heruamon said:
I beg to differ, it would seem that Microsoft is happy with this model? If you want to use the PC as a gaming platform, instead of the 360....M$ is fine with it in general! Xbox 360 proggramming is closely aligned to PC programming, and I suspect it's going to be even closer when the next console comes out, making it a no brainer for developers to port a games between the 2 platforms. Of course M$ is going to try and save a few titles for the 360, but as a general rule, I suspect they are satisfied with PC/360. Using Halo 3 and Gears series aren't good example, because look at the profit dynamics...there are so many shooters for PC that if you want to play Halo...get an Xbox. I think we will see a Fable 2.5 released for the PC sometime in the future... BTW...CCP joins the ranks of developers jumping onto console development, and this segway provides a perfect opportunity to plug the funny HTFU video, once again:
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I have to differ, but only mildly.
They sure don't see it as the competition like Sony, of course. But they clearly would prefer people off the PC for gaming and onto the 360.
Their model, so far as I can see, is PC for extensive media storage, internet access, work, etc. with 360 for entertainment, renting moveis, streaming media from PC or storing it directly on 360, etc. Obviously they are finally starting to position Zune for portable entertainment and communication.
I'm not saying they see it as some huge competitor - in a sense they can't because PC is important to them. But they clearly are pushing to restrict titles to 360 and encourage PC orientated developers to go PC/360 - and unless they are idiots they will be looking to then transition them more and more to the console platform.
I believe they find PC to open now for their tastes as well, as it would be impossible I think to introduce fees for Live, DLC, etc. on PC now.
My main point though, is really that, in Europe particularly, there remain a lot of people chosing PC vs 360 as a platform, and that you can't see the two as completely divorced in all territories.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...