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Video Q&A: Kim measures up Microsoft Games

Xbox 360 maker's senior vice president of publishing house talks to GameSpot about how the console's exclusive offerings stack up against the competition.

As Microsoft's senior vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, Shane Kim is quick to point out that the gaming industry is "a hits-drive business." With one look at Microsoft Game Studios' upcoming lineup, it's easy to see that the first-party publisher is playing it safe, relying heavily on new installments in tried-and-true franchises.

Shane Kim

Microsoft's Shane Kim talks up MGS' upcoming lineup.

Sequels were in abundance at Microsoft Game Studios' Spring Showcase yesterday, with the publisher showing off follow-ups to Epic Games' Gears of War, Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden, Lionhead's Fable, and Rare's Viva Pinata. However, there were a handful of new properties on hand as well, such as Silicon Knights' long-delayed, just-dated action role-playing game Too Human.

So how will Microsoft's strategy pan out against the competition, and what is the publisher doing to keep the Xbox 360 on top? GameSpot asked Microsoft's Shane Kim just those questions at yesterday's event.

63 Comments

  • DecadesOfGaming

    Posted Jun 6, 2008 6:59 am PT

    MICKY_DISCO... I RESPECT YOUR COMMENTS.. YOU ARE 100% CORRECT...GAMING IS FUN.. BUT INDIVIDUALITY AND COMPETITIVITY ARE ALSO FUN... I WOULD'NT WANT TO LIVE WITHIN A UTOPIAN WORLD WHERE WE ALL GET ON AND LIKE THE SAME THINGS. IT'S MUCH MORE INTERESTING AND EXCITING LIVING WITHIN A WORLD WHERE WE CAN DEBATE ABOUT ISSUES THAT WE FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT.

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  • micky_disco

    Posted Jun 5, 2008 9:42 am PT

    B*llocks, that should be consumerism. I really should spellcheck these things when I'm trying to be a smart arse.

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  • micky_disco

    Posted Jun 5, 2008 9:40 am PT

    Staley6565: you've never really grasped the concept of cosumerism have you? Also, DecadesOfGaming: it's hardly fair to call the ps3 an "overpriced god-forsaken contraption". First of all, it doesn't actually cost much more than the 360 anymore, and what's more there are some potentially brilliant exclusive games coming out within the next year. One of which is coming out about a week from now. Why do people get so worked up about the supposed rivalry between these two consoles? Isn't gaming supposed to be fun? Can't we all just get along? Or do you just work for Microsoft?

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  • DecadesOfGaming

    Posted May 29, 2008 2:02 pm PT

    I wonder what Shane Kim would say if his kids asked.. "DADDY CAN WE HAVE A PLAYSTATION 3 FOR CHRISTMAS ?!".. Perhaps.. "NO WAY.. UNCLE BILL SAID IF I EVER BROUGHT ONE OF THOSE OVER PRICED GOD FORSAKEN CONTRAPTIONS INTO THE HOUSE HE WOULD RAM IT RIGHT UP MY

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  • staley6565

    Posted May 22, 2008 11:17 am PT

    I'm looking forward to some pretty big titles like Gears2, and Infinite Undiscovery, but I'm getting really sick of these suits trying to tell gamers what they should and shouldn't like.

    I say just release the great games and let them speak for themselves, no need to create spin or whatever.

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  • Kolonel_Karnage

    Posted May 22, 2008 7:42 am PT

    I think this years variety of titles are going to smash the charts from 2007. Even considering the fact that most of these games are sequels, it's definitely gonna be a year to remember. The year started off pretty well with GTA IV slashing it's way through to victory and a not so bad Racing game from EA, which is of course "Burnout: Paradise". Hopefully this year will be everything we wanted...

    Definitely, looking forward to seeing Fable 2 and Gears of War 2 added to my collection.

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  • _guenter_26

    Posted May 21, 2008 6:04 pm PT

    I this line-up is this best so far.

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    • 2 of 4 users agree
  • Diernes

    Posted May 21, 2008 4:11 pm PT

    To be honest this year for me, is going to be far better than the so called videogame blockbuster year, 2007 was heavily touted by the press as being.
    So far GTAIV is better than all the games released last year together, IMO.

    Cant wait for fable 2 (even though I thought the first was crap) and too human.

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  • -Fable-

    Posted May 21, 2008 1:57 pm PT

    fable was the shhh...it, your mom was the shhh...it and fable 2 is going to be the shhhh...it. I cannot wait for this game to come out - hottest game of the year and I hope it does not let us down!

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  • wwefanforlife

    Posted May 21, 2008 10:51 am PT

    I am really looking forward to Fable 2 which is my most wanted game on the 360 at the moment.

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  • TheoleDominion1

    Posted May 21, 2008 4:28 am PT

    @Impulsivity83-They changed the meaning of exclusive. From what I understand, console exclusives are only referring to OTHER consoles(PC's are NOT included in the reference). Also you'll have "timed exclusives", but eventually the only true exclusives will be games from 1st party devs. I choose x360 over PC for a few reasons, 1) graphic are good enough for me, 2) I don't have to worry about specs every time a new game is released 3) Not every game I want to play comes to PC 4) I still have friends and family who are gamers that come over and it's kinda hard for all of us to gather around my PC for us to game together in the same living room. So we all have our reasons why we favor a certain platforms over another.

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  • Hellmetal789

    Posted May 20, 2008 1:07 pm PT

    ya people that say microsoft lauched there big games needs some research they have games all the way to 2012 as kim said in another interview we plan to push 360 7 years

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  • klugenbeel

    Posted May 20, 2008 12:51 pm PT

    Xbox 360 for the win! Man the game ine up MS has is soooooooo sick!

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  • Evanrocknuma

    Posted May 19, 2008 3:59 pm PT

    I can't wait... I can't figure out if I want this or SH IV more though.

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    • 1 of 1 users agree
  • GTARulez

    Posted May 17, 2008 8:25 am PT

    The PS will never get games like Gears Of War, Fable2 or Too Human

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    • 4 of 8 users agree
  • chaoscontrol489

    Posted May 16, 2008 6:40 pm PT

    I love my 360. I'm the Happiest Man in the World!!!! Now, lets go kill some newbs

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    • 1 of 2 users agree
  • emonuts2000

    Posted May 15, 2008 7:15 pm PT

    If only we had MGS4... Then our line up would be perfect... (sigh)

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    • 3 of 9 users agree
  • _guenter_26

    Posted May 15, 2008 2:09 pm PT

    Lets see the PS3 get games as good as these.

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    • 4 of 8 users agree
  • trinity_rdp

    Posted May 15, 2008 2:01 pm PT

    I love my 360 but im also getting a PS3 when ive saved enough money but games wise IMHO the 360's lineup is much better (that's just me) And this year's lineup is no exception what with NG2, SC4, Too Human, GoW2 and Fable it's a competitive lineup with what sony is releasing this year

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    • 5 of 7 users agree
  • themc_7

    Posted May 15, 2008 2:00 pm PT

    pretty keen for fable 2

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    • 3 of 3 users agree
  • epormada

    Posted May 15, 2008 1:18 pm PT

    ctg867 said " I love my 360 (when it's working, unfortunately it's away for repairs), and I find it to be a better console when it comes to games library and online strategy, but just about everything else is better on PS3 for me."

    Emphasis on games library and on-line strategy. Dude, what else is there? Blu-Ray! Well yeah, I guess the PS3 wins that one. Thats all I use mine for, when a movie I want to see even comes out on it. Matrix, Transformers, Cloverfield? For games it's the 360. I had hoped Haze would be worth buying but after playing the demo it got downgraded to rental. As for Metal Gear 4, I like to play games with a story that don't require tripping on magic mushrooms to understand!

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  • Monstromo

    Posted May 15, 2008 1:18 pm PT

    I agree that there is a great PS3 line up on its way. I am just annoyed I have to spend $54 bucks on a dual shock (vibrating) controller to enjoy it.

    Funny, it seems like I am trying to reach parity with the current 360 and PS2 that already have it.

    And by the way, does anybody miss the vibration when using a PSP. Anybody but me?

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  • Monstromo

    Posted May 15, 2008 1:00 pm PT

    I can't believe that he agreed with what I said in an earlier post about MS console sales. Hits really drive sales.

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    • 2 of 2 users agree
  • jbot666

    Posted May 15, 2008 11:05 am PT

    Fable 2 is really the only exclusive I'm looking forward to, maybe Mass Effect 2 at this point.

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    • 1 of 2 users agree
  • blackace

    Posted May 15, 2008 10:48 am PT

    juggleJUGGLER i never liked any ps exclusives as much the xbox . fable 2 alone is worth more than any ps3.
    *****************************************
    I do play more XBox excluisves then PS3 exclusives, but I can't say that I don't like some of the PS3 exclusives. Games like Hot Shots Golf, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted, FF XIII, Motorstorm, Jax & Daxter and White Knight will all be fun for me. This is why I own both systems because there are particular titles I like on both systems.

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  • _guenter_26

    Posted May 15, 2008 10:42 am PT

    Awsome @$$ line up for the 360.

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    • 2 of 6 users agree
  • andyrae11

    Posted May 15, 2008 10:11 am PT

    I'll trust him. He's Chinese.

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    • 2 of 6 users agree
  • Ripper_TV

    Posted May 15, 2008 8:54 am PT

    impulsivity83, I agree with you in the X360 part, though don't believe in power of PS3. A conclusion is forming in my mind: this generation of consoles is weak. Wii maybe an exclusion, though it totally laks for good library of non-casual games and technical power.

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  • SpartanChaos999

    Posted May 15, 2008 8:34 am PT

    "Resistance FOM 2 will be competitive with Gears of War 2 for top First Person shooter" Wrong Gears of War isn't even a first person shooter and people seem to think it is. You must be talking about Halo 3 which is way more better than Resistance (I played the game at friend's house).

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    • 1 of 8 users agree
  • Titanicles

    Posted May 15, 2008 8:09 am PT

    2 points.

    Firstly, even if they do come out on PC it won't be for a year or so, and secondly basically every multi-platform release is better on the 360 than the PS3.

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  • impulsivity83

    Posted May 15, 2008 6:30 am PT

    First and most importantly lets look at how many of these are likely to be truely 360 exclusive. The list goes Ninja Gaiden 2 and Too Human. Fable 1 came out on PC so fable 2 almost certainly is going to (and will probably look better), Gears of War came out on PC with extra content the 360 couldn't handle, GOW2 almost certainly will as well (again, looking and playing better).
    Even viva Pinata came out on PC so the 360 can't even count on that as an exclusive. The good 360 games nearly always go to the PC and are much better on the PC both in gameplay and in graphics so whats the point of getting them on the 360?
    For those saying the PS3 is doomed and has no good content it looks to me like Metal Gear Solid 4 is going to be the best action game of 2008 (or at least tied with GTA4), little big Planet is going to be the best puzzle game (besting Viva Pinata), Final Fantasy XIII is going to be the best RPG whether it comes out in late 2008 or early 2009 in the states, Resistance FOM 2 will be competitive with Gears of War 2 for top First Person shooter, and unlike GOW2 you won't be able to get resistance on the PC a few months later. Gran Turismo is going to be far and away the best racing game just like the previous PS2 version were. MLB 2008 the show is the best baseball game and PS3 exclusive, all the other major sports games are on both.
    Maybe I'm missing something but it sure looks like all the best games are going to be on PS3, on both the 360 and PS3 or on the 360 and PC. Since I have a PS3 and a high quality PC (and a lot of gamers do) I fail to see the 360s draw beyond the limited Xbox base of 25 million or so worldwide.

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  • gothikkaboose

    Posted May 15, 2008 5:37 am PT

    the only good exclisive game that Playstation has is MetalGearSolid. but its not really enuf for to people to out and by it just to play it (i will b tho) so intill playstation get some more decent exclusive xbox will own the market.

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  • hijaker77

    Posted May 15, 2008 5:21 am PT

    @ juggleJUGGLER

    I too agree on that, lol. Sony can't get a good exclusive, they suck at exclusives. Like Killzone was poor on PS2 and now killzone 2 is coming on PS3. If killzone on PS2 sucked, well how does Sony expect people to buy Killzone 2 on PS3 if the Killzone sucked?
    Unless they really made huge improvements. Xbox 360 is selling well because of a number of good exclusives such as the continuation of Halo (Halo 3) and the variety of games.

    Eh, Sony have some great titles too coming. The problem with Sony as well is they can't keep promises. Once they say something, they keep blabbing for a year. Home is coming this fall (which never has), Littlebig Planet teaser trailers for over a year. When will they actually release these stuff?

    Yawns, thanks for reading!

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  • slintpong

    Posted May 15, 2008 3:56 am PT

    @ juggleJUGGLER

    I agree very much on that.

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  • MSG-Deathscythe

    Posted May 15, 2008 3:35 am PT

    banjo-kazooie 3 will help keep the 360 alive this year. rare acquisition paying off.

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  • drangel_jam

    Posted May 15, 2008 3:26 am PT

    To be honest, I was hoping for a surprise for the MS gamers day, but I guess they really wanted to focus on key titles in order to expose them more. Sometimes is better to play your cards slowly. He says Halo Wars, and Alan Wake are still on track, but will they really be out this year? If yes, then MS will easily have a better year than 2007 in terms of first party success:
    Fable 2, GoW2, NG2, BK3, TH (if it turns out good), are all games that cover all regions and gamer groups. I think they should showcase more Japanese games, like Tales of Versperia, or something?

    MS should try hard to get temporary exclusives (up to 6mos or something, to really hit the nail) like Fallout 3. & what about TC:SC5?

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  • ronnet

    Posted May 14, 2008 10:22 pm PT

    2007 was the greatest year for gaming thanks to the 360, I bought more titles that year for a full price then I ever did before. 2008 looks amazing aswell, I'll have a must buy game for every month when Q3 starts. My only concern is 2009, only one or two titles that appeal to me. But I can always pick up titles that I missed like Dead Rising and Bully then.

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  • Formula_50

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:54 pm PT

    This is another lame, softball interview. Check out the text interview on Gamedaily.com They ask him about Microsoft's head in the sand during 2007 acquisitions.

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  • Pete5506

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:50 pm PT

    This is going to be a good year for gaming

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    • 2 of 4 users agree
  • Gifted_One

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:10 pm PT

    @ Great_Ragnorok - They did too mention Ninja Gaiden 2. Notice. It says the follow ups to GoW, Ninja Gaiden, fable, ana viva pinata. All of which are the second installed base for their series

    They are going to have to do the same thing any console would have to do. That is come out with great games as often as possible. Why make a news article out of this.

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  • ptownzson89

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:10 pm PT

    im a 360 fan but im not a fanboy... the hottest game coming out for ps3 is metal gear solid 4(which may be the reason why i might buy a ps3)... and for xb360 its gears of war 2... both systems are bringing very good quality games to their system so i believe it is going to be a tight system war

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  • Great_Ragnarok

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:04 pm PT

    he didn't even mention Ninja Gaiden 2!!! WTF! I'm worried now!

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  • Vrygar777

    Posted May 14, 2008 7:41 pm PT

    I'm no fanboy but whats Sony gonna have after 08? I mean MGS is ending and Resistance and Killzone both dont compare to gears or halo. Granted there both good shooters, but nothing revolutionary.

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  • juggleJUGGLER

    Posted May 14, 2008 6:34 pm PT

    i never liked any ps exclusives as much the xbox . fable 2 alone is worth more than any ps3.

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  • ctg867 posted May 14, 2008 6:13 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    ctg867

    Posted May 14, 2008 6:13 pm PT (hide)

    With all honesty, Gears 2 is the only exclusive I'm interested in picking up on 360. Not trying to troll or anything, but the 360 line up doesn't interest me nearly as much as the PS3 line up does. Last year it was the COMPLETE opposite, but last year isn't this year. Starting with MGS4 in June, I have SOCOM in September, LittleBigPlanet in October, then games like Motorstorm 2, Resistance 2, and possibly stuff like inFamous, and what ever Naughty Dog has in store. And next year you have Killzone 2, God of War III, and L.A. Noire. Definitely glad to be a PS3 owner.

    I love my 360 (when it's working, unfortunately it's away for repairs), and I find it to be a better console when it comes to games library and online strategy, but just about everything else is better on PS3 for me. And with an ever improving online set up, and more and more high quality games, I'm leaning more and more toward my Sony console. Just my opinion, and if you mark me for it, you're just being a fanboy.

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    • 5 of 18 users agree
  • grognard

    Posted May 14, 2008 6:10 pm PT

    This is a deceptively strong and diverse line-up and I wouldn't be surprised if Halo Wars is added as a surprise release at E3. GoW2 is going to be the second highest seller this year (behind GTAIV) considering the original moved 4.5 million copies when 360 had a much smaller install base.

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  • -GhostMLD-

    Posted May 14, 2008 6:02 pm PT

    PS_Family
    08 lineup for 360 is much greater then its 07.
    360 had Forza, Bioshock, Halo 3 and Mass Effect. its 08 lineup is quite comparable

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  • PS_Family posted May 14, 2008 5:29 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    PS_Family

    Posted May 14, 2008 5:29 pm PT (hide)

    @HVPinc

    Maybe many people agree that 360's lineup is much weaker compared to last year.

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    • 4 of 13 users agree
  • ct1257860

    Posted May 14, 2008 5:27 pm PT

    Gears and viva pinata are the ones i am eyeing. Also they didnt name half of the games coming, i looked ahead and found a wonderful line up PLAY STATION FAMILY!

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