22nd June 2010, 4:19 AM
Games for Windows is a certification process for compatibility. It's not like the licensing scheme required for publishing games on the 360. It couldn't be, because Microsoft holds no claim to any configuration of PC hardware. And, the GfW label is entirely voluntary. As best I can gather, there's no revenue-sharing involved.
PC games made by Microsoft Studios will earn Microsoft revenue, but 360 games made by anybody will earn Microsoft revenue. The latter is a better investment and a more stable platform from an economic standpoint. If Microsoft publishes an Xbox 360 game, every 360 owner is a potential customer because every 360 owner plays games, and every 360 console is guaranteed to be compatible with the game. Publishing PC titles is inherently more risky because the vast disparity of hardware configurations is certain to inhibit potential customers, and since games are some of the most computationally-intense PC applications there are, this is far more pertinent a concern than it is with the bulk of Microsoft PC products.
PC games made by Microsoft Studios will earn Microsoft revenue, but 360 games made by anybody will earn Microsoft revenue. The latter is a better investment and a more stable platform from an economic standpoint. If Microsoft publishes an Xbox 360 game, every 360 owner is a potential customer because every 360 owner plays games, and every 360 console is guaranteed to be compatible with the game. Publishing PC titles is inherently more risky because the vast disparity of hardware configurations is certain to inhibit potential customers, and since games are some of the most computationally-intense PC applications there are, this is far more pertinent a concern than it is with the bulk of Microsoft PC products.
YOU CANNOT HIDE FOREVER
WE STAND AT THE DOOR
WE STAND AT THE DOOR