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Microsoft Helping to Put Xbox 360s in Children Hospitals

Microsoft is partnering with non-profit organization the
Companions in Courage Foundation to provide hundreds of Xbox 360 kiosks to
playrooms in children's hospitals across the U.S.

The first kiosks are being installed today at Morgan Stanley
Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children's Hospital &
Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children's Hospital of Orange County
in California.

"It's extremely gratifying to witness the joy and
excitement of these children and teens when they have a chance to break away
from the normal hospital routine, and make new friends while playing video
games," said Cynthia Sparer, executive director of Morgan Stanley
Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.

"The goal for this program is to give these kids a
chance to have some fun and just be kids," added Robbie Bach, president of
the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

Games such as Grand Theft Auto IV or Gears of War won’t be
found on the special hospital kiosks, as the customized and hospital-friendly systems
are pre-loaded with a variety of Y-rated TV programs, G-rated movies and games
rated E and E10+.

The Xbox 360 kiosks will also be online capable and come
with headsets and Vision webcams, but will be connected to a dedicated network created
just for consoles in children’s hospitals that allows patients to play games
over Xbox Live, but limits chat via voice, text and video to only those
children playing from select hospitals across the country. This will keep the
profanity and slur-filled communication of Halo 3 games away from young,
sensitive ears.

Companions in Courage founder and NHL Hall of Famer Pat
LaFontaine said, "Entertainment, creativity and personal connections can
be important factors in alleviating some of the isolation and discomfort these
children experience each day. Xbox 360 offers young patients a fun escape
through games, TV shows, movies and positive interactions with others over the
Xbox Live network. These gaming stations are a perfect complement to the
interactive playrooms."

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