Although we have criticized in the past Microsoft's half baked efforts with its "Games for Windows" initiative, that's not to say it's better doing nothing. During this year CES, the software giant has announced a continued support for the program with new titles that they expect will be released throughout 2008.

Over 60 titles are now being promoted under the Games for Windows umbrella. The newer titles, some of which are being showcased in the CES showfloor include: “Alone in the Dark” (Atari), “Bionic Commando” (Capcom), “Conflict: Denied Ops” (Eidos Interactive), “Empire: Total War” (SEGA), “LEGO Indiana Jones” (LucasArts), “Microsoft Train Simulator 2” (Microsoft Game Studios), “Sins of a Solar Empire” (Stardock), “Space Siege” (SEGA), and “Tomb Raider: Underworld” (Eidos Interactive).

According to the press release other games that will be released this year include “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures” (Funcom, Eidos Interactive), “Borderlands” (2K Games), “The Club” (SEGA), “Fallout® 3” (Bethesda Softworks®) and “Frontlines: Fuel of War” (THQ).

There is also a mention on casual gaming which is quoted as a $2.25 billion industry in 2007, with a projected growth of 20 percent in 2008. Microsoft has presence in this market through gaming platforms MSN Games and Windows Live Messenger Games.