Where would Windows Phone be without Xbox?

According to Pixelbite CEO Mattias Olsen, the platform's link with Microsoft's latest home console goes beyond mere compatibility with Xbox Live. It also provides developers with faith.

Pixelbite has previously enjoyed much success on iOS with the likes of Reckless Racing, but Olsen believes the firm's first Windows Phone release – Hydro Thunder GO – is launching on a platform with a rosy future.

If Microsoft can come from nowhere and end up outselling former top dog PlayStation, then who is to say Windows Phone won't enjoy the same level of penetration in the years to come?

We caught up with Olsen to ask why he thinks Nokia's newfound support could be the key to transforming Windows Phone into a major player.

PocketGamer: What is Microsoft like to work with as a platform holder and publisher?

Mattias Olsen: On a day to day basis, I don't think it's made a big difference to have the platform holder as our publisher.

Microsoft is a very large company, where different sections handle game publishing and the actual platform. We’ve had access to the same level of technical support and information as any other developer would on the platform.

In any case it has been a great experience, both on the publishing and platform side, to work with Microsoft on Hydro Thunder GO. They are all professionals and the project has been one of the smoothest we’ve had, letting us focus much more on gameplay than on technical aspects.

How does Windows Phone Marketplace's approval and update process compare to rivals?

For an Xbox Live game on Windows Phone 7 the certification process is more extensive compared to rivals, where many times the approval process would include little to no quality assurance.

This process is well documented though, and with the pre-certification step it should go smoothly for most developers.

What are your expectations for Hydro Thunder GO sales wise?

As this is our first title for Windows Phone 7, and the platform is relatively new, we do not have any real references yet to base any expectations on. We will follow the sales performance with great interest.

Some allege only Xbox Live games are afforded visibility on the Marketplace. Do you think that's true?

I doubt that would be the case and hope that any great games will be featured and promoted equally, no matter the size of the production.

How do you think Windows Phone Marketplace as a whole is performing?

Just looking at the available apps and at the speed new apps are being created for the platform it seems to be performing very well. Consumers should be able to find most types of apps and games they are interested in.

Would you like to see Microsoft open up Windows Phone to allow third party marketplaces?

I do not view having one central marketplace as a limitation, as long as it is secure, has reasonable conditions for the developers and keeps a high product quality for the consumers. Allowing third party marketplaces could potentially comprise this.

How important is Microsoft's strategic partnership with Nokia to developers?

It shows that Microsoft is making a serious effort to compete with the current leading mobile platforms.

I cannot help but draw parallels to when Xbox was launched and Microsoft managed to establish a large market share due to their dedicated efforts and strong commitment to the platform.

As developers we really enjoy working with the Windows Phone 7 platform and we hope this strategic partnership will lead to the same kind of success.

What plans do you have for Windows Phone moving forward?

Windows Phone has huge potentials and we hope to bring more games to the platform, both based on our own and external IPs. Though, we don’t have any announcements to make as of yet.
Thanks to Mattias for his time.

You can find out more info about Pixelbite on the firm's website.