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   Returning from my absence motivated by domestic troubles right in the middle of E3, I will begin with the two major X360-to-PC announcements made by Microsoft. First of all, the long-rumoured PC version of Gears of War has finally received a release date, strategically set for the end of 2007, in time for the holidays. Development is still being handled by Epic Games, and the best news is that the game will also run out of the box on Windows XP.

   Gears of War will of course integrate some fancy DirectX 10 effects, which will only be available on Windows Vista (in theory). Nearly just as exciting is the addition of 5 extra single-player missions, 3 new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer mode, and an editor in the PC version.

   Speaking of Microsoft and Epic Games, the two companies also announced the integration of the Games for Windows LIVE online gaming service with Unreal Engine 3. Some of the companies that will (sadly) adopt Games of Windows LIVE in their games later this year already include Eidos, Sega and THQ.

   The other title to be ported from Xbox 360 to PC is the fluffy Viva Piñata, created by Rare. This, too, will be available on both Windows XP and Vista operating systems, and development of the PC version was handed over to Climax, though without any specific release date in sight.