Revamped Games For Windows Live Ready to Go Head-to-Head with Steam, Begin PC Console War
Posted 11/13/08 at 10:56:58 PM by Nathan Grayson
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Hate Games For Windows Live because it's unintuitive and similar to Xbox Live in form, function, and ham-fisted unsuitability to the PC platform? Well, you'll be happy to hear that Microsoft had its top code-jockeys give the old girl a tune-up, and according to Shacknews, the prognosis should have Valve chomping its fingernails to the bone.
"The new in-game Games for Windows Live interface is a significant leap forward for Microsoft. It does everything you'd expect--displays your Gamerscore, provides a friends list, and allows for private messages and chat--but is now far more effective. It's a minimalist, PC-centric approach compared to the bloated, console-derived first iteration of the software," said the website in its impressions of the service.
In addition, Games For Windows Live general manager Chris Early confirmed that, on top of delivering DLC, the gussied up GFW will also become a distribution platform for full PC games -- just like soon-to-be competitor Steam.
"Clearly it's on our road map," he said -- describing full games as a "next step."
Anyone have a chance to fondle GFW's menus yet? What do you think? Does it have the potential to blow Steam out of the water? Or is GFW DOA?
guess what.....
Submitted by ghot on Mon, 11/17/2008 - 6:10am
Microsoft should just change their name to.....Revamped! I can't remeber when the last time MS did ANYTHING right the FIRST time :/
If microsoft really does
Submitted by thegamepro on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 12:30pm
If microsoft really does care about PC Gaming, then why don't they share some of their first Party games with the PC platform. I wouldn't mind waiting 6 months after the console version to come out on PC but some of them never come or come too late. If they release halo 3 on their new GFWL then I'll consider it but it still doesn't have a desktop client and steam offers that and much more. Yawn. Wake me once they learn something about PC Gaming.
Only 5 years
Submitted by brainwins on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 9:13am
Awesome. It only took Microsoft 5 years to recognize the value of Steam. I believe that by 2020 they will be have 4 games available for download?
Submitted by hammerfell on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 6:49am
i think the only thing steam needs is AIM funcionality. so i can log in to aim but have it run through steam cause it always seems to bog down my comp like crazy when i'm playing a game and i hate running in windowed mode.
Submitted by FuzzDad on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 6:33am
It's always good to have competition...but gamers should note that Microsoft will allow you to continue to download for five years for free where there is no time limit with Steam. It's understood that most gamers don't really re-download games that are five years old...but the thought that you CAN'T do it will probably be one of the mitigating facts that keep gamers on Steam.
All that said...the real thing to watch for will be how fast games on Steam show up on MS. If they do...it's probably because MS is using their platform (like they did w/360) as a loss-leader. Lose copious amounts of money now to command market share and get your cash back later. Of course...it's also entirely possible Steam/Valve has exclusivity deals in place to preclude such an occurance. For sure...it'll be interesting to watch.
To be open...I'm a huge fan of Steam and buy almost all my games there because that's where my friends are. If MS can crack the "friends" deal w/PC Gamers...they'll have a shot.
Submitted by BaggerX on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:47am
I don't know about most PC gamers, but I regularly play games that are more than 5 years old. Now I wasn't downloading them back then, so I just use original media. But if we're purchasing online now, I would insist that I be able to download those games for as long as I like. GFWL is not even remotely appealing to me for that reason along with others.
Submitted by zioburosky13 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 1:26am
Competition drives innovation. Old but goldie rules. :)
Submitted by festiva_man on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 12:41am
Well its about time. Steam doesn't have to worry until Microsoft puts out a game half as good as Half Life 2. Until then Steam can just keep on truckin' it. Everyone can play Halo and I'll play L4D.
haha
Submitted by Arrowofdarkness on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 4:15pm
Well said, I second that!
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