Why does Microsoft think this tactic works?

World At War was a gaming nightmare for me, my friend owns an xbox360 and he is going to stay far away from it.

If sony fails to market killzone 2 to the same degree as microsoft does halo wars and gta 4 episodic content then I think we'll pretty much see a stalemate in the sales department.

funny all the comments on the gaming section are by ps3 fans. >.< kinda funny, they are commenting but no xbots seem to want to show up. >.> either A. they dont care. or B. they just like to see the droids make them selfs look like fools by talking to them selfs.
-nai-

The most technically advanced game this gen or DLC for a game I don't play and a console RTS of a franchise I never really liked?

Twice the games, not even half the quality. LittleBigPlanet, Resistance, Motostorm 2, came out relatively the same time; does that mean Gears of War 2 sucked?

sorry, halo wars....not exactly halo 4...i will pass, as I'm sure many others will too.
The gta 4 dlc...not a big deal, unless you are up on dlc release dates, who cares.
KZ2...KZ2!!!

This shows Microsoft's desperation. They know the impact Killzone 2 will have on their userbase, so they launch 2 pre-emptive strikes against Sony to try to diminish its success in February. They fear Killzone 2 and are doing all they can to limit its success (read: stop 360 users from purchasing a PS3).

Releasing the GTA content a week before KZ2's release is meant to occupy 360 users and reduce their exposure to the hype, news, and reviews that will undoubtedly surround Killzone 2 the week prior to its debut. Releasing Halo Wars the same day as Killzone 2 is meant to prevent purchases of the Killzone 2 PS3 bundle on release day, so people will purchase Halo Wars (which looks good, by the way) and use that as justification for not spending any more money to buy a new console since they just purchased a new game that they still have to beat.

It is very effective for Microsoft to do this from a business standpoint, but it still clearly displays that they're worried about the success of Killzone 2 and will do whatever they can to reduce the potentially devastating effect such a title has on the conversion rate of their own userbase.

I hope that consumers see past this ploy and realize that after February, when these 2 pieces of 360 content release, they will likely be stuck without any good, significant 360 exclusives for a long time coming, and that they'd be giving themselves the best value and access to the best exclusives by purchasing a PS3 and enjoying Killzone 2!

Quoted from the article at 4:10PM EST
"Microsoft has given its loyal base of 360 owners a reason to stick along with the its console."

... "with [THE] its console"? lol

Poor journalism and grammar INDEED.

Halo wars and GTA DLC is more like .5 + .5 instead of 2.

I'm not a Halo fanboy, so I won't be getting Halo Wars. GTAIVDLC might be a purchase for me, but definitely down the road. I've waited too long to get a PS3 and Killzone 2 for me to pick GTAIVDLC over it.

the main reason why people play halo in the first place is because its a FPS. changing halo into an RTS wont reach out to the whole audience of the FPS world. most people play shooters cuz it is what it is a shooter so i dont think itll catch everyone. grand theft auto looks good imo but going against killzone 2 umm i dont thinks so.

What am I excited for? KZ2 is a purchase, Halo Wars is a rental (RTS on console? Hmmm.... I've been burned before, but I am somewhat excited for the title) and I have zero interest in GTA4. This is all my personal preference and opinion based on what I like.

An RTS or Killzone2? Meh... who cares. I am going to rent Halo wars and buy kz2. As for dlc for gta.... nah.

An FPS.

A DLC expansion.

An RTS.

Two different systems.

I didn't realize these were vying for necessarily the same dollars or were in direct sales competition? I mean... I don't see people bring up NG2 sales when discussing MGS4 sales in a serious manner, and those both released at the same time?

Alot of people would buy anything with the name Halo in it so I wouldn't be surprised if it sold better than KZ2 especially if Sony doesn't advertise.

Microsoft should act a little bit more classy then this. Saying that either one of those exclusives are anywhere near as enticing as KZ2 is ridiculous. They would look better in the eyes of the consumer if they would give credit where its due, even if a game is on another console.

I think there are two questions that need to be asked, 1 how relevant is GTA4 DLC now, a game that in my opinion lost something compared to its predecessors, how many people still find this DLC relevant? 2 Halo or not how popular is an RTS to the general hard core or casual market to become a best seller and to be honest Halo Wars hasn't seemed to be generating nearly as much buzz as its FPS counterparts of past years.
I can't say for sure but I think that regardless of what MS does is Feb many people will use their consumer dollars and get a PS3 along with KZ2. I think it is a valiant effort from MS but I believe that Sony has a solid release in Feb that MS is going to find hard to counteract.

We will see soon enough.

I'' be Dining with the Helghast
A few days after i see MetallicA in concert
What a Month

Will not be suprised if MS announces something that week relating to a new game release or anything else to try and divert any more attention from KZ2. MS' suger daddy is the NA region which is the region this game really targets. They know Killzone 2 has the ability to not only garner more console sales but also possibly convert 360 users.

"Id rather play Halo Wars over Killzone 2" coz my hand will magically jump through their screens and B!tch slap the taste outta their mouths

*then b!tch slaps himself coz Killzone 2's over a month away*

if anything it should be KZ2 vs. halo wars and star ocean 4.

seriously...GTA4 DLC????

Next week on Drama-queen (Aka N4G)

"Microsoft announced today that they will start providing a free 12 months of XBOX live with purchase of Mass Effect 2, an off-line only game released on 6-8-09, the same release date of Infamous" (Made up date)

Seriously MS talks of Sony trying to concentrate on their own console yet they want to release some garbage around the same time as a PS3 game? They are relying on name alone with Halo Wars, and half of the people I know would rather have San Andreas DLC.

Be mouth-fed another spoonful of halo due to general lack of quality content elsewhere, or take an incredible-looking and playing, extremely well produced action FPS?

Hmmmmm

Halo Wars, GTA4 DLC and Star Ocean Last Hope Versus Killzone 2

"How's it goin...let me get that KillzOWN 2..."

*buys KillzOWN 2*

"thank you..."

*leaves store* :)

ppl on here call me an xbox fanboy... but i can see Sony's 1 being better than MS 2 combined

i'm reading wrong or it talks about a... DLC?!?
Since when a DLC is an "answer to rivals games"?
I'd like to see who will buy a 360 to get the DLC, for example. And about Halo wars.... well... i'm not a fan of RTS and i think the saga had to stay on the FPS genre. Just my point of view, then fan could get this and say it's wonderful (even if they don't like it, but only cause it's Halo)

Next, Halo ODST would probably be released on same date as God of War 3 or Uncharted 2. Too easy to predict.

don't really care as I will be getting all three anyways

more like 2 red lights.....CES anyone. yeah go ahead and buy it maybe your system will light up too lol.

I found GTA4 (on PS3) to be boring (very) and traded it in without finishing it. There is no way another helping of it in the form of dlc will entice me to re-buy the game let alone get an xbox360 for it.
This is Microsoft hanging on by their fingernails.

...The xBox 360 will be 'Lost and the Damned' ;-D

Halo Wars??? Did you see the Videos of it??? Oh Dear...NO THANKS!!! ;-D

Yeah Halo Wars and a DLC versus an AAA title Killzone 2.

Oh...hard choice lol

I Have KZ2

on order :)

Double barrel vs single barrel. which kills more?

KZ2 is much more my type of game but I'm actually looking forward to Halo Wars and hope it's good. I'm not sure why this has to be a versus scenario but I will be perfectly fine come release.

Halo Wars will sell just on the basis of the Halo name (provided that Ensemble created a proper control scheme for a console RTS). I doubt people will buy 360s just for this game, but the existing fanbase will embrace it, without a doubt.

The GTA DLC will also do well, though I don't think it will move consoles or influence a lot of people one way or the other.

If Sony gives it a proper advertising lift (better than LBP, for pity's sake), then KZ2 will do well, and will likely move systems in North America (no doubt it will in Europe, with the bundle).

Rather than look at it as a game-vs-game pissing contest, I offer that there's something here for different types of gamers on different consoles.

I plan on enjoying all three.

why why do act as if GTA DLC is a game know one cares about GTA no more really Halo will sell well because thats the only game xbox fanboys have for like half a year till another average game comes out

to shut every xbox fanboy up all you do is show them the ballet of death trailer lmao and they go mentle lmao

"...The xBox 360 will be 'Lost and the Damned' ;-D

Halo Wars??? Did you see the Videos of it??? Oh Dear...NO THANKS!!! ;-D"

Honestly people we need to bubble up this guy, i sometimes just come on the comments section to read his comments, lol they are always funny and entertaining. More Props to you Sir.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

If the game looked and played anything like that, it would be more interesting. Its pretty deceiving for people that have no idea Halo Wars is an RTS.

see you in the kill zone.

I'm getting Killzone 2, Street Fighter IV and Sacred 2 in February!

Il eventualy get GTA IV for my Xbox 360 and then get the DLC (got it on PS3 atm)

But come on, crappy halo RTS and some DLC vs Killzone 2? your dreaming

BRING ON KILLZONE 2!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOH!

every upcoming 360 game, until its bones are crushed, much like Tiberiums mom's snatch, it works in a similar fashion.

WOW, NOOW THATS SCRAPING THE BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL, PUTTING THESE DLC AGAAINST KILLZONE2. I,LL SAY A PRAYER ON THIS ON OR MAYBE NOT. THIS WILL BE A MERCY KILLING PROVING THAT XBOT HAS NO CHANCE THIS YEAR, WHAT WILL THEY DO, WHAT WILL THEY DO, LOL. I KNOW BRING MORE CRAP TO THIS YEAR, SONY WILL RULE THIS YEAR

But if you wait a week you should be able to find a used copy of Halo Wars at Gamestop because if the game was awesome Microsoft would have kept the studio that made the game. That right there let's me know what they thought of the game.

If it was on PC. I don't get it making it console only when Ensembled are talented PC developers and plus it probably sell more considering it is a RTS. Since it isn't I will be picking up Killzone 2 on day one.

Am I alone in thinking there's signifigantly less to this than meets the eye?
Sony are the ones that moved their release date willingly with KZ2 held back for the saake of clashing with resistance2. The GTA4 DLC should've been out for Xmas and MS were upset it wasn't, from all I've heard, and just want it out asap. As for Halo Wars deveryone knows it isn't the Halo they knmow and love so sales will be very, very dependent on review scores imo. There is nothing there to suggest MS are trying to combat the release of KZ2 at all.
SO is releasing as well but is hardly in the same gaming boat aas Killzone2 and I cannot see where the article writer has got his views from. Killzone apart I reckon the other stuff has got released when it was ready and nothing more. Story about nothing and certainly niether Sony nor MS are being clever about all this-or stupid-they're just releasing(in Sony's case) when the way is clear and(in MS's case) when the product is ready.End of.

"When Halo Wars Limited Edition active pre-orders began on Amazon.com just a few hours ago, it immediately became the fastest mover in terms of sales on the site, jumping from no ranking to 321 for all of videogames. By early next week, if not earlier, we fully expect to see it in the top 20 or better."

http://www.thehdroom.com/ne...

Even though i own both consoles i prefer my 360 but this time im on the sony side, besides the hype and besides the crap that was killzone1, I am truly wanting killzone 2.

When comparing it to halo bores(wars), i just dont see it selling well at all, its an rts and that genre isnt popular on consoles and then theres the add on for gta4, that might do well but gta4 stunk so once again i think K2 will prevail.

Comes with Mythic Maps for Halo 3.

Lol they'd be smart to just ship all LE's because everyone including Jesus would buy that Piece of crap game Halo Wars for maps.

I'll gamefly KZ2 most def.

But Resident Evil 5, SO4, and SF4 is were my pockets are going.

Halo this, Halo that....how many spinoff's does this game need? It really sounds like MS is desperate, and why shouldn't they be? We know they have seen KZ2 in action along with the rest of us and have been completely blown away by it. As for SO4 and the GTA IV DLC...blah....SO4 will probably sell better than Halo Wars if anything just because people have waited so long since SO3 destroyed the legacy of the SO series and are hoping for a great game, and only people who STILL PLAY GTA IV will worry about the DLC. I would say ALL the pressure is on MS in this round. Of course KZ2 will win without question.

sonys 3 versus microsofts 1.

PlayStation3
PlayStation2
PlayStation portable

v
s

Xbox360

How the article shows that cg photo of Halo Wars that is nowhere near representative of actual gameplay.

Lots of hopes being pinned on K2

As much as I dislike MS it is smart what they are doing. I don't think that Halo Wars and the GTA DLC will come close to Killzone2 but MS will market them like crazy. Let's just hope Sony markets the h@ll out of this games. I know they can't hype every release but this game is a defining game for their system. They missed the boat with Little Big Planet. I hope they don't miss with this game.

I only saw a dodgy experiment for prolonging the Halo franchise, whilst tearing apart everything it stands for, which will never be repeated again but will sell because people will obviously see the Halo name and think 'Halo FPS' when they are actually confusing it for a game to be released much later this year and DLC content that looks alright, but not totally nessercary against a stonkingly awesome looking FPS AAA title which has been highly anticipated for release since 2005 and has been appraised in the recent months.

I don't care how all the games sell but anyone with a sane mind knows that killzone2 blows halowars and dlc over. Even some of the bots here are now buying a ps3 just for killzone2.

think it's crazy that killzone 2 is an FPS, then microsoft bumps up Halo Wars, which is an RTS that is milking a name from an FPs?

@Rhoic

I'm sorry, you seem like a nice kid, but you are a complete tool belt.

they said K I L L Z O N E 2!!!Niko and Master Chief just got b!tch slapped.haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaa aaaaaaaaa.

Halo RTS & GTA 4 DLC? against Killzone 2? Desperate times call for desperate measures. Microsoft must really be in a panic. Sony got those bastards on the run with Killzone 2. So what now? Is Microsoft gonna release all their games around PS3 games? What the hell are they trying to prove? That we know what BS games are coming out for the 3 fixme along with AAA games on the PS3? Sony is going to make them look really bad with all the AAA titles that will put them to shame this year.

I'll take both Halo Wars Collector Edition and Killzone 2. GTA's DLC does not interest me, i've finished the game without being enjoyed playing it, and i don't think a DLC can change that.

I didn't like Halo 3 at all but i want to see at least a good Halo game, which i hope will be with Halo Wars. And Killzone 2, because i played the beta for months and loved it, so Day 1 buy for me.

The thing that annoys me about articles like this, is that people pitch it as though Microsoft is trying to combat Killzone 2 with these titles deliberately, like the release dates weren't decided months ago.

Are a console RTS based on Halo and DLC for a game no one plays anymore going to compete against the first overhyped title of 2009? No, probably not.
Is Killzone 2 going to be any good? Remains to be seen. I think for me, Halo Wars and Killzone 2 are both going to be worth a rental, at best.

Can people please stop saying that microsoft are milking the halo franchise. there have only been 3 previous halo games, can people tell me how many metal gear games have been released? I'm looking forward to the new direction that the series is taking, and halo wars could do to the RTS what halo CE did for the FPS. i'm also intrigued by KZ2, it could prompt me to by a ps3. I hope both games sell well for gaming as a whole.

KZ2 still destroyed them in anyway.

I predict Halo Wars to suck, but still sell a ridiculously high number of copies. And I predict the expansion to flop. Although, I bet ps3 will sell alot of units because of killzone. I hope PS3 picks up some steam soon. I couldn't bare to see them quit making consoles. They have given so much to it. And Microsoft has copied everything- There isn't one title that they have that couldn't have just as well been a playstation release. The same could not be said the other way around.

& now its upto Sony to advertise the hell out of it. Sony needs to create the same amount of hype like Microsoft created for Halo 3.
They really need to push the buttons here. All Sony really needs to do is rather than paying for advertisement companies to create advertisements for Killzone 2, just roll the gameplay footage on TV and etc.
On the topic I think Halo Wars won't sell that well just because I don't see an RTS doing that well on a console anyways. GTA4 episode will obviously sell a million or two easily but its not a reason to buy a console. While Killzone 2 is what really defines as next-gen game.

Halo did NOTHING for the FPS. AT ALL. If you want to see the mommy and dadies of the fps play some half life, quake, unreal, doom. Those are the FPS's that did something. There was nothing different about Halo that every other FPS wasn't doing- and doing better. Everyone says the matchmaking was good. I beg to differ. How many times have you gotten into a game only for everyone to be lagging out. I'd rather see my ping and pick my server from a list. But whatever. I'm just a PC gamer I guess.

RTS on Consoles? Phail.

But Halo Wars will sell. You can grab a used diaper and stick a halo sticker on it and sell it.

wow i must rush out and buy a 360 ... not

Microsoft is so desperate to take out the Ps3, it makes me sick as a loyal gamer on both PC/PS3.

I AM WONDERING, WHY X,BOYS BUYING THESE,,,1.5 GAMES,, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF...LOVE ALL GAMERS

only blu rays ..

ps3 owners would have you beleive that ks2 is the best game ever made and its the number one on all the charts and that its sold more than any game on any system just one problem ... the game even come out yet...

at 22

"Halo did NOTHING for the FPS. AT ALL"

this is the typical denial that ps3 and pc fanboys have ...

and kz is the best game ever made and ps3 is in first place

people who own ps3 are becoming more delusional with every passing day

haha look at the xbox fanboys damage control its so funny.

Halo Wars ewww RTS. bleh... PC is best for playing those types of games.

GTA4 DLC are u kidding me? I wouldnt waste 1 penny on that.

Killzone 2 > all that was mentioned in article.

Enough said!

Killzone 2 is clearly the most entertaining title coming out in February. However, I have to admit Microsofts strategy is a good one because Halo is a more recognizable name.

Hahahahaha.. Killzone please! C'mon guys?? Halo wars?? Vs the Killzone2? Hahaha this is stupid itz not even funny! I own both consoles but c'mon evryone knows theres nothing else on any console even the ps3 that can match killzone2

Halo Wars will be bigger than KZ2. That's an easy one. Halo is one of the biggest names in video games next to Mario and Pac-Man. Only the hardcore faithful know what KZ2 is. And I'm betting the sales will prove it. I remember the same discussion when LBP and Resistance 2 was supposed to crush Fable 2 and Gears 2. LMAO. We all know what happen there. Fable 2 alone outsold LBP and Resistance 2.

Ok.
Am a huge xbox 360 fan over the PS3.

However, never ever liked GTA series as to me its probably the most boring game ive ever come across.
Will i be paying for the DLC?
I dont think so.

What is Starcraft? Havent even herd of it?

I always play my Xbox 360. Multiplat games, i get on my 360. PS3 has pretty much got nothing to play apart from the launch games i got at the start just because i needed something to play on it, its primarly used as a Blu Ray player.

But when i look at the Killzone 2 videos, it makes me want it, it IS going to be a success.

It will be a success but not like the Sony droids say it will, sure it will sell well, will it break records? Does a PS3 game ever?
Its going to be popular, but is it going to be as popular and sell aswell as every xbox bashing sony fan thinks?

youve got to be kidding me.

--a young american male will undoubtedly choose GTAIV DLC over KZ2 anyday just because of motorbikes

--i mean could you ride a Helghast? thought so

Quality > Quantity.

lol who plays rts's on consoles anyway? most people just like shooters not rts's so what are they trying lol. tho there will be alot of wanna be gamers who buy halo wars not knowing its an rts lol!

just like they did with endwar

Please don't use that Halo garbage in the same sentence as Killzone 2.

this still isn't a contest even though its 2 vs 1, killzone wins

Halo Wars is a bad idea.
Xbox360 Its Halo but no one is interested because it is a RTS on console.
Pc Its an RTS but no one is interested because it is Halo.
PS3 No one is interested because its a RTS and Halo.

Killzone will do jack. Resitance 2 anyone? Halo Wars will easily doubled it in sales.

Sony Fanboys are once again riding the hype train ,cough cough MGS4, LBP, R2, HAZE.. See my point.

A 8 million lead is TOO much to overcome. I like to see the PS3 N4G PS3 fanboys go into SDF mode when Halo Wars sell 1 million in Feb and KZ2 sells like 500,000 in NA. The posts that follow will be epic.

Yeah, anyone remember when Ninja Gaiden 2 came out last year and made us all sit up and take notice? No? Neither do I.

MGS4 was so amazing, everyone ignored everything else that came out at/around the same time.

These Halo games will sell well for the X-Box owners, but that won't stop PS3 fans from buying KZ2. Considering the reviews and hype it's attracting, and the lack thereof regarding MS's two releases, I think Sony and Guerilla are safe.

I don't think most 360 are really bothered. Theres still plenty of games that were relesed over Christmas that people have to catch up on and Killzone will sell probably about 5million. Thats not a lot to worry about.
Killzone looks great and a lot of 360 owners will probably play it round there mates house. Its just another game until the next one.

I think using the word Halo on a game with give it some added boost but when people realize it's not a shooter it can find it way back to used rack, or being return for full money back. Game Crazy has this game listed as a shooter talk about false advertistment, anybody remember Liar?

Killzone will do great once its released cause everyone with a PS3 is gonna buy it. The same would be said about Halo cause of the 360's install base and fans of the series who are curious if it would turn out ok as an RTS . The only problem I see with Halo is the controller, no RTS fanatic will put down his mouse and keyboard for a controller.

I have two multi-platform games in my radar. Street Fighter IV in February and Resident Evil V in March.

One can argue that Sony held back Killzone 2 because of Gears of War 2. I will own all 3 myself.

No GTA4 DLC for me... already feel like I got conned by the hype surrounding that game.. So not until GTA5!

Star Ocean looks interesting... but JRPG's are in sharp decline, just look at the flexibility of Oblivion and Fallout to express what a PROPER role playing game should be about!

Halo wars... thats just fanboy territory, I highly doubt that any new fans would be getting an Xbox 360 just to play an RTS!

Killzone 2... Definately a DAY ONE purchase for me, so cant wait until release date in Europe!

and as awesome as Halo Wars and Lost and the Damned look, Microsoft is on drugs if they think I would purchase those offerings over Killzone 2. I can see myself picking up all of these titles, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Killzone hands down. I mean, come on. How long has every PS3 gamer been drooling over Killzone 2? Since 2005, and since basically every preview has raved over almost every aspect of the game, Killzone is a title not to be missed.

I'm sure Microsoft's February offerings will be awesome... but this month, release wise, the PS3 blows it out of the water.

KZ will sell about 5 Million? LOL

Not even MGS4 reached that.

ANd the name "Killzone" know only ppl who sit on internet gaming sites.

I think I'm a pretty typical gamer. Gears 2 and Fable 2 I had preordered for months and played as soon as I could get my hands on them. I was the same way with Halo. And yet, Halo Wars I feel nothing other than a mild curiosity. If I never play it, I don't feel like I'll have really missed anything.
KZ2, on the other hand...well come on. It's such a huge graphical leap from any console shooter we've seen before, and with the media absolutely going ga-ga over it there must be something to it...this one is a day one purchase for me.

If I'm feeling nothing but "meh" over Halo Wars, and considering I'm a huge fan of Halo - how are other gamers feeling about this? I'm guessing probably the same.
As for the GTA4 DLC...I haven't even finished the game yet and I've got a pile of games I'd rather play at the moment. This DLC simply isn't in the cards. I may try to finish it off quickly just so I can trade it in while I can still get something for it - and I've really enjoyed GTA4 but I almost never bother with any DLC. There's just too many excellent games out there to take the extra couple of hours playing a couple of extra chapters to a game I've played to death when I could be playing Fallout3, or Dead Space or the new Prince of Persia. Or Killzone 2!

People that say Killzone 2 will not sell well are just fooling themselves. People say that hype is killing the game? Are you serious? Sony does not even need to really advertise this game. It has attracted so much attention by word of mouth alone.

Put the hate to the side and be grateful such an amazing game is about to be released.

I suppose if you are a 360 owner, you gotta take what you can get. It is funny to see how many people are suddenly RTS fans. Plus, people could not stop bashing GTAIV and saying how they did not like it.

the only reason it ever won game of the year is because it was multi-lat and they didnt want to upset the xbots by saying MGS4 was game of the year

K2 is much better then the Halo games , i ve played Halo , and the Killzone 2 beta , and K2 blew me away!!! can t wait 25 february!!!

its all about fallout 3 dlc