Gaming has never been Microsoft’s primary focus with Windows 10, but it’s certainly receiving a lot more focus than previous versions of the operating system. The company promised as much earlier this year, and it’s clear that it intends to deliver on that promise. Microsoft announced this morning that it has acquired Havok, the maker of the world’s most popular video game physics engine, from Intel.
While much of Microsoft’s pitch for Windows 10 has been focused on everyday consumers and business users, the company has also taken the opportunity to push its new operating system on another key demographic for the company: video game fans. Xbox chief Phil Spencer told an audience at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco earlier this year that the new OS is designed to be the best release for gamers. It’s packed with features like a new Xbox app, the ability to record and share gameplay through Xbox Live, and more. Those initiatives are a key push for the company amid a rough-and-tumble gaming market with a lot of competitive players. Now, Microsoft is throwing more money behind its gaming ambitions with a new acquisition. The company announced Friday morning that it has acquired Havok, the makers of a popular 3D physics engine, from Intel. Havok’s engine is best known for powering the physics inside popular video games including those from the “Call of Duty” and “Halo” franchises. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
