Early rises at Microsoft to bridge PC/console gap

Microsoft’s Chris Early, the casual games manager with a remit overseeing the 360’s Xbox Live Arcade service and the firms MSN Games platforms has been appointed as general manager for the company’s Games For Windows – Live initiative, according to a report on Gamasutra.

According Microsoft, his new role will see him continue to drive mutliplatform casual games development and bridge the gap between PC and console, something the manager is a great proponent of, the firm claims.

Early’s new role will see him adding features and services "appropriate to PC gamers" and aid studios in taking advantage of the platform when making their own games.

His XBLA seat will be taken by former casual games executive and interim XBLA group manager Bryan Trussel.