Microsoft has chosen Samsung as its exclusive HDTV worldwide marketing partner for the next-generation Xbox high-definition gaming platform.

"Gaming has become a primary force for innovation in the entertainment and technology industries. Samsung has selected Microsoft Xbox as the best next-generation game console and a key driver in the global HDTV revolution," said Peter Weedfald, senior vice president consumer electronics for Samsung Electronics America Inc., in a statement.

Samsung Electronics and Microsoft already enjoy a long-standing relationship as strategic and tactical business partners. Microsoft Xbox currently incorporates Samsung technology.

The two companies announced a co-development on a prototype rotating disk drive to support Microsoft's Longhorn operating system on Monday (April 25).

Microsoft's first high-definition game will incorporate the placement of representations of Samsung-branded products in the game as well as instances of Samsung's logo as part of the overall HD gaming experience, Samsung said.