Microsoft launches Games for Windows LIVE marketplace

Posted at: 5:44pm 4th December 2008 by Ben Hardwidge

Game videos and trailers available in new Games for Windows LIVE 2.0 client

Microsoft has been talking about a new Games for Windows LIVE marketplace feature on the Games for Windows website for a while now, but we’ve finally got our first glimpse of it in the new Games for Windows LIVE 2.0 client that’s just been released.

You can download the client from here, and you’ll need to use your Windows LIVE ID to log-in. However, those of you who’ve already registered with Games for Windows LIVE may be welcomed by an error message that prompts you to accept the new terms and conditions before you can log-in.

There isn’t much to shout at about at the moment, though, which probably explains why Microsoft hasn't made a big deal about the launch. Currently, there’s just a demo of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men and some trailers for Gears of War and Shadowrun. However, Microsoft says that this is just the beginning and that in the future the market place will ‘eventually’ feature ‘add-on game content like new levels and maps.’

Interestingly, Microsoft hasn’t decided to offer a downloadable game store in the vein of Steam yet. The Buy buttons on www.gamesforwindows.com for games such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Fallout 3 still just take you to the MSN Shopping channel, with a list of prices from various retailers.

Is Games for Windows LIVE a decent idea from Microsoft, or is it a ham-fisted effort to attract PC gamers to a system primarily designed for the Xbox 360? Should Microsoft introduce a downloadable games store, or just stick with demos, trailers and add-ons? Let us know your thoughts.