Microsoft To Show Off Blockbuster Titles At Comic-Con This Week

As legions of aspiring superheroes strap on their capes for the 41^st annual Comic-Con International, Xbox 360 is set to take San Diego by storm with “Gears of War 3,” “Halo,” “Kinect Star Wars,” “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” and a sizzling line-up of other Xbox 360, Kinect, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone titles.

In addition to five panels featuring the creative minds behind some of the games industry’s most iconic franchises, the Microsoft booth (#5252) is offering fans their first hands-on experience with the new Horde mode in the most anticipated console exclusive of 2011, “Gears of War 3.” Fans can also visit the Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, to get an early taste of a slew of eagerly awaited Kinect and Xbox 360 titles.

Xbox 360 Comic-Con International 2011 activities include:

Xbox 360 Booth

Booth #5252, San Diego Convention Center

Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to get your first hands–on with Horde mode in the most anticipated juggernaut of the year, “Gears of War 3.” With groundbreaking innovations like boss battles, upgradeable fortifications, more diverse waves and enemies, and a deeper player progression system, Horde in “Gears of War 3” is poised to set a new standard for cooperative multiplayer action. So gather your brothers-in-arms and get ready to take the fight to the Locust Horde!

Xbox Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel

Edge Room – Hard Rock Hotel

Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gamers looking for the hottest action off the show floor can get early hands-on experiences with an array of the hottest upcoming titles for Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade and Games for Windows, including “Kinect Sports: Season Two,” “Dance Central 2,” “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” “Batman: Arkham City,” “Rise of Nightmares,” “The Gunstringer,” “Age of Empires” and more.

“Kinect Star Wars” Panel

Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center

Thursday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Enter the Galaxy with studio head Jorg Neumann (Kinect Publishing) and lead producer Craig Derrick (LucasArts) as they discuss the eagerly awaited title with USA Today’s Mike Snider, sharing new gameplay from the iconic Star Wars universe, revealing an all-new mode and unveiling an exciting announcement. All attendees will receive a limited-edition poster.

Kinect Star Wars in the LucasArts Booth

Booth # 2913-L in the Star Wars Pavilion

Preview: Wednesday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Show Hours: Thursday, July 21 – Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get your first hands-on with Kinect Star Wars. Fans will have a chance to live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy and check out an all-new mode.

“Gears of War 3” Panel

Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center

Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and special guest contributors to the “Gears” universe offer a look ahead at the most anticipated game of 2011. Moderated by X-Play (G4) co-host, Adam Sessler, the discussion will feature key announcements and a live game demo.

Don’t forget to stop by the Xbox booth for opportunities to win coveted “Gears” giveaways throughout the week.

Xbox 360 at NERD HQ and “Gears of War 3” Panel & Signing

Jolt’n Joes, 379 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 

Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m.

Xbox 360 is the official console at NERD HQ, a four day offsite Comic Con experience backed by Zachary Levi’s Nerd Machine. More than 20 Xbox titles will be playable throughout Comic-con at NERD HQ, including Gears of War 3, Dance Central 2 and Gunstringer. Also, be sure to join the team from Epic Games for a special “Conversation for a Cause” and signing event on Saturday, July 23 at 1 p.m. The Nerd Machine and the gang from Gears of War have collaborated on a limited edition t-shirt, available ONLY at NERD HQ for $25 during the weekend, then afterward at www.thenerdmachine.com, while supplies last.

Nerd HQ “Conversation” tickets are available for a minimum donation of $20 to benefit Operation Smile.

Writing in Video Games: In-Game, Novels, Comics, and Other Franchise-Building Offshoots

Room 32AB, San Diego Convention Center

Friday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The biggest names in sci-fi/fantasy publishing and the video game industry area of in-game writing will get together to discuss their separate projects and unique experiences working in both worlds. Get your game face on with Greg Bear (“Halo”), Karen Traviss (“Gears of War”), David Gaider (“Dragon Age”), John Shirley (“Bioshock: Rapture”), Tony Gonzales (“Eve Online”), Frank O’Connor (“Halo” franchise development director at 343 Industries), Kevin Grace (managing editor of 343 Industries, “Halo: Evolutions”), and moderator Matt Staggs of Suvudu.com.

“Halo” Universe Panel

Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center

Friday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Frank O’Connor, Kevin Grace, and others from 343 Industries, as well as special “Halo” guests Greg Bear and Karen Traviss, will discuss the first 10 years of “Halo” and offer a sneak peek into what’s next for the exciting sci-fi universe.

There and Play Again: Video Games to Comics

Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center

Friday, July 22, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

We all know that comic books have been fertile ground from which video game developers can harvest great characters and games. These days the tech has caught up with the art and we’re seeing that road run both ways. This panel includes video game and comic book industry luminaries intimately familiar with bringing a comic’s sensibility to games and transporting virtual, interactive worlds to the printed page. Join them to discuss what it takes to be successful in multiple dimensions.