Feature: Microsoft talks about Games For Windows Live plans

Posted Nov 12th 2008 9:00PM by John Callaham
Filed under: Features, Interviews, Fallout 3, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II

As we reported earlier today, Microsoft has now updated the user interface for its Games For Windows Live service, making it more accessible for PC users to operate via a mouse rather than the console-centric interface that was put in place when Games For Windows Live first launched back in May 2007.

Big Download got to speak on the phone today with Michael Wolf, Senior Marketing Manager for Games For Windows Live, to find out more about the update, the upcoming stand alone client and how Microsoft feels about the Games For Windows brand going forward.

Gallery: Games For Windows Live Feature

Wolf said that the change in today's update was specifically so that PC gamers could better use the interface for Games For Windows Live. When the service first launched it was decided to use many of the same user interface features that were developed for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, including having the UI work well for the Windows Xbox 360 controller. However, Wolf said that in getting feedback from PC gamers it was decided to reconfigure the interface so it looks more like a drop down PC menu than the "blades" approach for the Xbox 360.

The Games For Windows Live interface still works the same as it did previously, with gamers able to tie in their Gamertag to both Xbox 360 and Games For Windows Live enabled PC games. Achievements, messaging, friends lists, live chat and (for a very few games) cross-platform multiplayer are still a part of Games For Windows Live. Automatic patch updates for Live enabled PC games are also a part of the new version.

However, a simple user interface change is not all that Microsoft has planned for Games For Windows Live. Very soon a stand alone client will be released that will offer the same UI for folks that don't have any Games For Windows Live enabled PC titles. This stand alone client will offer everything the in-game client has plus support for things like downloadable demos, videos and most importantly new downloadable content. Wolf said the stand alone client will be released "in a few weeks"

It's the downloadable extra content that is perhaps the most interesting feature of the next update. Wolf said that instead of searching various web sites to download free expansions, Games for Windows Live enabled games will be able to handle that smoothly and without the publisher having to do things like set up credit card servers and download sites on their own. Wolf pointed to Bethesda Softworks' last game before Fallout 3, The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion, as an example, saying "The downloadable content was much more successful on the console than on the PC."

Wolf says that's because the Xbox 360 environment made it easy to purchase and download things like the Shivering Isles expansion while PC users had to go through several steps to get the same content. For Fallout 3, Games For Windows Live should make downloading and purchasing the planned downloadable content for the game as easy for PC owners as it is for Xbox 360 owners. Wolf would not comment on what other current or future Games For Windows Live games will do for downloadable content. Speaking of which, Wolf told us that having such a feature won't bar third party mod makers from offering their own content for Games for Windows Live titles, although actually distributing those mods via Games For Windows Live has not yet been decided upon.

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Tags: fallout-3, featured, games-for-windows, games-for-windows-live, joystiqfeatures, microsoft

6 Comments

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

What's taking them so long to get some content on GFW - Live?Posted at 10:01PM on Nov 12th 2008 by Einhanderkiller

Hopefully they don't completely leave it in the dust this time around, and support it well. Here's to hoping.Posted at 11:43PM on Nov 12th 2008 by Traced-Velocity

MS WIN7 for the win!

Greetz Bob - http://www.james-bond-quantum-of-solace.com/Posted at 7:38AM on Nov 13th 2008 by bob

I predict: GFW Live will not catch on until the next generation of PC gamers comes along. I think most current PC gamers (myself included) don't like the idea of Microsoft putting an unnecessary product "cloud" over PC games, Xbox Live-style. It seems to me that Microsoft is trying to console-ize PC gaming, while at the same time it's snubbing PC gamers left and right. What i've seen of Games For Windows Live thus far has been atrocious.Posted at 10:04AM on Nov 13th 2008 by Mike

I agree with Mike, I got Gears of War (thanks for the year delay, Microsoft) a couple of months ago and had a lot of issues with Games for Windows. It took an hour and a half just to set up an account and finally start a co-op game with a friend since their interface was so screwed up. When my friend and I finally beat the game, my game locked up on a loading screen instead of getting end credits and achievements. Not to mention that Microsoft is sabotaging PC gaming by delaying games 6 months to a year or not putting them out at all for PC makes me really skeptical of this entire endeavor. Microsoft obviously has a vested interest in killing PC gaming and transitioning everyone to Xboxes and I think we are seeing another step here. I also don't think PC gamers are going to react well to paying for DLC and God help the mods, the Xbox doesn't allow mods and I'm sure Games for Windows-enabled games will get to that step soon enough.Posted at 12:54PM on Nov 13th 2008 by Another Mike

Like most people, I actively AVOID anything labelled with the "GFWL" health warning label.

However it sounds like they are finally moving in the right direction (though i'm still rooting for steam to kick their butts).

What it (and the PC platform as a whole) needs is instant downloads with built in updates and backwards compatibility. (kind of like steam meets GOG)

If you look at the huge success of things like the Wii VC, Wiiware, Live Arcade, etc.. its mind boggling that there isn't an easy way to instantly download the MILLIONS of old games that exist for PCs.

The outlay is almost minimal (simply some DOS/win95 emulation) and image how much money they'd be raking in if you could download and play Grim Fandango, Monkey Island, etc.. straight from within the GFLW interface, and have it play without a hitch...

Finally PC games would be backwards compatible, and they'd have a lifespan and profit window similar to other media (music/movies/books, etc..)Posted at 7:35AM on Nov 17th 2008 by t_m

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