Microsoft To Show Off Blockbuster Titles At Comic-Con This Week
Just in case you didn’t already know, the biggest event in the comic book industry is just kicking off in San Diego as the 41st legendary Comic-Con International takes over the Convention Centre. But as well as comics, the event also features an array of Film, TV and Gaming companies and events. Microsoft don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to “Kinect” with their fans, so they are hitting the con with a host of big hitters. Representing the Xbox 360 will be; “Gears of War 3,” “Halo,” “Kinect Star Wars,” “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” and more Xbox 360, Kinect, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone games.
A packed timetable of events has been planned by the big M, where fans will be able to try out some of these highly-anticipated titles for themselves, and to hear from some of the most important people involved in bringing the games to life. The line-up for the Convention shapes up like this:
Xbox 360 Booth
Booth #5252, San Diego Convention Center
Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to get your first hands-on with Horde mode in the most anticipated juggernaut of the year, “Gears of War 3.” With groundbreaking innovations like boss battles, upgradeable fortifications, more diverse waves and enemies, and a deeper player progression system, Horde in “Gears of War 3” is poised to set a new standard for cooperative multiplayer action. So gather your brothers-in-arms and get ready to take the fight to the Locust Horde!
Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel
Edge Room – Hard Rock Hotel
Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gamers looking for the hottest action off the show floor can get early hands-on experiences with an array of the hottest upcoming titles for Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade and Games for Windows, including “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” “Batman: Arkham City,” “Rise of Nightmares,” “The Gunstringer,” “Age of Empires” and more.
“Kinect Star Wars” Panel
Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Enter the Galaxy with studio head Jorg Neumann (Kinect Publishing) and lead producer Craig Derrick (LucasArts) as they discuss the eagerly awaited title with USA Today’s Mike Snider, sharing new gameplay from the iconic Star Wars universe, revealing an all-new mode and unveiling an exciting announcement. All attendees will receive a limited-edition poster.
Kinect Star Wars in the LucasArts Booth
Booth # 2913-L in the Star Wars Pavilion
Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your first hands-on with Kinect Star Wars. Fans will have a chance to live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy and check out an all-new mode.
“Gears of War 3” Panel
Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and special guest contributors to the “Gears” universe offer a look ahead at the most anticipated game of 2011. Moderated by X-Play (G4) co-host, Adam Sessler, the discussion will feature key announcements and a live game demo.
Xbox 360 at NERD HQ and “Gears of War 3” Panel & Signing
Jolt’n Joes, 379 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m.
Xbox 360 is the official console at NERD HQ, a four day offsite Comic Con experience backed by Zachary Levi’s Nerd Machine. More than 20 Xbox titles will be playable throughout Comic-con at NERD HQ, including Gears of War 3, Dance Central 2 and Gunstringer. Also, be sure to join the team from Epic Games for a special “Conversation for a Cause” and signing event on Saturday, July 23 at 1 p.m. The Nerd Machine and the gang from Gears of War have collaborated on a limited edition t-shirt, available ONLY at NERD HQ for $25 during the weekend, then afterward at www.thenerdmachine.com, while supplies last.
Writing in Video Games: In-Game, Novels, Comics, and Other Franchise-Building Offshoots
Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The biggest names in sci-fi/fantasy publishing and the video game industry area of in-game writing will get together to discuss their separate projects and unique experiences working in both worlds. Get your game face on with Greg Bear (“Halo”), Karen Traviss (“Gears of War”), David Gaider (“Dragon Age”), John Shirley (“Bioshock: Rapture”), Tony Gonzales (“Eve Online”), Frank O’Connor (“Halo” franchise development director at 343 Industries), Kevin Grace (managing editor of 343 Industries, “Halo: Evolutions”), and moderator Matt Staggs of Suvudu.com.
“Halo” Universe Panel
Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Frank O’Connor, Kevin Grace, and others from 343 Industries, as well as special “Halo” guests Greg Bear and Karen Traviss, will discuss the first 10 years of “Halo” and offer a sneak peek into what’s next for the exciting sci-fi universe.
There and Play Again: Video Games to Comics
Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
We all know that comic books have been fertile ground from which video game developers can harvest great characters and games. These days the tech has caught up with the art and we’re seeing that road run both ways. This panel includes video game and comic book industry luminaries intimately familiar with bringing a comic’s sensibility to games and transporting virtual, interactive worlds to the printed page. Join them to discuss what it takes to be successful in multiple dimensions.
As legions of aspiring superheroes strap on their capes for the 41st annual Comic-Con International, Xbox 360 is set to take San Diego by storm with “Gears of War 3,” “Halo,” “Kinect Star Wars,” “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” and a sizzling line-up of other Xbox 360, Kinect, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone titles.
In addition to five panels featuring the creative minds behind some of the games industry’s most iconic franchises, the Microsoft booth (#5252) is offering fans their first hands-on experience with the new Horde mode in the most anticipated console exclusive of 2011, “Gears of War 3.” Fans can also visit the Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, to get an early taste of a slew of eagerly awaited Kinect and Xbox 360 titles.
Xbox 360 Comic-Con International 2011 activities include:
Xbox 360 Booth
Booth #5252, San Diego Convention Center
Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to get your first hands–on with Horde mode in the most anticipated juggernaut of the year, “Gears of War 3.” With groundbreaking innovations like boss battles, upgradeable fortifications, more diverse waves and enemies, and a deeper player progression system, Horde in “Gears of War 3” is poised to set a new standard for cooperative multiplayer action. So gather your brothers-in-arms and get ready to take the fight to the Locust Horde!
Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel
Edge Room – Hard Rock Hotel
Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gamers looking for the hottest action off the show floor can get early hands-on experiences with an array of the hottest upcoming titles for Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade and Games for Windows, including “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” “Batman: Arkham City,” “Rise of Nightmares,” “The Gunstringer,” “Age of Empires” and more.
“Kinect Star Wars” Panel
Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Enter the Galaxy with studio head Jorg Neumann (Kinect Publishing) and lead producer Craig Derrick (LucasArts) as they discuss the eagerly awaited title with USA Today’s Mike Snider, sharing new gameplay from the iconic Star Wars universe, revealing an all-new mode and unveiling an exciting announcement. All attendees will receive a limited-edition poster.
Kinect Star Wars in the LucasArts Booth
Booth # 2913-L in the Star Wars Pavilion
Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your first hands-on with Kinect Star Wars. Fans will have a chance to live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy and check out an all-new mode.
“Gears of War 3” Panel
Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center
Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and special guest contributors to the “Gears” universe offer a look ahead at the most anticipated game of 2011. Moderated by X-Play (G4) co-host, Adam Sessler, the discussion will feature key announcements and a live game demo.
Don’t forget to stop by the Xbox booth for opportunities to win coveted “Gears” giveaways throughout the week.
Xbox 360 at NERD HQ and “Gears of War 3” Panel & Signing
Jolt’n Joes, 379 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m.
Xbox 360 is the official console at NERD HQ, a four day offsite Comic Con experience backed by Zachary Levi’s Nerd Machine. More than 20 Xbox titles will be playable throughout Comic-con at NERD HQ, including Gears of War 3, Dance Central 2 and Gunstringer. Also, be sure to join the team from Epic Games for a special “Conversation for a Cause” and signing event on Saturday, July 23 at 1 p.m. The Nerd Machine and the gang from Gears of War have collaborated on a limited edition t-shirt, available ONLY at NERD HQ for $25 during the weekend, then afterward at www.thenerdmachine.com, while supplies last.
Nerd HQ “Conversation” tickets are available for a minimum donation of $20 to benefit Operation Smile.
Writing in Video Games: In-Game, Novels, Comics, and Other Franchise-Building Offshoots
Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The biggest names in sci-fi/fantasy publishing and the video game industry area of in-game writing will get together to discuss their separate projects and unique experiences working in both worlds. Get your game face on with Greg Bear (“Halo”), Karen Traviss (“Gears of War”), David Gaider (“Dragon Age”), John Shirley (“Bioshock: Rapture”), Tony Gonzales (“Eve Online”), Frank O’Connor (“Halo” franchise development director at 343 Industries), Kevin Grace (managing editor of 343 Industries, “Halo: Evolutions”), and moderator Matt Staggs of Suvudu.com.
“Halo” Universe Panel
Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Frank O’Connor, Kevin Grace, and others from 343 Industries, as well as special “Halo” guests Greg Bear and Karen Traviss, will discuss the first 10 years of “Halo” and offer a sneak peek into what’s next for the exciting sci-fi universe.
There and Play Again: Video Games to Comics
Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center
Friday, July 22, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
We all know that comic books have been fertile ground from which video game developers can harvest great characters and games. These days the tech has caught up with the art and we’re seeing that road run both ways. This panel includes video game and comic book industry luminaries intimately familiar with bringing a comic’s sensibility to games and transporting virtual, interactive worlds to the printed page. Join them to discuss what it takes to be successful in multiple dimensions.
Robin Parker
If I'm not playing on a good Adventure Game - still longing for the long-past Golden Age of the genre, when Lucasarts and Sierra ruled supreme - you might find me searching for a local arcade, in the hopes that it still houses titles such as Sunset Riders or WindJammers.
