Microsoft announces the Xbox launch lineup

Microsoft has announced the official lineup of games for the November 15 launch of its Xbox console, and there are hardly any surprises. From its first-party lineup, the company will release Halo, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, NFL Fever 2002, Project Gotham Racing, and Fuzion Frenzy for the launch. In terms of third-party games, Electronic Arts will release Madden NFL 2002, NASCAR Thunder 2002, and Cel Damage; Infogrames will release NASCAR Heat 2002, TransWorld Surf, and Test Drive Off-Road Wide Open; Midway will release NHL Hitz 2002; Eidos will bring Mad Dash Racing; TDK will release Shrek; Rockstar will have 4x4 EVO 2; THQ will release Dark Summit; Konami will ship Air Force Delta Storm; Tecmo will release Dead or Alive 3; and Activision will have Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x at launch.

"There's never been a better time to be a gamer," said Ed Fries, vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. "Whether you love sports, racing, or action games, the Xbox will deliver an awesome experience. Come November 15, gamers will be blown away!"

"In addition to our blockbuster launch-week lineup, gamers can look forward to electrifying games to come in the near future from world-renowned publishers like Sega, Capcom, Namco, Acclaim, Interplay, Take-Two, Ubi Soft Entertainment, LucasArts, Crave, and Sierra Entertainment," said J Allard, general manager of the Xbox platform at Microsoft. "The Xbox has arrived, and the future of gaming has never looked brighter."

About 20 additional games will be released for the Xbox between the launch week and the end of the holiday season.