All console makers have inhouse development teams, but smartphone makers tend to leave it to thirdparties. 

Microsoft is keen to ensure Windows Phone 7 gets off to a great start however; hence the new that it's set up its own mobile development studio.

Mobile Microsoft

The news was delivered via a job posting on the giant's website, the blurb for the position of lead service software development engineer at its Redmond HQ confirming Microsoft's intention to work on its own games for the platform.

"Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Studio - MGS Mobile Gaming - focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead," the company says in the posting.

"Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes."

Making the most of Master Chief

Microsoft's move into development on Windows Phone 7 may ruffle some feathers, with MGS Mobile Gaming getting first dibs at any updates to the platform, as well as potentially more promotion on the platform.

Yet while rival Apple has been reluctant to release first party titles on iPhone – Texas Hold'em the only to date – Microsoft has lots of valuable gaming IP it can utilise to push Windows Phone 7 at consumers.

Given major Xbox series such as Halo and Mass Effect, plus decades of PC games are at its disposal, it's perhaps not all too surprising Microsoft has decided to throw the full weight of its hand in games development behind the OS.