In a new GameIndustry.biz interview , Hi-Rez Studios co-founder Todd Harris said that home consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are really missing out on the lucrative free-to-play model. Hi-Rez developed the popular online game Global Agenda and also owns the rights to TRIBES.

"Our first initial focus is the PC as far as what we're developing on, testing on, and as far as availability we're focused first on the PC. Because that's where people associate the franchise, that was its home. And because we do want to be able to deliver updates for it… we think that's the strongest platform for it right now," he said in an interview published today."

Harris acknowledges Sony's work with Free Realms and DC Universe Online, but also notes that the free-to-play space has clearly evolved.

"I think that is possible, and yes we'd like to see [free-to-play] expand. It's not quite as far along as obviously the PC, so we continue to look at the PC as our focus in the short term." "Until the console allows for faster, more frequent updates and alternate business models then it's less of a sweet spot for us than PC," he added.

While Hi-Rez would like to bring its most popular free-to-play titles to consoles, it also admits that - for now - the PC is where the action is:

"I think a platform that lets the developer update the game frequently will continue to win out. The PC and the mobile platforms are very strong in that regard and we’d like to see the consoles move in that direction also."