize the advantages of Microsoft’s new platform and provide our consumers with the type of immersive entertainment experiences that are synonymous with the Atari name.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Jim Caparro

President and Chief Executive Officer

Atari Inc.

“Bandai is proud to be one of the publishers planning for the next-generation Xbox. Our unique and exciting games will be a great addition to the next-generation Xbox product line.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Naruo Uchida

Vice President

Bandai

“For many gamers, having a personalized experience always has been a driving force behind playing a role-playing game. With the next-generation Xbox, we can create even more original, immersive and engaging worlds for players to explore.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Pete Hines

Vice President of PR and Marketing

Bethesda Softworks

“Our production organization is gearing up to bring a wide range of products to the next-generation Xbox platform. The incredible capabilities of this system, along with the continued evolution and expansion of the Xbox Live community are exciting for us and for our audience.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Michael Ryder

Vice President of Worldwide Production Buena Vista Games

“Today, it is my great pleasure to announce Capcom’s support for Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console. It is my firm belief that by utilizing this new hardware we will be able to further our longtime goal of creating the perfect blend of unique gaming experiences with revolutionary, cutting-edge technology.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Kenzo Tsujimoto

President and CEO

Capcom

“We’ve always loved creating games for Xbox and working with Microsoft; we share a great passion for developing excellent, superbly playable games. Everyone at Codemasters is excited to be part of Microsoft’s vision and take the gaming experience to a new generation of Xbox.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ David Darling

Chairman

Codemasters

“Eidos is fully committed to developing for the next-generation Xbox system, taking our console products into the next generation. The incredible performance of this new architecture enables our developers to utterly demolish the barriers presented by the current platforms, delivering entirely new experiences to our players.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ John Spinale

Vice President

North American Development

Eidos Inc.

“EA studio teams are already deep in development on games that will debut with Microsoft’s new console. We’re particularly focused on making use of the high-definition and online capabilities ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ two elements we think will define the game experience on the next generation of technology. Microsoft is a great partner, and its new console is going to be a blast for both developers and consumers.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Don Mattrick

President

Electronic Arts Worldwide Studios

“We strongly believe that the next-generation Xbox will completely change ideas and images of entertainment, and we are very honored and pleased to join this great project.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Naotoshi Zin

President

FromSoftware Inc.

“We have great expectations for the next-generation Xbox. We are looking forward to making full use of the next-generation Xbox’s capabilities to provide game fans all over the world with a completely revolutionary form of entertainment.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Toru Ogawa

Managing Executive Officer

General Manager

Software Division

KOEI Co. Ltd.

“Konami has always provided high-quality, top-selling games that push the boundaries of innovation and technology. Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox video game system platform will help us continue to deliver great games, providing a wealth of new entertainment opportunities to our customers.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Kazumi Kitaue

Executive Corporate Officer

America and Europe

Konami Corp.

“The next generation of Xbox promises to introduce an incredibly powerful new platform that will allow developers and publishers to create games with unprecedented levels of realism, connectivity and customization. Majesco supports Microsoft’s vision for the future of interactive gaming, and we’re excited to partner with it in bringing innovative new content to the next generation of Xbox gamers.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Jesse Sutton

President

Majesco Entertainment

“We have amassed an unparalleled lineup of first-party developers recognized worldwide as creative innovators and trendsetters. We all are committed to providing groundbreaking advancements exclusively for the next generation of Xbox. Our collective goal is to deliver experiences that will fundamentally change the way people think about, play and experience interactive entertainment.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Shane Kim

General Manager

Microsoft Game Studios

“Great next-generation games will be defined by how far they push the envelope in terms of graphical prowess, evolved artificial intelligence and revolutionary online functionality beyond what gamers are currently experiencing. We look forward to working with Microsoft on the next-generation Xbox to produce groundbreaking content that will change the face of entertainment.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ David F. Zucker

President and Chief Executive Officer Midway

“Namco is pleased to be a leading publisher supporting Microsoft’s next-generation vision. We are confident that Microsoft’s next console will be an impressive piece of hardware that will push technological limits, provide consumers with a memorable gaming experience and showcase our software to its fullest potential.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Nobuhiro Kasahara

President and Chief Executive Officer

Namco Hometek Inc.

“Simply the next-generation Xbox is a revolutionary machine that exceeds anybody’s expectation. Just like how sensational Xbox was to the gaming industry when it was first introduced, I strongly believe this next generation will allow developers to explore unlimited possibilities and create games they only dreamed of. Fully leveraging all high-end technology the Xbox features, Phantagram is also planning to deliver dazzlingly stylish games never seen and experienced before.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Sangyoun Lee

CEO

Phantagram, Ltd.

“Working with the next-generation Xbox technology is a great opportunity. Our development teams are very excited by the possibilities and challenges that come with the advancement of new hardware. The new technology will hopefully allow us to continue pushing the envelope of people’s expectations, while continuing to explore the core ethos and style that is at the heart of Rockstar’s sensibility.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Sam Houser

President

Rockstar Games

“The next Xbox will be accessible to a wider market, so SEGA is prepared to deliver a range of great game content that will satisfy all market demographics, from our stable of popular franchises like ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ to new and exciting properties that will change the way people interact with games. Microsoft has created powerful development tools, so SEGA developers can create incredibly rich, cinematic environments that are more realistic than ever before. Add to this a philosophy of software, hardware and services integration, and you have a successful formula that we expect will set a new benchmark for quality.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Simon Jeffery

President and COO

SEGA

“We are working with the most advanced gaming technology in the world in order to create the ultimate gaming experience while continuing to be the industry leader in online gaming on Microsoft’s next-generation platform.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ John Inada

Tecmo Ltd.

“As a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, we are committed to delivering only the best possible experiences for our customers. Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox video game system gives us the platform upon which we can build and deliver digital entertainment experiences our customers have only dreamed of.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Jack Sorensen

Executive Vice President

Worldwide Studios

THQ

“Ubisoft is committed to delivering great games to audiences around the world. Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox video game system platform will provide us with even more entertainment opportunities to produce and publish innovative, entertaining games with the ability to interact with their gaming community in ways like never before.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Jay Cohen

Vice President

Publishing

Ubisoft

“Microsoft’s state-of-the-art technologies in next-generation platforms will provide gamers with a whole new and exciting gaming experience. The power of next-gen platforms in high-definition will exceed the expectations of gamers, putting them in the game with a more realistic experience. VU Games is very excited and committed to integrating the benefits of the next-generation Xbox into future titles.”

ââ¬Ã¢â‚¬ Cindy Cook

Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer

Vivendi Universal Games

“As a developer that specializes in online gaming, we chose the next-generation Xbox platform because of its stable service and online capabilities. Through this platform we have hopes to meet the high expectations and develop a high-quality game to give consumers the highest level of enjoyment.”

– Nam Ju Kim

President / CEO

Webzen Inc.