Windows 10: Microsoft is handing over its next BIG decision to YOU

Microsoft will close the vote on December 17 2015

MICROSOFT is on the verge of developing a new game to join the ranks of Solitaire, Minesweeper and Mahjong – and it is handing over the deciding vote to YOU.

In the past, Microsoft has decided which game to build next for its hugely popular desktop operating system, by asking its own game developers.

But the Microsoft Casual Games division has decided to shake things up a bit by handing over the deciding vote to you.

The Redmond technology firm is letting its fans pick the next casual desktop game that its Microsoft Casual Games department will design and release.

The news comes months after controversy hit Windows 10 when fans discovered that Microsoft had included an annual subscription within Solitaire to remove banner ads.

Design director of the team, Kevin Lambert said he was exciting about handing over the decision to the Windows community.

“I’m completely excited to see what directions the community will take us and the influence they’ll have on our products,” lead producer Derek Dutilly agreed.

Microsoft has been creating casual video games for its operating systems for the last 25 years, starting with Solitaire on Windows 3.0.

 



Windows fans can vote on the next casual video game for the hugely popular Microsoft OS



“Now, for the first time in history, Microsoft Casual Games is collaborating with our fans on product and development choices,” the team's blog reads.

“We’re not just allowing the community to read about what’s going on, but we are actually involving the community to vote on which games we should make next and provide feedback on how to improve the overall game features.”

Microsoft started with a long list of games that Windows fans have requested over the years, before narrowing it down to five different ideas.

Voting on the next video game for Windows is now open – and will close on December 17 2015.

Options include a virtual game of chess, two different casino-themed apps, a colourful bubble shooter and a word game called Word.

"We’re really excited about this process and we hope our players enjoy the collaboration as much as we do," lead producer Derek Dutilly and design director Kevin Lambert wrote in the blog.

 

The Microsoft Casual Games division has been designed games for Windows for 25 years

"If you haven’t already voted on which game we should make next, you still have until December 17th, so be sure to check out our website and vote! 

"We will announce the game that got the most votes in a blog post later this month so stay tuned."

• You can vote on the next Windows game here.