E3 2010: Ubisoft's Michael Jackson Dance Game Moonwalking to a Console Near You

Wrapping up his company's E3 2010 press conference, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed yet another dance game — this time they're bringing out the big guns.

Known only as Michael Jackson, the game is light on confirmed details so far. We do know that it will feature the "most famous tracks" from the late King of Pop, including Billie Jean and Beat It; players will somehow be able to sing along and test their vocal skills, although whether it supports a microphone peripheral isn't confirmed; and that the game is coming to virtually every console under the sun, including Wii and DS.

Ubisoft is no stranger to successful dance games, with Just Dance on Wii lighting up the sales charts since it's debut last December. A Gold's Gym dance workout follow-up as well as an all-Broadway edition are on the way too.

No footage of the game was shown at the press conference, instead the audience was treated to an on-stage number by some of the dancers who were to be on Jackson's comeback tour, This Is It. Moonwalk to the press release below.

UBISOFT® ANNOUNCES MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO GAME

Publisher Partners with The Estate of Michael Jackson for Ultimate Performance Experience

Los Angeles – June 14, 2010 – Today, Ubisoft® announced the development of an interactive performance-based video game, inspired by the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The game is family entertainment at its best and will provide an interactive experience that enables players to step into the shoes of Michael Jackson himself and re-live his most iconic performances through their own singing and dancing. The upcoming game will include the most famous tracks from Michael Jackson’s extensive catalogue such as Beat It and Billie Jean, as well as an array of his awe-inspiring dance moves for players to learn and emulate within the game. Additionally, fans will be able to sing along and test their vocal skills while immersed in the performance.

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and the most popular global icons of all time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture. During his extraordinary career Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award. His album “Thriller” is the world’s best-selling album of all time with more than 110 million copies sold.

“Michael always pushed every limit when it came to technology to give his fans unforgettable entertainment experiences, whether it involved his videos, his recordings or his concerts. Now, with this interactive product, we have the chance to bring Michael, the artist, into households around the world in a perfect match of Michael’s artistry and the family entertainment which he always highly valued. Kids, their parents, extended family members and friends will now have an opportunity to all come together and experience Michael’s music and dance in an innovative, exciting and fun way,” said John Branca, co-executor for The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Added Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executor John McClain: “No artist can energize a dance floor in the spirit of fun like Michael Jackson. His God-given gifts for music and dance are something new generations of fans will appreciate even more. This game is a natural extension of what he would be doing today to raise his artistry to even greater heights for his fans of all generations. It is a game that the entire family can experience and enjoy together and this is something that would please Michael tremendously.”

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to develop a game based on the songs and moves of one of the world’s most incredible performers of all time,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “We expect the game to bring Michael Jackson fans, families and friends together with the energetic song and dance of The King of Pop.”

The game will be available for KinectTM for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system with PlayStation®Move support, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo’s Wii™ system and Nintendo DS™ handheld system, for holiday 2010.