'Blockbusters and bundles will take Xbox 360 to No.1'

New bundle deals and one of its strongest Q4 line-ups will make Xbox 360 the best selling console in Europe, Microsoft told MCV.

The firm has dismissed the need to follow Nintendo and Sony by reducing Xbox 360’s price or developing new-look hardware. The platform holder says its line-up of games – including Gears of War 3, Forza 4 and Halo: Anniversary – will realise its dream of being No.1 across Europe

“We certainly think the line-up is strong, and we will continue to partner and work with key retailers across Europe to drive the right value for the right package for the right time,” Robin Burrowes, Xbox LIVE marketing manager for EMEA, told MCV.

“We have done that historically, where we do a number of bundles and deals. Those sort of bundles and deals will be part of how we get to that No.1 position.

“We are also pretty bullish about getting to that No.1 position on the strength of our blockbuster games, with things we are launching like Gears and Forza.“

And we are working really closely with a number of third-party publishers on games such as Modern Warfare 3, FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3. These big, big titles are coming in the next few months. There’s certainly going to be a lot of attention in that traditional space.

“Then we look at the second wave of Kinect titles, like Kinect Sports 2 and Dance Central 2.

“Selfishly from an Xbox Live point of view, a lot of those Kinect games have far better Xbox Live capabilities. It all gives us a strong sense of confidence that we can get to that No.1 position.”

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.