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An Overview of the Games For Windows Initiative

Posted by Zonk on from the pleasure-to-have-in-class-but dept.

Writing for the Escapist, author Sean Sands takes a hard look at Microsoft's Games for Windows project. The PC version of Xbox live, as well as the coherent branding they've handed out to publishers, doesn't appear to be having the kind of effect they were hoping for. Most especially, Sands points out, when players have the recently released Steam Community as an alternative: "Valve's latest community features, while they don't connect PC to console, have offered virtually every other meaningful feature in a free and functional package. Steam isn't only beating Microsoft at its own game, it's taking Microsoft's lunch money and leaving it tied to the tether-ball pole."

4 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. I for one by Paden · · Score: 4, Funny

    Welcome our new Steam powered overlords.

  2. games for windows by musikit · · Score: 4, Insightful

    i dont know how true it is but i see "games for windows" and i just assume its vista only and move onto the next game.

  3. Microsoft charges to reduce griefing by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If there is no cost to creating a new Xbox Live account, Microsoft would have a lot more trouble getting rid of griefers and cheaters from the system. As is, if you're booted from Xbox Live, you're out $50. That's basically the reason for the charge.

    Besides, the number of free downloads you get during the course of a year of Xbox Live service is worth the charge, IMO. I think I have 6 free Xbox Live Arcade games on my console, and I've owned it less than a year. If you assume each Xbox Live Arcade game is worth $10, I've come out ahead already.

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    Comment of the year
  4. Did MS think of the players? by RichPowers · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No. GFW's failure is a classic example of Redmond's hubris.

    It reminds me of how Sony initially used the PS3 to push Blu-Ray adoption instead of videogames. Likewise, MS used GFW to promote Vista and DX10 instead PC games.

    If GFW was about providing gamers with an enjoyable experience, there'd be a bigger focus on XP and no Live fees. Making several "flagship" GFW titles Vista-only was incredibly stupid as well.

    GFW's greatest achievement is an obnoxious, totally redundant banner on new PC games. Thanks, MS, I had no clue I was purchasing a Windows game.

    These other issues notwithstanding, MS also did a poor job of marketing GFW and explaining how it benefits PC gaming.

    Without the baggage of promoting a new OS or some other crap, Valve can focus on what gamers care about: games!