Microsoft in Midnight Madness Frenzy

Yes, it’s that Xbox again ~ released tonight at midnight. And, no, we didn’t make the headline up, it comes from Microsoft’s own press release.

Moreover, “Droves of dedicated fans are expected to line the streets as more than 4,500 retailers open their doors at 12:01 a.m. to answer the demand for the Xbox 360 console and 18 launch games.”

Quite what the “droves” are supposed to be doing when even large Wal-Mart stores are only getting 10 units, is not made clear in the media briefing. Perhaps a carol concert might be a brave alternative?

Clearly a lot of frenzy is going on in Microsoft’s PR department. Sleepless in Seattle doesn’t begin to cover it.

You want more frenzy? We got frenzy! “The debut of Xbox 360 marks one of the biggest consumer launches in Microsoft’s history,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft and chief Xbox officer.”

Imagine what you could do with a job title like that : Chief Xbox Officer. Good career move, Robbie.

“The excitement is already being felt around the globe,” enthuses our diligent PR person. “More than 3,500 gamers from around the world descended on an Xbox 360 oasis in California’s Mojave Desert last night to celebrate the arrival of Xbox 360 at an exclusive launch party called Xbox 360: Zero Hour.”

What pray is an “Xbox 360 oasis”? And in a real desert too. You couldn’t make it up.

Finally, we are assured : “Xbox 360 festivities will continue as the system launches Dec. 2 in Europe and Dec. 10 in Japan.”

Festivities and frenzy ~ that just about sums it up. We here at Microsoft Weblog are having an early night. [Wink]