May 27^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Midway Games Inc. today announced that MLB SlugFest: Loaded is expected to be the first ever video game to implement Microsoft’s recently announced updates to Xbox Live 3.0 via customizable, online tournaments. MLB SlugFest: Loaded is scheduled for release on June 21, 2004, for the Xbox.

Using the ability to create, customize and run online tournaments while in-game, as opposed to using the previously established XSN Web site, MLB SlugFest: Loaded gamers are to be the first to be given the ability to create in-game tournaments, an option that Microsoft has announced will soon be available for any game across all genres. Tournaments are to consist of 4, 8 or 16 teams and can be controlled by the user via private, password-protected channels that allow invited players only to join.

“The SlugFest development team has been working very hard over the past few months to integrate some of the great new features that Microsoft has helped to successfully execute through the recent updates to Xbox Live,” said Matt Booty, senior vice president of product development, Midway Amusement Games, LLC. “These new features dramatically increase the level of interaction when it comes to playing online, and we are proud to have MLB SlugFest: Loaded introduce them to the Xbox Live consumer.”

“We’re thrilled to see Midway be our first publisher to take advantage of the tournaments feature added to Xbox Live via the recent service update,” said Julia Miller, Director of Marketing for Xbox Live. “This new functionality will expand the experience gamers can have when they challenge their friends on Xbox Live, and MLB SlugFest: Loaded is a great game to see this start.”