A key figure in the early days of the Xbox was Seamus Blackley, who had the original idea for the console and eventually became the director of the X-Box Advanced Technology Team.Edge magazine is looking back at key gaming console moments in its next-generation series, one of which is Microsoft's entry into the console market. Of particular interest is Blackley's recounting of the internal battle over whether or not to include Windows.

According to the story, Blackley's team initially pitched the Xbox internally by adopting the Windows operating system. But when their intentions were revealed, there were screams and yells; Blackley picks up the story and, along the way, runs a surprising drive-by about Microsoft's corporate culture at the time.

"We absolutely, intentionally deceived [Bill Gates]. We made it clear to him, in writing, on numerous occasions, that we were using (Windows) at the time. This is a huge risk. If we succeed, he will be happy; if not, he won't be so happy. But the reality is that, again, we must remember that this is a company that does not understand games, let alone consoles. This company believes that the Windows operating system is all that is of value and that the operating system is the value of the computer. So if you were an employee of this company and wanted to sell the value of a new platform, what argument would you use? You use the operating system.

"That doesn't mean they won't think more deeply as the project progresses and realize that it's not true. Windows is no longer a worthwhile proposition. They used to think, "Oh, just make a Windows gaming platform, because Windows provides all these values ......" And they thought, "Oh, that's garbage, right? That's garbage, right? That's garbage and untrue; no gamer cares what Windows does. But to the folks in Redmond, it is true. And you can't convince them. I mean, have you ever tried to convince your own grandfather?

"So you just have to surf around for a little while, swallow your pride, and chill out until everyone can see your point. Kevin [Bacchus] called it the Jedi trick. Eventually someone comes back with your idea, because you've been saying that for two years and finally you say it like it's your idea. But that is the Jedi trick. 'This is not the droid we are looking for,' 'OK, this is not the operating system we need. Bravo [applause]. You are a genius, thank you for thinking of this. We never thought of that. [It contains many interesting anecdotes about Gates, Ballmer, and politicians trying to get involved in big projects.