Lately, I have been very curious about the strategy of Microsoft concerning their development studios. Actually, I just answered my own question. The 360 seems to be all they care about and the PC can go to hell. Even so, they have done weird things regarding 360 development.

As you are aware, Microsoft has recently shutdown the successful Ensemble Studios as well as ACES Studio. As we all know, they allowed Bungie to go independent, closed FASA, passed on Bioware and other worthwhile purchases. It seems they are attempting to rid themselves of anything PC related as well as turn strictly into a Halo development studio. It begs you to ask, who is left? Lionhead? Rare ($370+ million purchase says no), Turn10?

Normally console manufacturers would like to have their own lineup of first party developers to provide good exclusive content but it seems Microsoft prefers to shop around for 3rd party titles and either publish the first IP release or lock in DLC. I don’t think relying on 3rd parties to supply all the content for your platform is that great of an idea because each generation can treat you differently and it should be in the best plans for Microsoft to have their own 1st party content lined up instead of waiting on 3rd parties to define their console.

Of course, I am just some random guy on the internet, what do I know?