also @ TechSpot: Gamers spend more money on iOS than dedicated handhelds

› ›

Games for Windows Live multiplayer features now free

By

On July 22, 2008, 5:38 PM

It looks like Microsoft has finally caved to demands from PC gamers who have long-enjoyed online multiplayer for free. At its Gamefest 2008 event, the company announced it is making all of the Live functionality for the Games for Windows platform available at no cost – that includes Achievements, TruSkill matchmaking, friends lists, voice and text chat, and cross-platform play with Xbox 360 on games that support it.

The move is effective immediately and will affect all current and future Games for Windows titles too. In addition, Microsoft has reduced the technical requirements for those developers looking to utilize Live and will be adding a new Marketplace to the PC version of the service later this year along with a revamped user interface.

The move is certainly great news for gamers and should make Games for Windows a more direct competitor to Valve’s Steam service. I wonder, though, if Microsoft plans to reimburse those who already paid for a Live Gold Membership.

No tags on this story

5 comments

User Comments: 5

Got something to say? Post a comment
  1. July 23, 2008 6:31 AM
    nirkon said:
    "I wonder, though, if Microsoft plans to reimburse those who already paid for a Live Gold Membership."In my opinion, not by a long shot.Anyway this does sound good, and online PC gaming does need a boost
    Reply
  2. July 23, 2008 11:12 AM
    BDC said:
    It would be nice if Microsoft would make Live free for the XBOX 360. Makes you want to go back to computer gaming..........lol.
    Reply
  3. July 23, 2008 11:27 AM
    isamuelson said:
    Too bad EA decided to dump the PC version of Madden.Time for 2K Sports to bring back their NFL game and bring it to the PC.
    Reply
  4. July 23, 2008 3:08 PM
    kingdingdong said:
    So does this mean if you had achievements like in Halo, but stopped cause you didnt want to pay for live. Will you get them back? That would be cool. But who knows its microsoft....it could be worse, it could be apple. lol
    Reply
  5. July 25, 2008 2:06 AM
    Didou said:
    If I'm not mistaken it has been confirmed (still looking for the link) that members that have already paid for the service will be reimbursed.
    Reply

Recently commented stories

Post a new comment

Social Login & Guest Posting TechSpot Members
Login here or sign up for free,
it takes about a minute.
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.
TechSpot on:

Most Popular

Trending Featured
More Trending Topics

Featured on Keyboards

Downloads and Drivers

Downloads   Drivers  

J. River Media Center 18.0.187

ComicRack 0.9.169

Ashampoo UnInstaller 5.03

Files Terminator Free 2.5.0.11

Advanced Host Monitor 9.50

More Downloads

Latest Discussion

Have DOTA 2 keys to give (steam requiered) 6 replies on Gaming

The average life of a GPU 12 replies on Audio and Video

What is the best graphics card my computer can handle? 5 replies on Audio and Video

Windows update completely stopped working, unknown error 8024402C 5 replies on Windows OS

Your daily phone 11 replies on Mobile Computing

More Recent Discussion

Subscribe to TechSpot

Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.