News Byte

Halo: Reach Has Impressive $200 Million Launch Day

Despite an overall sales slump in the videogame industry, Halo: Reach, the latest entry in the Xbox 360 science fiction franchise, scored over $200 million in sales on its launch day Tuesday. Phil Spencer, VP at Microsoft Game Studios, expects its success to support console sales heading into the holiday season. But despite Spencer’s boast that “its launch has already surpassed every game, movie, and entertainment launch this year,” it’s not the record holder for opening day game sales. Those bragging rights belong to “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” which earned $310 million on its launch day last November.

Voices

Microsoft Xbox Goes Live With "1 vs. 100″

Since first releasing the Xbox nearly a decade ago, Microsoft has been targeting your living room. From videogames to film downloads to the coming Facebook add-on for their Xbox Live service, the software maker has rolled out features that aim to shorten the link between your computer and your TV set.

Nondeal of the Day: Microsoft Says It’s Not Buying Electronic Arts

There’s going to be a lot of buying and selling in the coming months, but here’s one deal that’s not happening: Contrary to market-moving rumors, Microsoft isn’t acquiring videogame giant Electronic Arts. Anyone else want to take a shot?
madden_101