Microsoft has announced that they are extending Xbox Live to the PC. This will bring together the most popular online console game service with the most popular games platform in the world. Games for Windows will be launched on May 8, 2007 along with Halo 2.
Peter Moore, corporate VP of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft said, “Five years ago, we began constructing a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay. The advantages of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles are twofold: We’re bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we’re enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity, it’s a win for everyone.”
Just like Xbox Live, Games for Windows will have different types of subscriptions. They are:
Silver Membership – Free:
- Single gamertag
Common gamer profile
Common gamerscore
Single player achievements
Private chat via text and voice
Common friends list and online presence
PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games
Gold Membership – $49.95 (approx. Rs. 2200):
- All Silver membership features
Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
TrueSkill matchmaking
Multiplayer achievements
Cross-platform gameplay
Microsoft will also launch Shadowrun in June, which for the first time will connect Windows gamers with Xbox 360 players in cross-platform matches using a single service. After that, Microsoft has lined up UNO that will also support cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360. PC gamers can also use the Xbox 360 controllers to play their games
Halo 2 and Shadowrun, however, will only run on computers that have Windows Vista. The fun will be when Gears of War or Halo 3 launches for the PC, then the real power of Games for Windows will be harnessed.