Gaming in India has certainly got its gears in the recent times. From the Mario phase to the Marcus era, gaming in India has surely come a long way. And speaking about gaming in India, can one leave out Xbox 360. Call it a rage, a craze or fanatism; the Xbox 360 gaming console is in India and is sure to stay here for really long.
Here’s an exclusive interview conducted by GameGuru.in with Mohit Anand, Country Manager, Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division, where he answers some important questions regarding Microsoft’s forthcoming plans for the Xbox 360 console and the company’s future plans.
Excerpts:
Q: How well has the Xbox 360 gaming console performed in India? Have the sales and performance met your expectations?
M.A.: The Xbox 360 has not merely met but has blown my expectations. The console has reached its 10 million mark worldwide and that’s just the start, cause the console sells plan to go way beyond that amount in the near future.
Q: Which are the popular games on the console and which are the ones doing extremely well in the market today?
M.A.: Microsoft cherry picks the best and gets it for their gamers in the country. Worldwide there are around 35 titles and most of them are doing extremely well. Around the globe, the Xbox 360 games Viva Piñata, Burnout Revenge, PGR3, Kameo, Tony Hawk American Wasteland, Oblivion, Dead Rising, DoA Extreme 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance are the ones which are performing tremendously well in the gaming markets. The good news is that Call of Duty is also on its way. Gears of War is one game that surely needs noteworthy mention as 2M units have been sold in less than 2 weeks time. In short, we have got a hot line-up of games to hit the Indian gaming markets very soon.
Q: Do you find some major difference between the Indian gaming market and the rest of the gaming markets across the globe, such as the European and the Japanese, to name a few?
M.A.: The Japanese gaming market is surely a lot different since it includes a lot of anime in its games. However barring a little difference here and there, the rest of the gaming markets such as the American and European ones are pretty similar to the Indian gaming markets.
Q: When will the Xbox Live Service hit India? Can you tell us a little about its pricing structure?
M.A.: The Xbox Live India Service is surely one of the most-awaited applications for the Xbox 360 in India. And the good news is that the service will hit India anytime in 2007. Moreover, the Xbox Live Service is going to be very attractively priced, so gamers can look forward for some more fun-packed gaming on their favorite console.
Q: Will the Xbox Live Service be available in gaming cafes too?
M.A.: Across the world, the Xbox Live Service is not available in gaming cafes, and the same will be applicable to India too.
Q: Microsoft came up with quite a novel concept by introducing the Xbox 360 brand experience lounges? Where all can we expect them?
M.A.: Undoubtedly, the Xbox 360 brand experience lounge is an extremely interesting concept where gamers can come and have a look and feel of the gaming console. Apart from the Wadala lounge in Mumbai, we also do have the flagship store in Gurgaon and currently we are in the works of coming up with a few more flagship stores around India. So basically there are several announcements and surprises lined-up with regards to the Xbox 360 brand experience lounges.
Q: How does Microsoft plan to face the competition with the other consoles?
M.A.: We are game players and all that I can say is that we are in marathon and we welcome competition with open arms.
Q: Can we look forward to any more surprises in the near future for the Xbox 360 gaming console?
M.A.: 2007 is going to see a lot more fun and excitement from Microsoft India. We had just launched a promotion called ‘Kheloge Toh Jeetoge,’ where the child may order a Xbox 360 console and his father could walk away with a brand new car. The Co-branded card is also in its works, which is sure to become a style statement. In short, we have a lot of ammo up or sleeves and all that I can say is wait and watch!
And people this is not it. We have an exclusive video interview where he’s going to answer the ultimate Xbox 360 question that’s in the mind of most gaming enthusiasts in India. But hey aren’t the fruits of patience sweet. So keep guessing till tomorrow what is the BIG QUESTION?