Determined to shake of the Xbox console's
heavily in-grained "boy's toy" image, Microsoft is releasing plenty of family-friendly
games this Christmas, including new karaoke, trivia and digital camera-based
novelties. It is also working on multiplayer online game
shows with prizes in an effort to widen the audience for the Xbox 360 console, and
will soon release an update that dramatically changes the machine's interface
to make it more beginner-friendly and add cute and customisable player avatars.
But there's no bigger illustration of Microsoft's
attempts to change the console's image than the choice of act at a major Xbox concert next
week - The Pussycat Dolls. The event next Tuesday night on the northern boardwalk
of the Sydney Opera House is the first in a series entitled Xbox Sounds, which
will see music artists performing throughout the summer at iconic Australian
locations. Tickets to each event will be free, offered
through competitions and promotions in the lead-up to each performance.
“The Xbox Sounds series is going to be huge”,
reckons Microsoft Australia's "Xboss" David McLean. “We’ve lined up some brilliant artists to
perform at the events. With the worlds of music and gaming becoming
increasingly connected, Xbox is in an ideal position to work in partnership
with Universal Music and Tourism Australia to secure some of our country’s most
amazing landmarks as unforgettable backdrops for these events.”
The Pussycat Dolls will also be hitting the promotional circuit to spruik the upcoming Xbox 360 karaoke game Lips, which is due in December. Lips can measure
both your performance and vocal ability, with wireless motion-sensitive
microphones so you can prance around the room like your favourite Pussycat Doll as you belt out a song.
For more details on how to win tickets to Xbox Sounds, visit www.xbox.com.