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Console makers promote 'connected gaming'


April 20, 2007 Buyers ought to choose well; once they've bought a Microsoft Xbox 360 or a Sony PlayStation3, with their brand new "connected gaming" features, the manufacturers have made it harder than ever to make the leap to the competing brand. Last month, Microsoft announced its "Games For Windows LIVE" initiative and, this month, that it would enable Xbox 360 gamers to use its popular MS instant messenger service to communicate with each other. "There are still a few video games out there that are stubbornly trying to remain solo events," says Michael Lafferty, senior editor at GameZone.com, who focuses on online gameplay.

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