Mohit Anand on Halo 3 and Xbox 360’s Latest Games and Launches

The Xbox 360 gaming console was undoubtedly the most awaited console launch in the year 2006 in India, and when it finally kicked off, it surely did so with a bang. At the recently held Gears of War and Viva Piñata Microsoft Xbox 360 games launch event in Mumbai, we had a tête-à-tête with the man himself – Mohit Anand, Country Manager, Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division. From the performance of the console to its forthcoming games, we discussed it all.

Speaking on the sales of the Xbox 360 gaming console, Mohit Anand was more than ecstatic with the way it has been performing in India and worldwide too. The console has surpassed his expectations by reaching the 10M mark worldwide. And he adds that this is just the start. And as far as the 360 competition with other consoles go, he exclaimed that it’s a console marathon and Microsoft welcomes competition openheartedly.

Moving on to the console games, Microsoft has surely taken the pains of getting the best and hottest line-up of games for the Xbox 360. From the super successful Gears of War to the soon-to-be-launched Call of Duty, the 360 console is packed with it all. Commenting on the Xbox 360 games, Anand said that there are approximately 35 titles and most of them are doing extremely well. Worldwide, Viva Piñata, Burnout Revenge, PGR3, Kameo, Tony Hawk American Wasteland, Oblivion, Dead Rising, DoA Extreme 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Anand’s joys knew no bounds mentioning the success of Gears of War which has seen a record-breaking sale of 2M units in less than 2 weeks time. We certainly second Anand’s stance, this killer is sure to break all possible records in the gaming world, and just a few days back crossed the 3M mark.

When one speaks about the Xbox 360 console, we cannot help but wait with bated breath for the official announcement of the launch of the Xbox Live Service in India. Though, Mohit Anand did not reveal the exact launch date of the application, he did mention that it should hit India anytime in 2007. Across the world, the Xbox Live Service is not available in gaming cafes, and the same will be applicable to India too. Anand maintained that the Xbox Live Service is going to be attractively priced.

We further touched on the topic of the unique Xbox 360 brand experience lounges, where one can touch and feel the console to gauge it better. There are several Xbox 360 brand experience lounges spread across the country. From Wadala in Mumbai to Gurgaon, there are several of them around India. Anand also underscored the plans of opening other flagship stores soon.

And here’s the best for the last. We asked Anand when would Halo 3, which was initially slated for a November 2006 release, come to India. And here’s the good news, Anand confirmed that summer 2007 is the time when the 360’s most-anticipated FPS will hit the shelves. So all you gamers get ready for the ultimate treat!