Microsoft Corp. will be releasing games developed by top Japanese designers for its Xbox 360 console, a senior executive said Thursday, the latest effort by the U.S. software maker to prepare inroads in a market where it has lengthy struggled.

John Schappert, Microsoft corporate vice president of interactive entertainment LIVE, software and services business, was plus trying to woo more Japanese game designers while in town for the annual Tokyo Game Show.

“My notice to you today is that we believe Xbox 360 is the platform best equipped to help Japanese publishers succeed on a global basis,” he said.

The trade show, which showcases game machines and new software, had a media preview Thursday in that Tokyo suburb. It opens to the public Saturday.

Sales of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 in Japan have lagged behind the offerings from Japanese rivals Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. But Microsoft has expanded been eager to get a piece of the country’s estimated 677 billion yen ($6.8 billion) video game market.

Schappert said works from

Japanese companies that have produced blockbusters in the past, such as Square Enix and Bandai Namco, were in the works for Xbox 360 for the Christmas season and next year.

“We’re in a great position and we’re very proud of that,” he said of the growing partnerships with Japanese game developers.

He said the recent price cuts the Redmond, Washington-based company announced compose Xbox 360 a good deal.

The cheapest of three models, Xbox 360 Arcade, is now priced at 19,800 yen ($198), down nearly 30 percent from 27,800 yen ($278) — making it the cheapest of next-generation consoles in Japan. Microsoft additionally slashed the prices on its higher end models.

Nintendo’s Wii costs 25,000 yen ($250), while Sony’s PlayStation 3 model sold in Japan is priced at about 40,000 yen ($400).

But some analysts weren’t as optimistic.

Hiroshi Kamide, analyst…

Original post by Mike

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