If it wasn’t already obvious that Microsoft was going to throw all of its weight behind Windows Phone 7, now they are taking another big step to ensure its success. Microsoft is going to be opening a new game studio solely for making games for the platform and is now looking to hire software engineers.
A job posting on Microsoft’s website states that “Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Studio - MGS Mobile Gaming - focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead. Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes.”
It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Microsoft is making a strong push into the gaming market. Apple has shown that there is a lot of value (and money to be made) in selling mobile games and Microsoft is naturally looking to tap into this market.
While opening a studio does not ensure blockbuster success, Microsoft will probably take a similar approach to that of the Xbox, exclusive game titles. Microsoft used this tactic effectively with the Xbox 360, so it would only make sense for them to carry this business plan over to its mobile platform.