The launch of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox is designed to secure a foothold in the home video-game market for the company, an area seen as critical for long-term growth, according to a top executive of the game console project.

"This is not just another Microsoft project. This is a strategic direction we're taking," said Robert Bach, chief Xbox officer and senior vice president of the world's largest computer software company.

In a recent interview with The Japan Times, Bach said the consumer business is a future growth area for Microsoft and that interactive gaming is an area where the company should be a major player.