Microsoft targets video gaming, entertainment

Kolkata, Aug 02: Microsoft Corporation is targetting the video gaming and entertainment systems market in India.

The company would launch its latest offering 'X-box 360' in the Indian market in the pre-Diwali season this year, Microsoft's entertainment and devices division's country manager Mohit Anand told reporters here today.

The Xbox 360 core system would cost Rs 19,990, while the Xbox system would cost Rs 23,990. The product would offer digital entertainment experience.

According to estimates, India has 1.6 million gamers and the AC Neilson study values the Indian gaming market at US$ 50 million, Anand said.

The company would target gamers in the age group of 14-35 years.

The games would carry the Australian age rating system, he said.

Microsoft is talking to financial institutions for financing the interested consumers in India.

Microsoft, which has launched the Xbox 360 in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, Columbia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan, expects the product to generate revenue by FY-2008.

UNI