X06: MS gets Bioshock, Splinter Cell 5 exclusivity

Microsoft kicked off its X06 event in Barcelona today with an array of big announcements at its media briefing, not the least of which was a pair of anticipated titles becoming exclusives for the Xbox 360 and PC.

First off, Microsoft snatched up exclusivity on Irrational Games' Bioshock. Chosen by GameSpot editors earlier this year as the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2006 Game of the Show, Bioshock was previously slated to be released on the PC and "next-generation console systems." An Xbox 360 version was shown behind closed doors at the event.

Another big exclusivity announcement from the media briefing was that the next installment of Splinter Cell would be coming only for Microsoft's next-gen console and the PC. And by "next installment," Microsoft didn't mean Splinter Cell: Double Agent, which hits multiple platforms later this year and was shown off with a new trailer. It was referring to the Splinter Cell game after Double Agent, which came to light just last week when assets for a whole slate of Ubisoft titles, including Splinter Cell 5, accidentally hit the Web.

Bioshock is expected to release next spring, while the next installment of Splinter Cell has not been officially named or dated. For more news from the media briefing, check out GameSpot's live blog of the event.