ARS Technica speculates why Intel may have bought Project Offset and the Offset game engine:
Larrabee may not launch until late 2009/2010, but again, purchasing Project Offset now gives Intel a real-world engine with which to evaluate Larrabee, and ties in well with the company's purchase of Havok last year. Between the two, Intel has the makings of a very solid offering. To date, the Offset Engine has only been licensed to one other studio, but the stability and feature-set of an Intel-backed product could lure developers—particularly if that product comes with funding and partnership opportunities.