Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is bringing to life the characters and spirit of the Toyota Yaris on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. The new game, simply titled "Yaris," is the first free brand-supported video game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the premier destination on the Xbox 360 for digitally distributed, high-definition games. Starting Wednesday, October 10 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT), "Yaris" will be available to download for free in the U.S. and Canada for one full year.
"Yaris" is not only the first free brand-supported game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, but it's also the first dodger/shooter driving game available on the platform. The game puts players behind the wheel of a customizable Toyota Yaris to destroy enemies, avoid obstacles, and finish the course before it finishes them.
True to the Xbox LIVE Arcade platform, "Yaris" is fun to play, quick to access, and easy to learn yet hard to master. Players will enjoy customization options and an arsenal of weapons while they attack enemies and advance to the next level. "Yaris" features online multiplayer over Xbox LIVE, allowing gamers from across the U.S. and Canada to challenge each other for the best time and score.
With the introduction of "Yaris," Toyota is removing the barriers to entry of previous brand-supported games. Gamers will not have to pay a cent for the game. Since Xbox LIVE Arcade is accessible through Xbox LIVE on Xbox 360, gamers don't even have to leave the house to get it.
"Gaming is a rapidly growing entertainment market and has always been part of our strategy for marketing Yaris," said Kim McCullough, corporate manager of marketing communications for Toyota. "We're upping the ante by giving gamers an in-depth standalone game. 'Yaris' is totally free, fun to play, and gives gamers the chance to interact with our brand on their own terms."
"With more than 7 million members on Xbox LIVE, Xbox LIVE Arcade is enabling Toyota to reach new audiences with the Yaris brand in meaningful, interactive ways," said Jeremy Wacksman, global marketing manager for Xbox LIVE. "Plus, we're able to offer the Xbox LIVE community a free game that takes advantage of all the Xbox LIVE Arcade features like online multi-player, Leaderboards and Achievements."
Toyota's agency of record Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles did creative concept, game design and oversight for "Yaris," and Backbone Entertainment, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, did game design and production. Additional details and "Yaris" screenshots are available at http://www.toyota.com/yarisgame
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