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NEWS

Games for Windows - Live Goes Totally Free

Kris Graft's picture

By Kris Graft

July 22, 2008

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During Microsoft's Gamefest 2008 in Seattle on Tuesday, the company seemed to finally answer year-old criticisms about its pricing strategy for Games for Windows - Live.

Microsoft said that it would no longer be charging for "premium" online features in Games for Windows  - Live titles, such as TrueSkill matchmaking, cross-platform gameplay and multiplayer achievements.

When Microsoft announced Games for Windows - Live in 2007, the firm said it would offer free PC-to-PC multiplayer gaming and community features, but charge $50 per year (which also included an Xbox Live gold membership) for extra features.

PC gamers and some developers--used to having similar amenities for free--criticized Microsoft for charging anything at all.

The change takes effect immediately for all existing and future Games for Windows - Live titles.

Microsoft also said that it would be launching a Games for Windows - Live marketplace this fall, which will offer free and paid (decided by publisher) downloadable content including but not limited to demos and trailers.

The company added that it would be revamping the Games for Windows - Live in-game interface to make it more user-friendly, at the same time "reducing the technical requirements for developers."

Gareth_Hall's picture
On July 23rd Gareth_Hall said:

I agree with Lifeat30fps - the reason Games for Windows is going free is because its competitors, for the most part, are. With PCs you have a choice, with a 360 you're either using Live for online gaming or, erm, you're not gaming online.

On the plus side, at least when you're paying for something you have more room to complain when it goes wrong!

lifeat30fps's picture
On July 23rd lifeat30fps said:

I don't think we will see Xbox Live Free anytime soon. The PC platform has competition in the way of Steam and a host of other platforms that are doing great things without snookering customers out of cash. Microsoft is just following suit after their new revenue idea tanked.

Owwmykneecap's picture
On July 23rd Owwmykneecap said:

xbox live free soon no doubt?
well you can live in hope, i'd be happy if it was just one payment per console not profile..

General's picture
On July 22nd General said:

This is great news!!