Microsoft launching Windows Phone 7 mobile game studio

With its Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system slated to ship by the end of 2010, Microsoft is now forming its own in-house development studio to build games for the new platform. A since-removed posting on the Microsoft job website read "Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new studio--MGS Mobile Gaming--focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead. Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes." Additional details on the effort are unknown.

Announced in mid-February, Windows Phone 7 is highlighted by integration with Microsoft's Xbox Live gaming platform. So far, Microsoft has struggled to convince developers to create games for the new OS--in June, PocketGamer.biz reported the software giant is promising "substantial" upfront cash payments to select game developers who port their iPhone titles to WP7. A month later, Microsoft confirmed it is offering financial incentives to stir interest in Windows Phone, with senior director of mobile services and developer product management Todd Brix telling Bloomberg the company is providing everything from free tools and trial handsets to software development funding, even offering revenue guarantees in the event apps fail to sell as expected.

For more on MGS Mobile Gaming:
- read this VentureBeat article

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