Microsoft Europe: PC Ports of Xbox 360 Games Will Come Later

Microsoft Europe's Peter Zetterberg has gone on the record about Microsoft's "staggering" of PC version releases for Xbox 360 games.

He explains, "in Germany for example, we want more gamers to buy our Xbox 360. If we launch a game that is on 360 and PC simultaneously, we basically shoot ourselves in the foot by allowing the German market to choose to play the PC version - because they are more likely to buy that than spend their money on the Xbox 360."

This makes sense, but isn't very good news. We don't like that Microsoft is actively holding back releases to push the Xbox 360, especially in areas that would prefer to play it on the PC. We understand, however, why they are doing this.

It doesn't match with what we heard at Microsoft's Games for Windows event last week, but it certainly appears to be the case with first party Microsoft releases across the Xbox 360 and PC. Just look at when Halo, Halo 2, and Gears of War released on the PC versus the Xbox 360.

Eurogamer: Microsoft to keep staggering PC and Xbox 360 releases