Engstrom was hired by Vole along with Alex St. John and Craig Eisler to improve Microsoft’s chances in the gaming industry,

At the time Windows inserted itself between game programs and the computer hardware in a way that slowed down graphics and animation. This meant that game developers vastly preferred the DOS operating system, which didn't stuff  up special effects.

They were hated in Microsoft. Brad Silverberg, who ran the Windows business, dubbed them the Beastie Boys and he had to fend off frequent demands for their dismissal.

However, when they came up with DirectX it was so brilliant that Silverberg’s patience was rewarded.

DirectX software recognised games and allowed them direct access to the computer's graphical capabilities, allowing a richer game experience than DOS could.

Launched in 1995, DirectX wowed game developers and led to a flood of new games for computers loaded with Windows. That success emboldened Microsoft to plunge deeper into the lucrative gaming market by developing the Xbox console.

Microsoft's game business produced $11.6 billion of revenue in the year ended June 30.