Microsoft brings out the big guns at the 40th annual Comic-Con International, with a line-up of panels and playables featuring Kinect, Gears of War 3, Fable III, Halo: Reach, and more!
Microsoft has a powerful line-up of Xbox 360 games coming out in the latter half of this year, and the 40th annual Comic-Con International in San Diego is going to be the place for public peeks at that power.
Things kick off on Thursday, July 22 at the Xbox 360 booth on the show floor, where fans will be able to get their hands on Halo: Reach, Fable III, Gears of War 3, and the Summer of Arcade titles for Xbox Live Arcade.
The crowded show floor probably isn't the best place to show off the games and features of Kinect however, so Microsoft has The Xbox 360 Experience Room set up across the street from the convention center at the Hard Rock Hotel. Starting on Friday of the show and running through Sunday, The Xbox 360 Experience Room will give fans a chance to try out Kinect Sports, Joy Ride, and our personal favorite, Dance Central from MTV Games.
Halo fans won't want to miss Thursday's question and answer session with Bungie, where they'll learn what's outside the canyon in Halo: Reach's recently-revealed version of the classic Blood Gulch map. Then on Sunday, Halo Franchise Development Director Frank O'Connor will be hosting a Halo Universe panel, discussing the various ways that Microsoft is taking the franchise beyond the game and into the realm of toys and books. Merchandising is fun!
Gears of War fans will be treated to a panel with Cliff Bleszinski, Rod Fergusson, and author Karen Traviss on Friday, with all three showing up for a developer signing on Saturday at Microsoft's booth.
Finally, fans of The Guild web series can sit in on a panel with Felicia Day and other cast members, which promises never-before-seen scenes and other surprises.
It sounds like Microsoft is going to have an extremely busy Comic-Con. Check out the full schedule of events below, and be sure to get to those panels at least an hour in advance. Those lines are crazy.
Xbox 360 Booth
Booth #5153
Thursday, July 22 – Saturday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
With multiple gameplay stations featuring the biggest blockbuster games of 2010 and 2011 exclusive to Xbox 360, attendees can experience "Halo: Reach," "Fable III," "Gears of War 3" and Summer of Arcade on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
The Xbox 360 Experience Room at the Hard Rock Hotel
Imagine Room – Hard Rock Hotel
Friday, July 23 – Saturday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For fans looking for the hottest action off of the show floor, the Xbox 360 Experience Room will feature hands-on with some of the biggest Xbox LIVE Arcade titles from the upcoming Summer of Arcade lineup, as well as "Dance Central" (MTV Games), "Kinect Sports" and "Joy Ride" for Kinect for Xbox 360.
"Halo: Reach" Panel with Bungie Studios
Room 6BCF
Thursday, July 22, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join the developers of the year's biggest blockbuster, "Halo: Reach," to find out what's "outside the canyon." Featuring Lars Bakken, Brian Jarrard and more of Bungie Studios, this panel is a can't-miss opportunity that will feature exciting "Halo" news and a Q&A with the team. It is open to all show attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Gears of War 3" Panel with Epic Games
Room 25ABC
Friday, July 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Looking ahead to the biggest game of 2011, join the team from Epic Games for an up close look at the "Gears of War 3" four person co-op campaign, as the team also talks about the broader "Gears of War" universe and fields questions from the audience. Featuring design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss, this panel is open to all show attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Gears of War" Developer Signing
Xbox booth (#5153)
Saturday, July 24, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Join the team from Epic Games, including design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson, and lead writer Karen Traviss, as they meet fans and sign merchandise for show attendees.
The Guild Panel
Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Saturday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Writer/producer and Comic-Con special guest Felicia Day, producer Kim Evey, director Sean Becker, and the cast of "The Guild" (including Wil Wheaton) are on hand for a discussion and Q&A, along with the debut of never-before-seen content and other surprises from the award winning webisodes available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. This panel is open to all show attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Halo" Universe Panel with 343 Industries
Room 32AB
Sunday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Microsoft's Halo studio, 343 Industries , is hosting a special "Halo" franchise panel. Halo Franchise Development Director Frank O'Connor and other renowned series creators, including partners at McFarlane Toys and Weta, will discuss the future of the broader "Halo" universe. This panel is open to all show attendees on a first come, first-served basis.