Xbox One To Launch in China this September
Today in Shanghai, Microsoft announced that, in partnership with BesTV, Xbox One will launch in China this September.
The entertainment system will be the first of its kind to launch in the country. Xbox One will offer content such as games, entertainment, education and fitness experiences.
BesTV and Microsoft formed a joint venture, E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd. in September 2013, when the two jointly announced plans for a new generation of home entertainment and gaming experiences. As part of this, E-Home Entertainment was the first company registered through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ).
"Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it's a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, marketing and strategy, Devices and Studios, Microsoft. "BesTV has a rich history of delivering innovative entertainment content. It is the ideal partner with which to bring the Xbox business to China."
Enwei Xie will lead Xbox China for Microsoft. As general manager of Xbox China, he will also have operation and management responsibility for the joint venture.
As part of the partnership, E-Home Entertainment is investing in a program that will enable creators and developers to build, publish and sell their games on Xbox One in China and in other markets where Xbox is available. Within China, Microsoft will work with traditional retailers to establish a new growth category and partner with BesTV to explore expanded channel opportunities in the telecommunications segment.
Last week, Shanghai's government said console makers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo Co be able to manufacture and sell consoles in China through "foreign-invested enterprises" in Shanghai's free trade zone.
China had banned game consoles in 2000, citing their negative effect on the mental health of its youth. It temporarily lifted the ban in January.
Microsoft says that more than 5 million Xbox One consoles have been sold-in to retailers in the 13 countries where it?s available today. Building upon this momentum, in September Xbox One will be available in 42 total markets worldwide.
BesTV and Microsoft formed a joint venture, E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd. in September 2013, when the two jointly announced plans for a new generation of home entertainment and gaming experiences. As part of this, E-Home Entertainment was the first company registered through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ).
"Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it's a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, marketing and strategy, Devices and Studios, Microsoft. "BesTV has a rich history of delivering innovative entertainment content. It is the ideal partner with which to bring the Xbox business to China."
Enwei Xie will lead Xbox China for Microsoft. As general manager of Xbox China, he will also have operation and management responsibility for the joint venture.
As part of the partnership, E-Home Entertainment is investing in a program that will enable creators and developers to build, publish and sell their games on Xbox One in China and in other markets where Xbox is available. Within China, Microsoft will work with traditional retailers to establish a new growth category and partner with BesTV to explore expanded channel opportunities in the telecommunications segment.
Last week, Shanghai's government said console makers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo Co be able to manufacture and sell consoles in China through "foreign-invested enterprises" in Shanghai's free trade zone.
China had banned game consoles in 2000, citing their negative effect on the mental health of its youth. It temporarily lifted the ban in January.
Microsoft says that more than 5 million Xbox One consoles have been sold-in to retailers in the 13 countries where it?s available today. Building upon this momentum, in September Xbox One will be available in 42 total markets worldwide.