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Microsoft unveiled a major push into mobile gaming with an announcement detailing the launch line up for the upcoming Windows Phone 7.
In addition to a large range of Xbox Live titles from third parties such as Castlevania, Halo: Waypoint, Bejeweled, Crackdown 2, Earthworm Jim and Guitar Hero. The company also revealed that it has created a group within Microsoft Game Studios that will exclusively develop games for the platform, starting with a title called Ilomilo.
"Windows Phone 7 is the launch of a major gaming platform for Microsoft," said newly-appointed Microsoft Game Studios general manager Matt Booty. "Just like we’ve done with Xbox 360, our charter is to push the envelope and deliver definitive games that maximize the platform. We will have an incredible lineup of MGS titles, and that’s just the beginning."
Tech blog Engadget had an early preview of the games saying, "the gameplay for the arcade titles seemed excellent, with frame rates holding fast even during graphically intensive 3D sequences." The Microsoft announcement also indicated that the Xbox Live service will largely offer the same range of features as found on the Xbox 360 games console including a customisable avatar.
"Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach to handheld gaming, utilizing Xbox Live, Microsoft Game Studios, leading game publishers, and innovative indie developers, to create powerful, shared experiences for everyone," said Microsoft vice president of Xbox Live at Microsoft.
