Although Microsoft didn't showcase any major new titles for the Xbox 360 at the Leipzig Game Convention, they did make one rather bold announcement. As of yesterday, Microsoft is "the exclusive home to next-generation soccer this holiday season". Over the next twelve months Electronic Arts' FIFA 07 and Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be Xbox 360 exclusives. The company already had a strong sports title game pool for its console, but now it's the indisputable football leader as no Playstation 3 version of either franchise will be available until late 2007.

Following a 360 trailer for Pro Evolution Soccer 6, Microsoft revealed its intentions to the mesmerized public as executive Chris Lewis declared "Microsoft owns football". Konami's demo was also available for play at the 360 stand. Lewis pointed out it doesn't matter which of the titles you prefer, since there is only one place to play the respective flagship versions. At the same time EA announced FIFA 07 for Xbox 360. After a full engine rewrite, the game is set to bring fans never seen before soccer action and club management, later this year. Producer Hugues Ricour himself was demonstrating the game in Leipzig.

Officials also revealed that Xbox 360 will soon be launched in Eastern European countries, further expanding the console's global reach in Poland, Hungry, The Czech Republic and Slovakia starting November 3rd, 2006.