X
Business

Windows Phone 7 to ship with more than 20 games

Windows Phone 7 has an uphill battle. To help it gain market share Microsoft will ship it with more than 20 games.
Written by Joel Evans, Contributor

When we first reported on Windows Phone 7, it was unknown what the gaming experience would be like. Since that time we've seen demos of some Windows Phone games in action. Now we're hearing that Microsoft has commissioned the development of more than twenty games for the platform.

InformationWeek is reporting that Microsoft has hired Touch Dimensions to build at least twenty casual entertainment games. According to the developers, the games will range form a Whack-a-Mole clone to a digital sketch pad, and will feature extensive use of the touch screen.

I think this is a great move by Microsoft, though I would have preferred the company selecting a bunch of independent developers and not just one studio. Regardless, to launch a platform with touch-friendly, cool and fun games is a great move. Will it be enough to make Windows Phone 7 a contender in the mobile gaming space? I'm still not sure on that one, especially since outside of the game the interface is like a Zune HD, which contrary to what Microsoft thinks, most people have never seen nor used.

The launch of Windows Phone 7 is still a ways off, and with Apple rumored to be announcing the new iPhone next week, and Google constantly pumping out more Android phones, who knows what the landscape will be like by then.

UPDATE: Saijo from 1800pocketpc is reporting that Touch Dimensions has actually been commissioned to create 20+ games for WM 6.x and not Windows Phone 7. I will investigate further since I really hope that isn't the case. After all, Microsoft is putting all of its efforts into Windows Phone 7 and not WM 6.x.

Editorial standards