Counter-Strike for Xbox Available Now

The No. 1 Action Game in the World Makes Console Debut Exclusively on Xbox and Xbox Live

Microsoft Game Studios and Valve today announced that Counter-Strike™ for Xbox® has stormed store shelves in North America for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.). Counter-Strike, the most popular action game on the planet, explodes onto Xbox and Xbox Live, bringing with it unparalleled multiplayer tactical combat and new content exclusive to Xbox. Counter-Strike for Xbox includes all new counter-terrorist and terrorist teams, an impressive array of graphical enhancements and ultra-responsive controls optimized for Xbox. The heart-pounding action spans over 18 highly diverse maps including seven new multiplayer maps and 11 completely enhanced Counter-Strike fan favorites, as well as upcoming maps downloadable via Xbox Live.

"Counter-Strike and Xbox Live are a perfect match," said Counter-Strike co-creator Jess Cliffe. "Featuring advanced graphics, new maps and weapons, and introducing the official Counter-Strike bot, Counter-Strike for the Xbox is the most robust version of the world's number 1 online action game. By partnering with Microsoft to deliver this experience on Xbox Live, we hope to set a new benchmark for online console gaming."

The intense, team-based multiplayer combat of Counter-Strike for Xbox sprawls across 18 multiplayer maps and two thrilling game types: Bomb Defusal and Hostage Rescue. Players can battle against super-intelligent AI opponents offline in the single player game before taking their skills online against up to 16 players. Gamers have more than 20 real-life weapons at their disposal, including shotguns, sniper rifles, pistols and heavy weapons as well as new weapons effects such as grenade deafness and vision adjustments. HDTV and Dolby 5.1 support help add to the Counter-Strike experience, making gameplay even more compelling and immersive. Teammates can forget about frantically typing messages to each other; now they can bark orders at each other with the Xbox Communicator for the ultimate in tactical team-based play. The secure environment of Xbox Live ensures that gamers will experience nothing but cheat-free play. For more information visit http://www.xbox.com/counterstrike/.

Counter-Strike for the PC is the world's most popular online action game. With approximately 2.5 million Counter-Strike players worldwide and over 100,000 of them playing at any given moment, the action is non-stop.

Founded in 1996, Valve creates entertainment software titles, including Half-Life®, Counter-Strike, and Team Fortress®. Valve's portfolio accounts for over 10 million retail units sold worldwide, and over 88% of the online action market. More information about Valve is available through the company's Web site at www.valvesoftware.com.

Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The new tagline, "it's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.