Microsoft Allegedly Rededicated to PC Gaming… Again
Microsoft Allegedly Rededicated to PC Gaming… Again
Posted 06/21/2010 at 10:56pm
| by Nathan Grayson
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Forgive us for being a bit cynical about this one, but it’s kind of hard not to be. After demonstrating a commitment to the PC platform about as solid as that of a friend who’s only hanging around with you because he wants to “get acquainted with” your attractive sister, we’re having some trouble accepting Microsoft’s latest “Hey, wanna hang out?” at face value. In an internal Q&A document leaked by Kotaku, Microsoft was asked about Fable 3 and whether or not the formerly Xbox-exclusive fantasy jaunt signaled “a larger reinvestment by Microsoft in PC gaming.”
“In terms of revenue, Windows is far and away the largest gaming platform in the world, so it's an incredibly important part of Microsoft's business. From core games like Fable III to casual, social and Facebook titles, more gaming happens on Windows than anywhere else,” the software giant said in response.
“Windows 7 is a world-class gaming platform, and you can bet Microsoft has a vested interest in using it as a platform for amazing first party content. Fable III on Windows as well as Xbox 360 this holiday is a great first step, and we'll have more news for you later this summer.”
Our best guess? After backing off because it got burned, Microsoft’s testing the PC gaming waters yet again -- and Fable III’s the thermometer, basically. Obviously, the PC’s way too big for Microsoft to continue to neglect, and with its recent Kinection to casual gaming, you can bet those “casual, social, and Facebook titles” are a major area of interest for the sadly console-centric behemoth. The long and short of it? Thar’s gold in them thar hills, and Microsoft wants a few nuggets for itself. Here’s hoping us not-so-casual gamers continue to benefit from the gold rush as well.
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samduhman
June 22, 2010 at 6:00am
I've knew about this since 5/21 from a post at shacknews. Heres what pugnates at shacknews said.
""I work at MS (not in the games group though). there have been a lot of job openings in the games group, especially the PC area. I think MS is trying to re-invigorate their PC gaming activities."
http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=63916
I have to assume he's telling the truth. Why make that up?
The consoles are getting long in the tooth. The PC platform is where next gen games are created. Devs will have to come back to PC to move us forward. Microsoft is realizing this. If it wasn't for the PC and Microsoft stealing its gaming ideas/hardware for the XBOX do you think the 360 would be as successfull as it is? Heck no. The 360 owes everything to PC gaming.
Peanut Fox
June 22, 2010 at 12:45pm
I think the Xbox 360 owes it's success to Halo 2 and the original success of Xbox Live.
samduhman
June 23, 2010 at 7:19am
Which both owe their sucess to PC gaming. Bungie a prior developer for PC, Halo based on PC FPS games and Xbox Live based on PC online play.
isamuelson
June 22, 2010 at 4:57am
Hmm. Halo 2 released as a Vista-only game (to try and push DX 10) and it sucked and made the XBox version look WAY better. No Fable 2 (I might blame the publisher on this one but MS could have grabbed it and released it). The G4W kiosks? Never saw one anywhere. My local Micro Center has more PC games on their shelves than all of the Game Stops combined and they have an excellent selection and prices.
I'll believe this when I see it, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for MS to actually support what they say and actually come through on their "promise".
FuriousDre
June 22, 2010 at 3:27am
M$ had absolutely NOTHING PC-Related at E3. They didn't event mention anythign close ot being related to PC gaming.
Even if they bring MP titles like GoW3/Halo3 to the PC, you can bet that it will use GFWL AND it will be P2P. They don't seem to understand PC users love dedicated servers (Non-casuals). If they want to prevent MP piracy: do what DICE did with their servers. It's worked so far.
Peanut Fox
June 22, 2010 at 12:47pm
Does Microsoft own any first party publishers anymore? The only one I think they still have is Rare, but I'm unsure of that.
pcmaximus
June 22, 2010 at 12:23am
keep it coming microsoft.
after fable 3, lets have halo 3 plus gears of war 2+3, fable 2, then alan wake, and more.
i've been a pc gamer since the late 80's, NEVER gonna buy a console, haha.
Peanut Fox
June 22, 2010 at 12:44pm
I'd be surprised if PC gamers wanted to play Halo 3. Nothing it does is suited to the PC. Take every good PC shooter and slow it down 2x, and you get a lot of what Halo is. Gears would be okay, only because there is nothing like it on the PC right now, and never has there been a PC exclusive that plays like Gears of War.
Cooketh
June 22, 2010 at 12:19am
This is a no brainer. PC gaming has always been where it's at.
Not only that, it offers the most freedom to developers and modders alike.
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