Microsoft claims renewed PC focus

Though PC gaming did not feature in Microsoft's E3 press conferences, the tech giant has been telling journalists that it's once again supporting its original platform.

According an internal mail discovered by consumer gaming site Kotaku, it seems Microsoft's PRs are pre-prepared with an answer to queries on whether the recently-announced Windows version of Fable III signals a renewed investment in PC gaming.

The official response to such a question reads: "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.

"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."

Whether this really does signal a widespread Microsoft return to PC gaming remains to be seen. It has made similar pledges in the past, most recently with the Games For Windows Live multiplayer, social networking and digital distribution platform. This was received poorly by PC gamers, despite a number of redesigns.

Despite a tradition of industry doom-saying, PC gaming remains a major earner. Social network game FarmVille enjoys over 80 million users, while Bobby Kotick recently revealed that "non-console-based games" provide around 70% of Activision's profit.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...newed-pc-focus