As a way to recognise the teams of talented developers who have together created over 112 games for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, Microsoft will announce awards for the top XBLA games of 2007 later this year, with several categories decided by the community. Fans of Xbox LIVE Arcade are invited to cast their votes for the first ever Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards by voting at http://www.xbox.com/xblaawards. Voting begins Tuesday, 22nd January at 10:00 a.m. and runs until Wednesday, 30th January at 07:59 a.m.
The finalists in each category were selected by a panel of consumer and video game industry journalists and the winners will be determined by popular vote. Microsoft will announce the winners at the Game Developer Conference in February.
Below is the list of award categories that will be open for public voting:
· Best Overall Arcade Game
· Best Classic Game
· Best Original Game
· Best Family Friendly Game
· Best Competitive Multiplayer Game
· Best Cooperative Multiplayer Game
Other award categories include the following:
· Best selling game
· Most played game
· Highest rated game
· Staff choice
“Undertow” Free of Charge Download on XBLA this Week
This Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday, Xbox LIVE members around the world will be able to download the award-winning “Undertow” free of charge for a limited time. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, 23rd January and continuing until 07:59 a.m. on Monday, 28th January, “Undertow” will be available free of charge on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
Developed by Chair Entertainment Group, Undertow redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. The game features a full story driven-single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for 2-16 players over Xbox LIVE for Gold subscribers. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units.
In support of the giveaway, Chair Entertainment Group is offering gamers the opportunity to play alongside the Undertow development team on Friday, 25th January at 03:00 a.m. The team will host player matches, provide game play tips and the opportunity for gamers to pick-up Undertow achievements.
Where can I get “Undertow” from?
Undertow: available for free from 10:00 a.m., Wednesday 23rd January 2008 until 07:59 a.m. on Monday, 28th January
It is rated 12+
Finally, don’t forget to check out this week’s new downloadable content for “Mutant Storm Empire.” For more details, please visit www.xbox.com/livearcade.