We're in Washington this week for Casual Connect Seattle, one of the country's largest game developer-centric conferences. As you might know, Redmond is only a stone's throw away from Seattle. As such, we threw our own stones over to Microsoft headquarters (also known as the Microsoft campus) for a little visit. The campus consists of over 40 buildings spread across 300 acres - a lot to take in! In the interest of time, we focused on Studio C (home of the Windows Phone game marketing team) and the Visitor Center. Lots of pictures follow the break!
The teams like to decorate their windows.
External view of Studio C, where the Windows Phone magic happens. Yep, it's pretty big.
Your friendly neighborhood gaming journalist and Beth Goza, Senior Community Manager at Microsoft pose in front of this life-size Halo Reach statue.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, these Microsoft employees donned outfits from the original series. I should show you mine sometime (it's not a dress though).
Upon entering the history wing of the Visitor Center, you're greeted by the cast of Anchorman... I mean, the Microsoft founders!
This wall depicts the evolution of technology, while the text below compares those changes to Microsoft products. Note the Atari 2600 console at right.
These computers allow visitors to try out Windows 8 before its official release. In the background, avatars are projected on the wall.
Just about every Windows Phone handset is on display for the masses. Not pictured, the screen of a first-gen Samsung Focus suffered from extreme burn-in. Maybe that's why the released version's screen times out after five minutes.
Xbox Live Achievement aficionado TNTJudbud test drives the original Surface table computer.
The Xbox 360 area hosts a number of popular games like Forza Motorsport 4 and several LEGO titles.
Kinect Star Wars looks great projected onto this wall. Too bad the display doesn't photograph well, but you get the idea.
Outside, these Emergency call terminals are everywhere. Don't push it, dude!
Do these crates contain Xbox 360s, or something more sinister?
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

GroupMe may finally get video and voice calls to compete with WhatsApp
Microsoft may finally realize GroupMe has a lot of potential. The group messaging app is popular on US college campuses and smaller organizations, but it may pick up voice and video calls, at least according to a recent user survey.

Hey Sony, it's time for Bloodborne to come to PC
PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan recently announced that more PlayStation exclusives are coming to PC in the near future. Here's why Bloodborne should be on the list.

Job listings suggest the Surface Duo 2 could feature 5G and a better camera
Multiple job listings from Microsoft discuss a Surface Duo with 5G support and an improved camera. Many of the listings have since been taken down, but a few remain up that hint at what a Surface Duo 2 could look like.

Go sim racing in style with any one of these great cockpits
Sim racing has experienced a boom in 2021 and that's led to some serious interest in getting a good cockpit. Whether you're new to the scene or more experienced and looking to up your game, one of these cockpits will give you comfort and support while you race all day and night.