Microsoft leaked documents insists PC gaming is still important!

[averyblund]

Porcupine_I said:

what if...

Microsoft plans to shift from console to PC, with XBL as their platform.

They might even release some kind of Console-OS for PC's that way they wouldn't have to invest in expensive console hardware anymore, but might be able to keep piracy in check.  i can even see a licensed third Party "Gaming PC" for that purpose.

Possible, but that would mean moving away from Intel even more, which is likely already a strained alliance- assuming they want to maintain 360 that is. Otherwise it would mean a lot of porting across x86 and PowerPC which is obviously not totally difficulty, but it would need some API investments to make it even easier. The gaming pc concept is certainly possible though, but I think MS still has the delusion that they will somehow make more money than they lose on HW in a given gen. Which is a joke considering their spec armswar with Sony.

Before the Xbox launched the idea of a certified MS Gaming PC even one named and platformed by MS seemed like the smartest route. I think after the moneyhole the HW end of the Xbox has been MS would have been smarter to outsource a pre-spec'd design to 3rd parties and just reap SW profits.The word on the street in 1999/2000 was that MS would shake up the industry by perfecting the 3DO outsourcing method, but instead they made the (seemingly) unprofitable move into direct hardware themselves. While MS has been able to make money later in both generations, they could have done it from the start if they had let the HW companies fight over the scraps. Of course they would have likely had to lower license fees, but they should have done that with the first Xbox anyway as they were insane. Even the 360 has a rumored per disc fee that in light of Blu-Ray competition should be lifted. And yes I do think MS made the right choice avoiding slow as hell, competitior controlled BR-D. But they could have encouraged devs to do the same, not penalized them for having multi-disc titles/