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A handful of PC games out there carry the Games for Windows LIVE option (anyone who played Fallout 3 should remember). What this was, was Xbox LIVE-like functionality; allowing you to chat with friends and even accrue in-game achievements that would post to your LIVE gamertag. According to an IGN report, Microsoft is now set to expand that functionality to include direct game downloads via a digital delivery service. Essentially, Games on Demand is now coming to Windows. In a sense, you can consider Games for Windows LIVE to eventually become a competitor of services such as Valve’s Steam. The service will be up and running on December 15, 2009.
IGN mentioned that “Initially, the feature will host popular Games for Windows titles like Resident Evil 5, Red Faction: Guerilla and Battlestations: Pacific, along with digital titles like Osmos and World of Goo.” Mike Ybarra, General Manager of LIVE Engagement Services was quoted as stating, “With Games on Demand, we didn’t just want to create a cut-and-paste version of existing digital distribution services. We challenged ourselves to deliver an integrated platform that takes full advantage of the unique capabilities offered by the LIVE service. Our goal has always been to create a seamless online gaming experience for the Windows community, and Games on Demand is a great step toward that end.” |
