According to EA Play, the exclusive Kinect experience for the Xbox 360 version of the Harry Potter game will feature unique challenges. These challenges can be for either single or two player co-op, playing as Harry, Ron, or Hermione.

With all of the action in the upcoming Harry Potter game taking place outside Hogwarts for the first time, the game will feature hordes of enemies and “non-stop action,” according to Jonathan Bunney, Vice President and Head of Production at EA Bright Light Studios. The new game engine, built to utilize the full potential of HD consoles, will ensure high definition graphics and intense gameplay.

The Kinect experience is intended to allow players to get even closer to the action with the ability to cast magic through physical gestures. The co-op mode will feature a fluid targeting system leaderboard scoring to give the game a competitive edge, and will allow two people to fight Death Eaters simultaneously for the first time in any Harry Potter game.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 will be available this autumn on Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, and mobile devices.

Electronic Arts Inc and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment confirmed this week that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince‚ video game will be released globally Summer 2009, alongside the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

They tried to remain upbeat.

“We’re excited about the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game in development and its high level of authenticity and playability,” said Robert Nashak, Vice President EA Casual Studios. “We are creating an immersive game experience that Potter fans around the world will really enjoy playing as they fly and duel their way through the story of the film. The game will feature new Wii gestures and increased gameplay capabilities across all of the platforms.”

“The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game will be an excellent interactive extension of the film and all of the new action that comes with it,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “EA is creating the Harry Potter video games that fans will love, and this game will deliver new gameplay elements and the magic players are looking forward to.”

“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films,” said Harry Potter film Producer David Heyman. “The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays.”

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.