Are there any upcoming Games For Windows Live titles going to have cross-platform multiplayer support with its Xbox 360 counterpart or has that feature been largely abandoned?

I wouldn't say it's been abandoned. Cross-platform play is still very much a feature that Games for Windows – LIVE supports. That said, we don't think it's something that should be forced – it should be an organic part of the gaming experience. We've provided our development community with the tools, and ultimately the decision to implement it resides with them. We do expect future titles to employ cross-platform play.

Other PC game download services like Steam, Impulse and other offer full games to download and purchase. When can we expect Games For Windows Live to have such features?

Full game downloads is absolutely a feature we're working on right now. We announced Games on Demand for Xbox 360 at E3, and we definitely want to deliver a similar experience on the PC. At the same time we don't want to just create another storefront – we want to provide an integrated online gaming experience. We aren't quite ready to share a specific timeline, but when we do implement full game downloads I think you'll see that we've taken a well-rounded approach.

In a recent Gamasutra interview, Microsoft execs said they were working to publish a number of new PC game titles. Can you give us an update on those plans and some hints as to what those games might be?

We don't have anything specific to announce right now, but I want to re-emphasize that we're absolutely committed to continued first party development on the PC. There's already an incredibly robust third party development community on Windows, so we haven't had to step up and define the platform like we did on the console. Instead, our challenge is to continue pushing the envelope and take risks that will ultimately help that community flourish. We did it with DirectX, Games for Windows – LIVE and cross-platform play, and right now the MGS team is working on some exciting projects that incorporate our technologies in new and creative ways.

Windows 7 is now due for release on October 22. What can you tell us about any PC game related features that will be included in the OS?

Everyone at Microsoft is incredibly excited about what Windows 7 will bring to the table, and a big part of that is what it's going to offer gamers – and not just gamers in the traditional sense. It's going to deliver the best performance and graphics available for our core gaming community, but it's also going to make PC gaming easier and more accessible than ever before with things like an enhanced Games Explorer and automatic game updates. In a nutshell, it's going to be the best performing OS for every style of play, from core to casual.

DirectX11 is also expected to be released at the same time. What are its main features and what games are currently slated to use DirectX11?

The great thing about DirectX 11 is that it's going to enhance the experience for everyone using Windows, not just core gamers. Don't get me wrong – DirectX 11 is going to provide the richest graphics and best gaming performance you'll find anywhere on Windows. But it also helps put the GPU to work for non-gaming functions – like working with videos and other media – so it really enhances the entire home media experience on Windows. It's also completely backwards compatible with DirectX 10 hardware, so you won't need to immediately go out and invest in a new GPU to benefit from it.

Are there any plans to do a re-launch of the Games For Windows branding of PC game around the time of the Windows 7 launch?

We're very happy with the success of the Games for Windows program, and it will definitely bolster the success of Windows 7 as a premier gaming platform. We've already launched or announced close 100 titles from every major publisher. But perhaps more importantly, the Games for Windows branding requirements have been organically adopted by much of the PC gaming industry, enhancing the consumer experience across the board.

Finally is there anything else you wish to say about Microsoft's own internal PC game development plans and its plans for Games For Windows/Games For Windows Live?

I think the PC gaming landscape is evolving very quickly right now, and the industry is adjusting to a growing interest in social engagement and digital distribution – essentially online services. A strong online gaming service that extends beyond a single platform is a key part of the social and online experience that consumers have come to expect, so you'll see us continue to put more emphasis on the LIVE service, both on Windows and Xbox 360. It's a unique time for the industry, and an exciting time for PC gamers.