Microsoft could be plotting the creation and launch of their own PC-based rival to Valve's popular content delivery system, Windows Live boss Chris Early telling ShackNews that "it's clearly on our road map".

Several big firms have been jealously eying Steam for several years now, the platform having built up a userbase of millions, who not only use the service as a distribution point for new games but also to get the releases of high-profile third-parties too.

Indeed, giants like are already trying hard to emulate Valve's success - the developer even linked to a takeover by search engine giant Google in recent months.

It'll be interesting to see as and when start to seriously compete, as digital distribution appears to be the way forward for PCs.

By Luke Guttridge