In the midst of Microsoft's preview of Windows Phone 8, there were a couple of items of specific importance for game developers.

Long predicted, the new OS will finally enable native game development with support for C/C++.

Given that Windows Phone 8 shares key code including DirectX support with the desktop and tablet flavours of Windows 8, this comes as little surprise.

Foundational

In turn, the usual array of middleware companies have been quick to announce their tools will support the platform, including Havok, which owns game engine company Trinigy, audio companies FMOD and Audiokinetic, and Autodesk, which as well as its art tools, offers various real-time engines.

Windows Phone 7 only supported C# development, meaning porting iOS and Android titles was a hassle very few studios who weren't paid by Microsoft undertook.

Certainly the potential interplay between PC and mobile opened up by Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 (not to mention Xbox Live) looks like a great - if complex - opportunity for new gaming experiences.

Mini me

The other much requested addition to the OS sees support for in-app purchases.

Fundamental to the free-to-play business model, Microsoft hasn't broken out details - notably whether this will be widely supported via carrier billing.

But it was demonstrated as part of Windows Phone 8's new wallet feature, which is secured with a 4-digit PIN, and will launch with Orange France.