Visitors to Game Stars Live will be among the first players in the world to get their hands on the hugely-anticipated Xbox® blockbuster Halo 2, as Xbox has confirmed that the follow-up to Bungie's record-breaking, award-winning first-person action adventure will receive its UK public playable debut at September's Game Stars Live, the biggest computer and video gaming exhibition the country has ever seen.
Halo 2 has been kept under wraps since its announcement only a few select members of the press have been privileged to play any code to date. The Xbox presence at the Docklands event will feature a dedicated Halo 2 area, with visitors able to sample some of the explosive action for themselves, way ahead of Halo 2's UK release on 11th November 2004.
For the first time in the series, Halo 2 will offer full online compatibility through the revolutionary Xbox® LiveTM service. Game Stars Live visitors can therefore gain a competitive advantage, ensuring they're ready for battle once the game is available.
Game Stars Live runs from September 1st to September 5th at London's impressive ExCeL exhibition facility. Filling an area the size of three football pitches, Game Stars Live will offer visitors the chance to play all the top Christmas releases from the major games publishers, in a star-studded show that offers something for everyone no matter what their age or gaming experience. Celebrity appearances, gaming challenges and a whole host of special, themed zones will excite and enthral visitors.
Attendees confirmed to date include Acclaim, Activision, Atari, Eidos, EA Games, Gizmondo, Konami, Microsoft, Nintendo, Nokia and Ubisoft with many more to be announced shortly. Tickets for the show are on-sale now through
www.gamestarslive.co.uk, priced £10 in advance or £12 on the door.
"Halo 2 is one of the most anticipated games on any console, and it's coming only to Xbox this Christmas," reveals Stephen McGill, Head of Xbox Marketing. "We're sure its attendance will prove to be one of Game Stars Live's busiest draws, and we look forward to proving that the relentless hype and enthusiasm from both press and public since its initial announcement is well-founded."
"This is incredible news for the UK's gamers," says Kirsty Adams, event director, London Event Company, organisers of the event. "We're delighted Xbox has chosen Game Stars Live to unveil one of the year's biggest releases, and we can't wait to see the reaction of attendees when they finally get their hands on Halo 2 two months before its release."
Further information on Game Stars Live can be found at
www.gamestarslive.co.uk. Tickets can be bought through the Website or by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 272 0012).
Press passes to the show can be applied for at
www.europeangamesnetwork.co.uk, the Website of the event's sister show European Games Network (trade only).
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