Xbox 360 Announces Gaming and Giving for Good (G3) Charity Event to Raise Money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Xbox 360 today announced the upcoming Gaming and Giving for Good (G3) Xbox LIVE charity event taking place Saturday, Oct. 1, to benefit Extra Life, a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraiser. The charity is an organization that supports 170 children's hospitals across North America. G3 will harness the power of millions of members on Xbox LIVE, the online entertainment network for Xbox 360, encouraging participants to raise money donated from family and friends for every hour spent gaming online. As part of the event, all participants will register at Xbox.com/g3 and receive a free Xbox LIVE Gold Membership for the weekend to play their favorite games. Xbox LIVE Gold allows users to play games online with friends and family and receive exclusive discounts on Xbox LIVE content.

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"We are inspired by the support from the gaming community and how it has rallied around our Extra Life programs to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals," said John Lauck, president and CEO of the Children's Miracle Network. "We're honored and thrilled that Xbox is helping the Extra Life fundraising effort with its G3 event on Xbox LIVE."

In addition to the event on Oct. 1, Xbox will host a series of Game with Fame activities the week of Sept. 26 at the G3 Miracle Lounge in Los Angeles, where Xbox LIVE members will have an opportunity to play video games on Xbox 360 with celebrities.

Xbox has also joined forces with GameStop, the world's largest multichannel retailer of video games, to help drive participation across the country and host in-store events with key celebrities to raise awareness for the effort. GameStop and 2K have already raised more than $70,000 (U.S.) for Children's Miracle Network hospitals in advance of the online event. Hulu, EA, Capcom Entertainment, Square Enix and other companies are supporting the event.

"GameStop associates are passionate about giving back to the communities in which we operate," said Paul Raines, chief executive officer for GameStop. "We look forward to raising awareness and money for this tremendous cause with the help of gamers nationwide."

Those interested in raising money, donating or learning more about G3 can visit http://www.xbox.com/g3 for more information.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

About GameStop

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world's largest multichannel video game retailer. GameStop's retail network and family of brands include 6,582 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide and online at www.GameStop.com. The network also includes: www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication; Spawn Labs, a streaming technology company; and Impulse, Inc., a digital distribution platform available at www.GameStop.com/impulse.

General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @www.facebook.com/GameStop.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. Thanks to the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with a leading social entertainment network of nearly 35 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of nearly 35 million people across 35 countries, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft