A Microsoft rep over at the X10 event in Toronto has spilled the beans regarding a possible real-time gaming scenario between Windows Phone 7's Xbox LIVE hub and the Xbox 360 console.

"Initially we're turn by turn-based", he said.

"We are working on real-time phone-to-console, likely initially through Wi-Fi, again, operator networks are sensitive to that".

"That's not on day one; day one will be turn-by-turn as well as companion-type gaming where you play a level on the phone and it may unlock a level or a weapon or some special achievement on the console game.

"But, absolutely working on phone-to-console real-time. That is something we're working on and expect to have in the near future".

These quotes back up what Travis Howland, executive producer for indie titles on Xbox LIVE, told Pocket-lint at an Xbox event at Gamescom. He told us that multiplayer XBL features would be possible on an asynchronous multi-playing format across dual WP7 devices at launch.

Also, it makes what Ron Pessner, general manager at Xbox LIVE's engagement management division, told us during a one-to-one at Gamescom even more intriguing:

"What you'll see from us is a bunch of different types of content", he said, when we asked him about cross-platform tie-ups".

"We'll be doing quite a bit of experimentation around different types of gameplay with cross-platform features".

"Right now, the bulk of our cross-platform features are really meta-game experiences of LIVE such as earning achievements, but the next evolution of that is clearly thinking it through and we expect to see quite a lot of innovation".

So it's clear that Microsoft is treating mobile gaming very seriously. Could this be the area that gives them the upper hand in the smartphone war?

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