Coming off the back of Microsoft's revelation that Windows Phone 7 is to launch with 63 games available on day one – Halo and Crackdown both on board, no less – it's being reported that realtime gameplay with Xbox 360 players is also on the cards.

Microsoft representative Greg Milligan reportedly told rgbFilter during the firm's X10 event in Canada that realtime play between both platforms is definitely on the agenda.

Major player

"We are working on realtime phone to console, likely initially through wi-fi - again, operator networks are sensitive to that," Milligan stated.

"That's not on day one. Day one will be turn by turn as well as companion-type gaming where you play a level on the phone and it may unlock a level or a weapon or some special achievement on the console game.

"But, yeah, [we're] absolutely working on phone to console realtime. That is something we're working on and expect to have in the near future."

Game on

Though not an official statement, Milligan's comments illustrate just how seriously Microsoft is taking its latest run at the smartphone market.

His claims coincide with the launch of a new trailer designed to showcase Windows Phone 7's gaming prowess; Microsoft unashamedly treating the platform in much the same manner as it does Xbox.

Said video – dubbed The Gaming Never Stops - introduces Xbox Live versions of Flight Control, Guitar Hero 5 and Asphalt 5, as well as numerous firstparty releases, including The Harvest and CarneyVale Showtime.

It's also since been confirmed that Xbox Live indie game Shoot 1UP is coming to the platform.