Ubisoft today announced that it is bringing its long-running Chessmaster series over to the Xbox 360. Coined as Chessmaster LIVE, the game is scheduled to hit Microsoft’s Live Arcade service in January 2008, featuring hundreds of AI opponents to play in ELO-ranked matches, as well as voice chat support and new 3D chess sets and five original chess variants.

A price for the title has yet to be announced.

UBISOFT TO RELEASE CHESSMASTER LIVE ON XBOX LIVE ARCADE

SAN FRANCISCO – November 28, 2007 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it is releasing Chessmaster® LIVE on the Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“Bringing the Chessmaster series to Xbox LIVE Arcade makes the game accessible to a whole new audience,” said Peter Helm, business development associate at Ubisoft. “Chessmaster LIVE is not only a comprehensive chess program, but it is also one that has expanded beyond the traditional game to include exciting features for fans, both old and new.”

Chessmaster LIVE will feature:
• Hundreds of AI opponents to play in ELO-ranked matches
• Voice-chat and LIVE Vision capabilities for head-to-head matches
• New 3D chess sets inspired by luxury board designer, House of Staunton
• Five original chess variants, including the all-new Message Chess option, which will allow players to engage in a match over the course of days, weeks or even months

Chessmaster LIVE will be available for download in January 2008.

Ubisoft will also be publishing Chessmaster for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, scheduled for a worldwide release in Spring 2008.

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