MLB SlugFest to use Xbox Live 3.0
by Kit

Thursday, May 27 2004

New improvements will be with game in June.

Midway Games today announced that MLB SlugFest: Loaded is expected to be the first ever video game to implement Microsoft’s recently announced updates to Xbox Live 3.0 via customizable, online tournaments. MLB SlugFest: Loaded is scheduled for release on June 21, 2004, for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft.

Using the ability to create, customize and run online tournaments while in-game, as opposed to using the previously established XSN Web site, MLB SlugFest: Loaded gamers are to be the first to be given the ability to create in-game tournaments, an option that Microsoft has announced will soon be available for any game across all genres. Tournaments are to consist of 4, 8 or 16 teams and can be controlled by the user via private, password-protected channels that allow invited players only to join.

“The SlugFest development team has been working very hard over the past few months to integrate some of the great new features that Microsoft has helped to successfully execute through the recent updates to Xbox Live,” said Matt Booty, senior vice president of product development, Midway Amusement Games, LLC. “These new features dramatically increase the level of interaction when it comes to playing online, and we are proud to have MLB SlugFest: Loaded introduce them to the Xbox Live consumer.”

--- Kit