LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Video game publishers this week revealed their lineups for the launch of Microsoft's new Xbox -- closely watched information in an industry where the success of a game console is tied to the availability of cutting-edge titles.

Microsoft's investment in the Xbox 360, which ships to stores next month, is a key effort in the world's biggest software maker's plan to spur growth by grabbing a larger share of the $25 billion global video game market.

In an effort to narrow the lead of No. 1 game console maker Sony Corp., Microsoft is bringing its new console to market several months ahead of Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3.

Analysts, who expect Microsoft to ship about 2 million Xbox 360s this year, have been anxiously awaiting the list of games that will be available for the next-generation system's debut.

Among the titles due are "Madden NFL 06," the latest installment of Electronic Arts Inc.'s popular football game, Activision Inc.'s new western-themed "GUN" and the much-anticipated shooting game "Perfect Dark Zero," from Microsoft-owned Rare.

Microsoft has said it expects 15 to 20 games on the market for the North American roll-out of its next-generation game player on November 22, and has promised to reveal the full roster in coming weeks.

Best known for its controversial but wildly successful "Grand Theft Auto" franchise, Take-Two said its launch titles are basketball game "NBA 2K6," hockey game "NHL 2K6," tennis game "Top Spin 2," snowboarding game "Amped 3" and "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," a role-playing game.

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