A new rumor suggests that Microsoft will allow Windows 8 users to run Xbox 360 games on a PC. It would represent a fusion of two very distinct gaming platforms, and could threaten the distinctiveness of the Xbox 360. It's also a rumor that should be taken with a grain of salt.

The rumor comes to us from popular tech blog Engadget, which reports that there exist references in Windows 8's kernel code that appear to tie the operating system (OS) to the Xbox 360 video game console, produced by Microsoft. (Source: engadget.com)

Xbox 360, Windows 8 Connection Unclear

It's still very much unclear how the Windows 8 OS would be connected to the Xbox 360 or its online platform, Xbox Live.

Some believe that the connection means PC users can play an Xbox 360 disc; others suggest PC games also available for the Xbox 360 could play together over a network. For example, someone playing Madden 12 on Xbox 360 could enter a match with someone playing the same game on their PC.

The development of such cross-platform Xbox 360/PC gameplay could prove enormously popular and give Microsoft a real edge over its rivals Nintendo and Sony.

Unfortunately, it's a bit of a far-fetched idea, says former Microsoft manager, Rahul Sood. Sood once worked for Microsoft on developing cross-platform technology, but was routinely frustrated by the Redmond-based firm's failure to bring such a system to market.

PC Gamers Too Elite for Console Players

Sood says one of the problems was the advantage PC gamers have in using a mouse and a keyboard. "I've heard from reliable sources that during the development they brought together the best console gamers to play mediocre PC gamers at the same game," Sood said. (Source: gamespy.com)

"They pitted console gamers with their console controller, against PC gamers with their keyboard and mouse. The console players got destroyed every time. So much so that it would be embarrassing to the Xbox team in general had Microsoft launched this initiative."

So, will it be technological shortcomings or talented PC gamers that keep this kind of cross-platform gaming from taking form? Only time will tell.