Microsoft striving for simultaneous Vista, 360 releases

Microsoft is hoping to see more titles released simultaneously on the Xbox 360 and Vista platforms, according to Rick Wickham, director for the Windows Gaming business.

As reported by Gamasutra, Wickham indicated that a number of PC and Xbox 360 titles will launch at the same time this year - although he added that it was essentially a decision left to individual third-party publishers.

The initiative is just one of many designed to marry the two platforms, along with games that are playable across both formats and the adoption of Xbox Live features into PC gaming.

At a Games for Windows event held in San Francisco ahead of next week's Vista launch, Microsoft revealed how gaming has influenced design of the new operating system. According to Wickham, gaming and DirectX have been key to Windows Vista's 3D design decisions.

Achievement points, a key aspect of Xbox Live play, are also set to be incorporated into PC games and Windows Vista over the coming year.

Wickham also revealed that backwards compatibility of over 1000 PC games has been tested on the Vista platform.

Microsoft hopes to entice a majority of game developers to release titles under the Games for Windows branding, building a portfolio of titles. Games on show at the event included Crytek's Crysis, Funcom's Age of Conan, Flagship Studio's Hellgate: London and Gas Powered Games' Supreme Commander.