Speaking to CVG, head honcho of Microsoft Game Studios, Shane Kim, stated that he expects the 360 to have a lifespan of seven years, nearly twice that of the original Xbox. This long term support for the 360 would fall more in line with Sony’s traditional strategy, as they have already guaranteed support for the PS3 for ten years, and have provided similar treatment to thePS2.

Kim also addressed criticism of the 360’s technical abilities that question if the console has the capability to keep up with evolving game design, citing such as some developers as Rockstar, who have stated that it’s getting more difficult to put games onto a standard DVD as opposed to BluRay. Apparently MS isn’t worried, as Kim shrugged off the accusations saying:

“As far as technical limitations? We’re not seeing those. I think there’s the potential for more multi-disc titles, we’ve already shipped a few of those already. But I don’t this is so drastic that people will start saying that Microsoft missed a trick with not using Blu-ray. I just don’t believe that.”

Perhaps this lack of concern for limitations comes from the fact that MS expects the 360 to continue to evolve, as Kim pointed out that we will continue to see “technical innovations” coming to the 360 as it gets along in age. Remember folks that Microsoft is saying the 360 will be present seven years from now, as the PS2 is still present, so this doesn’t necessarily mean that a new Xbox is not planned to appear within the coming years. Since some developers as of late have already pointed out limitations with the 360’s technology, only time will tell how long the console will remain a viable gaming system.