Microsoft back with big titles

Computer game fans are in for an exciting summer, as Games for Windows has just announced its line-up of new software titles to be released in the UAE.

Microsoft Corporation hosted the Games for Windows Presents: The Big Picture event, highlighting some of the most eagerly anticipated releases for PCs.

From action-packed shooters to family-friendly fun versions of this summer's popular films, the new titles include Space Siege, Kung Fu Panda and WALL-E.

Meanwhile, releasing for the first time on Microsoft Windows are 16 offerings that have been incredibly popular on other gaming platforms. Among these are Battlestations: Midway, Call of Duty: World at War, Devil May Cry 4, Ghostbusters: The Video Game, and Lego Batman: The Video Game.

"The big picture of the PC gaming market is unparalleled growth," says Kevin Unangst, Senior Global Director of Windows Gaming, Entertainment and Devices division, Microsoft. "By all accounts, Windows continues to lead the gaming industry worldwide in both users and total revenue, and videogame and entertainment research firm DFC Intelligence expects the PC gaming market to grow by a staggering 73 per cent from 2007 to 2013."

He says compelling online experiences, industry-leading graphics, high-quality games and innovative hardware are driving that growth. "We are proud to partner with other leaders and showcase the best of Windows gaming," he adds.

The new portfolio announcements come hot on the heels of the most successful PC gaming launch of 2008, as the Games for Windows-branded title Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures shipped one million units worldwide in its first three weeks on the market, according to Funcom report.

This achievement marks one of the biggest debuts in Games for Windows history, and the most successful massively multiplayer online game launch since 2004's World of Warcraft.