One of the main issues in the console wars is the manufacturers ability to secure exclusive titles. Although Microsoft has the financial potential to buy its way into the exclusivity business, it has, so far, not managed to even dent Sony's dominant position in the industry.

Microsoft is always on the look-out for a good exclusive and the joint announcement with BioWare that Jade Empire, a fast-paced martial arts action role-playing game, is currently in development, exclusively for the Xbox video game system, holds some promise. BioWare, whose publishing relationship with Microsoft for this product was announced one year ago at the X02 North America event in New York, has most recently been recognized for its Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic game.

We're thrilled that BioWare's next big game will be available only on Xbox, said Ed Fries, vice president of Microsoft game content. 'Jade Empire' is sure to deliver a game experience that's truly unique and exciting with our Xbox fans in mind.

Jade Empire is set in a new fantastical world based on mythical China, where sinister events have upset the peaceful harmony of an isolated martial arts school. Featuring furious action previously found only in Hong Kong cinema, the game lets players master more than 30 fighting styles and a wide range of mystical powers as they embark on a perilous journey, stretching from the Land of Howling Spirits to the lush gardens of the Imperial City.

Jade Empire casts players in the role of a martial arts master and lets them choose between good and evil, choices that will follow them throughout the land, changing the course of interaction with other characters and followers. Developed with a revolutionary second-generation Xbox engine, the game promises a stunning visual and gameplay experience.

BioWare has enjoyed great critical and commercial success working with existing world-class intellectual properties, said Ray Muzyka, joint CEO and co-executive producer at BioWare. 'Jade Empire' is the first totally new role-playing world created at BioWare, and we're very excited about bringing the world of 'Jade Empire' to life.
BioWare has been thinking about crafting a martial arts action RPG as far back as during development of 'Baldur's Gate,' over five years ago. We can't wait to share this new world with our fans, said Greg Zeschuk, joint CEO and co-executive producer at BioWare.

The incredible success of 'Knights of the Old Republic' proves that BioWare knows how to make an engaging RPG, Fries said.