Q&A: Microsoft's Dean Lester

The death of PC gaming has been predicted so many times that even the mainstream press won't touch the story. However, when Microsoft itself comes out talking about declining retail sales numbers and shrinking retail shelf space for PC games, it's time to take notice.

A UK trade publication reported last month that Microsoft will give Games for Windows an unprecedented push leading in to the launch of its new Windows Vista operating system. Microsoft's decision to promote its new operating system wasn't much of a surprise, but the frank assessment of the current status of Windows gaming was alarming. "Windows business is down 10 percent year-on-year, and we've lost shelves of space. We're killing off that community without the retail support," product manager Kelly Stanmore told the publication.

Microsoft later qualified the statement by attributing the retail sales decline to the increased popularity of online distribution and subscription-based games. Valve successfully launched Half-Life 2 on its Steam distribution system the same day retail copies hit store shelves, and Blizzard is still building its subscription base for World of Warcraft close to a year after release.

We had a chance to catch up with Microsoft Windows Graphics and gaming general manager Dean Lester over an e-mail interview to get his thoughts on how the PC will perform as a gaming platform as the community's attention shifts to the next-generation consoles.

GameSpot: How does the size and growth rate of the Windows gaming platform, in terms of game releases and game sales, compare to that of the Xbox and PlayStation 2 console platforms?

Dean Lester: If you compare the PC gaming market to other individual platforms, Windows continues to hold its own as a major player. If you look at the growth of online revenues, Windows is leading the way in digital distribution and subscription-based fees. Looking forward, Microsoft has recommitted itself to the Windows platform by building partnerships with first- and third-party developers to create Windows titles. Microsoft intends to deliver steady growth for the platform by continuing to highlight the strengths of each of our gaming platforms, from Xbox, to MSN Games, to Windows.

GS: Microsoft itself used to publish a lot of PC games, but the library has shrunk dramatically in recent years. Will there be more Dungeon Siege, Age of Empires III, and Rise of Legends games, or is it safe to say that MS will be limiting first-party PC game development for the short run...or even the long run?

DL: We would actually challenge the assertion that there are few titles in the first-party pipeline for the Windows platform. We've recently launched Dungeon Siege II and are currently on the eve of releasing Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species and Age of Empires III, while also delivering Fable: The Lost Chapters to the Windows platform, which obviously brings one of the top-selling Xbox titles to our Windows gamers with expanded content.

In addition, Microsoft Game Studios currently has blockbuster AAA titles in development, such as Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends and Vanguard. Additionally, we see Windows Vista as an incredible opportunity for MGS to develop innovative and exciting game titles. Windows Vista will be our priority as a development platform in the future. From a portfolio management perspective, we will continue to invest in key franchises, while also delivering exciting new titles as well.

GS: How much is Microsoft relying on XNA cross-platform development to reinvigorate PC games?

DL: The tools and APIs that make up XNA, including DirectX, will help make it easier to create games for multiple platforms. Microsoft is working to make Windows gaming better through more-advanced hardware, such as DirectX 10, which is featured in Windows Vista. We realize the potential of cross-platform development and will continue to work on advancements within this area, such as with the upcoming release of the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

GS: What can Microsoft do to support third-party developers to help them produce better-quality PC games that can compete with the consoles? What advantages does the Windows platform offer to a game developer that has to choose between making a game for the PC or a console system?

DL: Microsoft is currently working with numerous third-party developers to produce quality Windows games...and with Microsoft Game Studios as well! We give developers tips on how to best utilize tools, such as DirectX, to better enhance the graphics and realistic experience of Windows games.

The Windows platform allows for developers to tap in to constant innovation with additional downloads and upgrades. Developing a game for Windows means that you know gamers will have a high-resolution display, along with the precision of mouse and keyboard support, and going forward, gamers will also have the choice of using the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

GS: How will Windows Vista and DirectX 10, in particular, improve PC games?

DL: Windows Vista will help simplify how games, such as sports, racing and platformer titles, are played with the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows, in addition to making it easier to find all your games and update them easily. With DirectX 10, Windows Vista will create exciting gaming experiences as software and hardware become more advanced. DirectX 10 will allow developers to create games using detailed graphics systems that will give gamers the best possible gaming experience.

GS: PC games are notorious for understating system requirements, and that can lead to frustrations among customers who, in turn, run in to the arms of the nearest game console. Does Microsoft plan on addressing this issue to make it easier for people to select PC games?

DL: Microsoft currently offers the Windows Game Advisor, available at windowsgaming.com, which allows users to test their PC against the system requirements of hundreds of Windows games. In addition, Windows Vista will include WinSAT, which will allow developers to tap in to a system's capabilities and deliver the best experience possible on each computer.

GS: Is there a conflict in pushing Windows XP as a gaming platform, pushing the Xbox 360 as another platform, and now pushing Windows Vista and DX10? What has been the biggest challenge in fitting all the pieces together into a cohesive game entertainment strategy?

DL: Microsoft views each of these platforms as complementary, while each has a specific focus. Right now, Xbox and Windows XP offer cutting-edge graphics and gameplay experiences. You also have technologies like Media Center Extender, which works to bridge Windows XP Media Center Edition and Xbox. Looking to the future, Xbox 360 will kick off the HD Era of console gaming, while Windows Vista will continue to improve upon the strengths of the Windows platform, such as ubiquitous online connections, moddable content, and an amazing graphics and sound experience in gaming.

GS: Sony has recently indicated that the PlayStation 3 will work with a keyboard input device. Why has Microsoft been so reluctant to add keyboard support to the Xbox console? Is Microsoft trying to maintain a clear distinction between "PC" gaming and "console" gaming?

DL: Microsoft is creating integration between Windows gaming and the Xbox console, especially with the creation of the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows. As for a keyboard for Xbox, we have nothing to announce at this time.

GS: What do you think of the new Nintendo Revolution controller?

DL: The Revolution controller shows a lot of promise. It's certainly a new way of approaching games that will hopefully expand the audience of gamers. Then maybe those gamers will rediscover the gaming machine they already have: their Windows computer. Of course, while the Revolution controller looks like a lot of fun, you won't be able to use it on more than one platform, like you can with the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows.

GS: The Windows platform already has a similar peripheral in the gyroscope Windows Media Center remote. Would Microsoft be interested in developing that peripheral angle to encourage Nintendo software developers to port their games to the PC?

DL: I presume you're talking about the Media Center Remote Control from Gyration. One of the nice things about that device is that it emulates a normal computer mouse, so any game you could play with a mouse (from a 10-foot perspective) should work well on a Windows XP Media Center PC. Windows is an open platform, so if Nintendo software developers would like to publish their titles on Windows, we're glad to have them.

GS: Thanks, Dean.