Microsoft today released word that the Halo 3 franchise has topped off $300 million in sales since launch. MS have dubbed it the “fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.” This is hard to argue with as the boys at Bungie and MS really marketed it well and made sure everyone got a taste of the hype train. Kudos boys.

There is one part of the press release I don’t agree with, where MS states “Xbox 360 has the greatest lineup in the history of video games and is the only console where consumers can play all the year’s biggest blockbusters.” I think this is far too over zealous to state, the lineup is looking good, but the best in history, wow that is a tough call.

There have been some great lineups in the days of the NES, Xbox, PS1 and 2, which paved the way for what we have today in video games. MS has definitely the bankroll to show for their current success, which is also attributed to the fact that video gaming in the years of old was more of a underground cult, where gamers were a minority. Today video games have become a huge industry and I doubt we will diminish in size as all those kids that played the old consoles are now grown up and spending their hard earned money on games. I think their best in “history” is a bit over the top and minimalizes what the other older consoles have done to get games to this point.

It is impressive that about one third of all Xbox 360 owners have gotten a copy of Halo 3, I actually figured this statistic to be higher and will probably reach a lot more people during the holidays.

From the press releasse:

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 4, 2007 — Interactive entertainment will never be the same, with the launch of one title that has changed the way the world thinks about video games. “Halo® 3” has captured the attention of consumers worldwide and has made history as one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time.
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As if Rock Band has not been hyped up enough already, now they are taking the game on a 24 state tour of the US where users can get a sneak peak at the game and some nice hands on time. Not only will users get to play the game, but they can also compete to win a spot on MTV’s TRL as one of top Rock Bands. Pretty sweet and you can look forward to seeing it in your backyard soon, dates all listed below.

From the press release:

New York, NY – September 6, 2007 – Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that Rock Band™ is hitting the road on a coast-to-coast tour to give consumers the chance to try the award winning game everyone is talking about before it comes out. In addition, budding musicians can choose to participate in a “Rock Off” audition for an opportunity to appear on MTV’s TRL. Two selected bands will participate in a live “Battle of the Bands,” with the top group being asked to open for one of rock’s biggest bands at the Rock Band launch concert this Holiday 2007.
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It is official Rock Band is getting released on the PS2 as well as the Xbox 360 and PS3. Seems that the PS2 wil actually get unique game elements as well and the European versions of Rock Band will get localized music, maybe it’s like Pokemon – Gotta Catch ‘em all? Aside from this news, new tracks were also announced:

Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter”
Deep Purple “Highway Star”
The Clash “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
Faith No More “Epic”
Smashing Pumpkins “Cherub Rock”
Radiohead “Creep”
Beastie Boys “Sabotage”
Jet “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”
OK Go “Here It Goes Again”
Nine Inch Nails “The Hand That Feeds”

From the press release:

Leipzig, Germany – August 22, 2007- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of MTV Networks which is a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today plans to release the highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band™ on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system in Europe in early 2008. As previously announced, Rock Band forthe Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 system will be released in the U.S. this Holiday 2007.
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Take that Guitar Hero. F’ing Metallica. At last night’s EA press conference, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos let the world know that Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” would be shipping with the game. Not only that, but more tracks from the band would be available as downloads.

Speaking of downloads, new content will be available every single week after the game’s release. And not just single songs and song packs, but whole albums as well. “Who’s Next” by The Who will be the first full album available to download. This will work on both the PS3 and Xbox 360. No word on pricing just yet.

I think Guitar Hero is going to lose out in this battle.