Microsoft has outlined the mobile gaming experience phone owners will have when they use their Windows Phone 7-powered smartphones. During GamesCom 2010 in Germany, Microsoft revealed a number of games that will allow for online game-play through Xbox Live.
The company announced a list of more than 60 game titles Windows Phone 7 users can expect to play on their Windows powered smartphones. Games will come from Konami Digital Entertainment, Namco Bandai, Gameloft, THQ and PopCap, with other studios expected to develop game titles as well.
Microsoft's decision to include gameplay through Xbox Live is important, so gamers can access their online profiles, chat with gamers and even play online with other Xbox 360 players.
Some of the most notable games include "Halo: Waypoint," "Assassin's Creed," "Crackdown 2: Project Sunburst," "Guitar Hero 5," "Star Wars: Cantina" and "Bejeweled."
Google and Apple don't have as much video game experience as Microsoft, which I feel gives the company a significant advantage. Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform has struggled as of late, but it's possible Windows Phone 7 could appeal to an increasing number of gamers, especially if the Xbox Live integration works well.
I'm not sure if Xbox 360 gamers will still be convinced to switch from their iPhones, BlackBerry smartphones, and Android devices -- but it could force Microsoft's rivals to make changes. HTC, Samsung and several other manufacturers are said to be interested in Windows Phone 7 smartphones after Microsoft launches the OS.
Select Sony Ericsson phones will be able to access the PlayStation Network at a time when Sony also looks to expand online gaming away from consoles. Meanwhile, Sony Ericsson has struggled to sell smartphones in the same marketspace Microsoft has struggled to offer appealing software.
It's also possible that the next-gen Sony PSP could be an Android 3.0 smartphone device, offering yet another mobile gaming platform to gamers.
It's great to see both Microsoft and Sony looking at integrating smartphones into their online gaming experiences. Let's hope that these implementations work well and are popular with gamers.
