Microsoft Sponsors Video Game Olympics

Citing recent growth in "cybersports." Microsoft this week announced it would become the premier sponsor of the World Cyber Games, the top competition in the video game industry. The Redmond company will provide its Xbox 360 console for WCG events, along with games and marketing.

Microsoft Windows and the Xbox will become the exclusive platforms for both PC and console games in the WCG. The company's sponsorship will also cover three championship events in South Korea, the United States and the the WCG Grand Finals in Monza, Italy.

Players will receive state-of-the-art consoles, gaming peripherals and access to the Xbox Live online gaming service. All games will be furnished by Microsoft as well. Samsung will continue to be the event's worldwide sponsor.

"Microsoft's support for the WCG further validates the growing global popularity of e-Sports. Having Microsoft as a partner reinforces the WCG's position as a pioneer of competitive gaming and as the premier event in global e-Sports," said Hank Jeong, CEO of International Cyber Marketing, the company behind the Games.

National events around the world will begin this month, leading up the Grand Final on October 18.

"Over the years, we have admired the incredible growth of cybersports and WCG's role in expanding the reach of these worldwide tournaments," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

Microsoft's sponsorship agreement with the World Cyber Games runs through 2008.

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