SYDNEY 20 January 2009 \u2013 In Australia alone, the Xbox 360, Microsoft\u2019s high-definition gaming console, has driven more than 4.2 million downloads and 24 million hours on the Xbox LIVE social entertainment network during 2008.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With local sales reaching half a million consoles prior to Christmas, Australians are jumping on to the robust and proven online component of Xbox to connect with family and friends across town or around the world through messaging, chat, shared photos, video, music and game play.<\/p>\n
Downloads include games, songs, demos, upgrades, exclusive content and trailers, to name a few.\u00a0 Worldwide over 28 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold and over 17 million people are connected to Xbox LIVE.\u00a0 In Australia, this has been a ground-breaking year for the platform with more than 50 per cent of Xbox 360 owners connecting online.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kimberley Francis, Xbox Marketing Director said, \u201cWe expect people to continue to stay at home more in tough times.\u00a0 People seem to be pulling back on some luxuries but spending more on goods that make the home a more enjoyable place. Australians really get the online component that sets the Xbox console apart and enables a richer, more connected experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starting at a recommended retail price of $299 AUD, Xbox 360 is the lowest-priced product of its kind with the most games available. \u201c2008 is the year we\u2019ve really been able to open up our market and reach beyond early adopters.\u00a0 There\u2019s fun for everyone, added Ms. Francis. \u201cOur current favourite is the new singing game Lips\u00ae, which takes karaoke to a whole new level.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Local facts*<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 500,000 Xbox 360 consoles and 4 million Xbox 360 games sold at retail in Australia to date<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 More than 50 per cent of Aussie Xbox 360 owners are connected to Xbox LIVE<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Australian Xbox LIVE membership increased by 88 per cent on 2007<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are over 17 million members on Xbox LIVE worldwide<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Australians made 4.2 million downloads from Xbox LIVE in 2008<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Aussies spent over 27 million hours on Xbox LIVE in 2008<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Xbox 360 owners have an average of nearly 8 games for their console<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 63 per cent of the 500 games available for Xbox 360 are rated G or PG<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 46 per cent of Australian gamers are female**<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SYDNEY 20 January 2009 \u2013 In Australia alone, the Xbox 360, Microsoft\u2019s high-definition gaming console, has driven more than 4.2 million downloads and 24 million hours on the Xbox LIVE social entertainment network during 2008.\u00a0 With local sales reaching half a million consoles prior to Christmas, Australians are jumping on to the robust and proven<\/p>\n