MS investigating asynchronous, cross-platform gaming

Microsoft will at a conference next month discuss the possibility of asynchronous online gaming across multiple platforms including Xbox 360.

"Cross-platform gameplay provides publishers with a unique opportunity to delight players on any device, at any time, wherever they are," the description of the Asynchronous Gaming with Xbox Live talk reads.

"But how can a game have compelling multiplayer experiences when a player may be interrupted at any time by a phone call or a business meeting? With Asynchronous Gaming! This talk will describe how you can use Xbox LIVE Services to manage multiplayer, matchmaking, and messaging to provide the best possible end-to-end asynchronous gaming experience."

The conference will also examine the possibility of utilising cloud storage technology for multiplayer gaming.

"With gaming spreading rapidly across devices, there is an ever increasing need to have service-based data sharing support," the description adds.

"With our new, scalable, and flexible title storage service, developers will enjoy the ability to persist user-specific game data in the Xbox LIVE cloud! Come learn how to leverage these new RESTful APIs to enable cloud-based data storage for your cross-platform game titles."

The Gamefest Microsoft Game Technology Conference 2011 takes place on July 14th and 15th at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.