Halo to Save Xbox?

Since Microsoft officially entered the game business in November 2001 with the North American release of the Xbox, Microsoft shares have fallen 16 percent. During that period, the Nasdaq has risen 40 percent.

"Halo 3" is expected to play a big part in improving Microsoft's bottom line, because it is a "first party" title -- a game developed by Microsoft's own game maker not another publisher such as Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research)

Microsoft can make about $10 to $12 per game from "third party" titles, but "first party" games such as "Halo 3" and "Gears of War" -- a popular shooter game released by Microsoft last year -- can bring in several times that amount.