Xbox console. view larger
At the 2000 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates announced the development of Xbox. Capitalising on its software expertise, experience in maintaining MSN Gaming Zone, and advances in PC technology, Xbox is a game console that promised to deliver the most realistic, intense, and action-packed game experience available.
Released in Europe in March 2002, as a "future-generation" device the Xbox delivered rich, compelling graphics, and enabled a users playing experience to be better and faster than ever before. With a hard drive built into the machine which could support up to 8GB of space, Xbox gave gamers more realism, speed, expandability, and storage, providing for richer game experiences.
Though Xbox is first and foremost a gaming machine, it featured additional capabilities for a consumers convenience. Out of the box, the console came standard with four game controller ports, a DVD player, hard drive, and broadband internet access. As a dedicated, locked-down games system, it is not an all-purpose machine; it is designed specifically to provide the best console game experience available, and its add-on features support that goal.
Microsofts first venture into the world of video game consoles was supported by a wide range of great titles. The exclusive Halo series dominated the market when it began with Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, and Project Gotham Racing provided an accessible entry point for the new fanbase.
Halo 2. view larger Tom Clancys Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. view larger Project Gotham Racing. view larger Halo: Combat Evolved. view larger Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. view larger Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. view larger Fable. view larger Madden NFL 2005. view larger