Games for Windows Takes on Steam, Set to Launch PC Digital Content Distribution Platf

[U-z-i Kidding]

Microsoft today announced that its Games for Windows initiative is set to expand with the launch an online PC gaming marketplace this fall. The service will deliver free and paid downloadable game content, along with trailers, demos, and other content comparable to the company's Xbox Live offerings.

In addition to the added features, the Games for Windows Live interface will also be redesigned to be "much more PC friendly." Microsoft has not yet specified whether full games will be made available for purchase on the network.

The company further announced that all Games for Windows Live multiplayer features are now entirely free.

Games for Windows Gold offered achievements, matchmaking, cross-platform play, and other features at a monthly subscription of $7.99, or $49.99 yearly. While the same features carry similar charges on Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform, gamers often criticized Microsoft for offering them at the same price on the PC, as free programs have traditionally offered comparable functionality.

Source (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53807)

[U-z-i Kidding]

Games for Windows Interview: Breaking Down Microsoft's Entry into PC Digital Distribution

Here's the follow up (http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=946) interview between ShackNews and Microsoft's Kevin Unangst.

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Just let this sink in.

In addition to the added features, the Games for Windows Live interface will also be redesigned to be "much more PC friendly."

[GaSplat]

Not to mention you don't have to pay to subscribe to Steam. But you have to pay Microsoft extra to get the standard goodies in Steam. Oh, but you might get to play more kiddies and smaktards sitting behind an Xbox, should they one day actually develop a game that plays across platforms. Now that's value! :hand: