High import duties a deterrent to sales of XBox: Microsoft

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Microsoft India today said the heavy import duties levied on its XBox 360 has acted as an impediment in the sales of the gaming console.

''The duty of 37 per cent that is charged, makes it difficult for us to cut costs and we have seen that high costs have been seen as a deterrant in the sales,'' said Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan.

We are working with the industry and the government toward this, he added.

Though the company will not reveal the figures, according to Amritt Ventures, Microsoft's Xbox 360 appears to be doing well in the country. Microsoft's India Entertainment and Devices Division had launched the gaming console last year.

India is growing in importance in the global video game market.

It is estimated there are 1.6 million gamers in India who spend at least 2 hours playing everyday.

According to Nasscom, the Indian games market is estimated to grow at 78 per cent annually until 2009. Microsoft no doubt wants to be a part of that growth. In fact, the company is creating games and content especially catering to the Indian market.

UNI