Microsoft says it's "doubling down" on PC games

Steam is indeed already taking over, the only thing i would welcome is more deals or better prices since some steam games are very overpriced, especially considering that they're digital downloads.

Dungeon Siege 3 is being developed by Obsidian and will be released by Square Enix next March. I'm looking forward to it as well.

If Microsoft is really serious about doubling down on PC gaming then they should have no problem porting Gears of War 2 (and 3 when it comes out), Halo 3 and ODST, and Reach to Windows. Otherwise they're just talking smack.

What I would really like to read is that game developers are doing games for linux and windows on a more regular basis. This news right here sounds like steam for ms games.

./facepalm

Here is an idea Microlimp, fire everyone who thinks they are "cool" or "hip" in the gaming area of your company. We geeks, nerds, and finks, know that we are none of these. If you do this, your gaming department will soar. Alternatively, move all those people to your marketing sector, thereby allowing the wannabe "cool/hip" people who are into gaming help develop marketing for your gaming. Oh and for the love of god, do not let your CEO talk to the public for marketing. He is a dip.

You're right, exclusives overall are on a decline and as a gamer that is a good thing since everyone can enjoy the game no matter the platform. However PC games have a tendency to then become delayed with poor ports and not be properly optimized for us compared to the console releases.

No that's the 360 version, we're talking about PC games . Fable III was delayed and I don't recall them setting a date for it. It's also the only game being published for PC this year IF it comes out.

if they really wanna do something to help pc gaming, they should just port the console games to pc. a mediocre version of steam wont do anything.

It really does bother me how it seems Microsoft has kind of brushed aside PC users these past few years since the 360 was so popular. As wonderful as an idea is to be able to use the same game across two platforms I don't think it would ever pass any sort of financial measurement. I do think the idea to have the next Xbox as PC like as possible and force developers to make sure that the standards are there for the PC when they have a cross platform game has legs. I would also like to say that the reason why the PC has been getting ignored is because of lack of marketing. People still think it costs thousands to have a decent PC and it really doesn't. MS should team up with hardware vendors like they did for Windows 7 to help push the hardware more. That way people would see it as a valid alternative to consoles. In addition if you favor the computer more, stop buying consoles. That is what I did. It probably didn't make much of a difference but it made me feel a bit better!

I like the GFWL and I hope they are being earnest. PC could use a boost, and real MS backing would be great

Wasn't there just an article a few weeks ago about how a certain Microsoft employee believed PC game was dying? Damn, they need to make up their minds.

Steam is the only way to go M$ doesnt have a chance here steam is to far ahead and has to many people using it. M$ keeps sticking there foot in there big money hungry mouth by saying this and saying that if only they can deliver such promises.

Well, they could consider selling Microsoft games only in Microsoft's browser, so that they don't have to compete with Steam. Also, that would mean that they'll have to develop more games, in order to get into the market... I mean, it's Microsoft, they have the resources!

I dunno, call me old-fashioned but I enjoy having hard copies of the games. The last thing I want is a war over who can produce the best online-only content. Maybe that's just me though.

In response to Microsoft's "doubling down on games", it feels to me like they made a serious mistake a month or two ago when they bashed PC gaming, and are trying to make up for it. I'll be interested to see if they actually follow through and truly focus on PC gaming in the long run.

Yeah... well i'll believe it when I see it. I think the picky PC gamers (lets face it, we are a bit more picky about our games than casual console gamers) and piracy are probably the primary reasons why companies are spending less money and time on their PC titles. It's unfortunate but in a way out own doing. This kind of crap going on now is why I encourage my friends to buy the game if they like it and play it... I usually hold off and wait until its on sale on Steam but sometimes I spring on a game that is near full price. I refuse though to pay for a game right on release when it is like $50 or $60. Rushed releases are usually buggy anyway (although they have been getting better about this it seems).

so steam but a lot shittier, PC GAMING IS SAVED!.

IMO Microsoft is going to have to do a lot more than launch a stupid browser based game purchase program. They need to drop Xbox and instead release a similarly priced upgradeable gaming PC for starts and position themselves against Nintendo and Sony's ancient 3-4 year old consoles. Imo having a console that competes on some level with the PC is a major kick in a crotch for a company that is supposedly focused on PC gaming.

Product cycling in the PC industry could also be a problem since the new stuff comes out crazy fast to the point where it's difficult for the average $30000 and minus household to keep up. Pc's should not only be the leader when it comes to technology but it perhaps needs to compete on a direct level with consoles.

Also there needs to be more effort and thought put into games. IAMTHESTIG says we're picky.. in a nutshell that says to me that most PC gamers are older..aka probably not kids or teens. Therefore there should be a distinctive split between Kids/Teens/Adults and a big push in each category...perhaps by redoing and releasing a bunch of the top console games for PC (no lame ports) and focusing on idea's and how to make better use on current and future technology.

Anyway, Those are just some pent up thoughts in my head about the whole PC vs consoles war. Take it as you will. Some of the idea's may not be the best.

Yeah I agree with you- on some level we PC gamers collectively brought this upon ourselves with pirating, even though some of us have never pirated a game. Realistically, what company wants to spend serious money on something that people are just going to steal? Some companies lose millions dollars from a major title being pirated. If you go on any torrent site and look at how many times a mainstream game like Modern Warfare 2 has been downloaded, figure that maybe 5% (max) are repeat downloaders (for whatever reason) or already rightfully own the game, you'll see that the revenue lost on such games is a huge figure. What's the incentive for producing PC games anymore?

It's my opinion that in order for their web based game store to be accepted, they will have to compete with their prices between Steam, D2D, Impulse, etc.

i know one thing they should bring back in their "doubling down", that thing that allowed PC gamers to play those on consoles. just for some laughs and to hear them complain again.

Again, DITCH the points system! This is what is holding back Microsoft's 'dedication' to the PC gamer crowd.