Microsoft rolls out new ‘Halo,’ ‘Gears of War’ games
LOS ANGELES — With the video game console upgrade cycle in the sweet spot, Microsoft (MSFT) has decided to bring out the big guns — new games from its best-selling franchises including “Halo” and “Gears of War.” At a media event Monday on the eve of the annual E3 video game show, Microsoft showed game footage from a host of exclusives for its Xbox One console. They include “Halo 5: Guardians,” the latest in its popular science-fiction action series, and “Gears of War 4,” a gritty sci-fi combat series. Others are racing game “Forza Motorsport 6” and fantasy game “Fable Legends.” Exclusives are hugely important for console makers Microsoft, Nintendo (NTDOY) and Sony (SNE) because they can drive console sales and increase their installed base. “Investing in and shipping new and exclusive franchises is critical to our success,” said Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s Xbox business. Microsoft’s announcements set up a busy…