David Gosen, European VP of strategic marketing for interactive entertainment at Microsoft EMEA was quoted as saying that his company's showing at the upcoming E3  shindig in Los Angeles will be "game changing." He also fired back at analysts criticizing the console's sales and urged them to do some fact-checking.

“Anyone trying to call a winner this Christmas is calling too early,” Gosen said in reference to the Xbox 360's battle with the PlayStation 3. “We are incredibly well positioned – our installed base in Europe is well over five million and contrary to what's been reported we are at least, if not more than, three quarters of a million ahead of PS3.”

“If we look at the momentum in the business in the last few months, the trajectory has changed significantly," he continued. "My only message to the analysts is to check their numbers,”

Looking ahead to E3 2008, Gosen gave a warning to the competition by saying that they're packing some "fantastic surprises" to draw in an even more diverse crowd than it already has.

"We’re always working on new things, and you'll continue to hear lots from us that we believe will be game-changing," he concludes.