Microsoft has TGS plans

Jeff Bell has said Microsoft is planning to show off some unseen bits and pieces at the Tokyo Games Show next month.

The silver-tongued Xbox marketing chief was responding to questions from Canada.com about the rather hushed 2008 line-up for the console, and said that although most revelations will wait until after the holiday, "the Tokyo Games Show will be a place where we show off new elements".

Unfortunately, what exactly these will be is still up for grabs, with Microsoft craftily and unwittingly dodging our calls so far without even knowing it.

Bell then went on to puff his chest and fall back on the impressive 360 holiday line-up, using words like exclusive and not many third-party big names left to capture. Even Nintendo and its success with Wii was a cause for celebration, viewed as an ally rather than a competitor.

"If it does grow the market, good for all of us," said Bell. "I don't see any problem that has both a Wii and a 360. In fact I would expect you'd see that, as they are very different experiences."

"I think there's more than enough room for everyone, but we definitely want to win. [And] Let's be honest, there's only two major franchises that are talked about not appearing on our platform: Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid."

Emerging monster-brands like Viva Pinata and the new Party Animals spin-off will apparently give Mario creations a run for their money, and Bell reckons the inherent similarities between PC and 360 will help sway developers and publishers worried about committing to exclusive projects.

"The real standard we need to be able to own is simultaneous launches on both platforms for ourselves and third parties. That's our commitment long-term but we're not there yet," continued Bell.

"We want people to develop once and publish twice. If you develop with our code we want you to get two bangs with one buck."

We'll be at the Tokyo Games Show next month to bring you our thoughts on Microsoft's Japanese master plan.