GFWL Lives on in Windows 8

[Shawn Zipay]

When asked if they'll put an end to Games for Windows Live in future titles, Microsoft flat out said "no." This may be a bit of a surprise given how much overlap there will be between GFWL functionality and the Xbox Live functionality that will be built into Windows 8.

Answer is no, Microsoft continues to support the Games for Windows platform, but we are making new investments in Metro style games. For the core PC gamer we launched “Age of Empires Online” last year and “Microsoft Flight” on February 29.

When it comes to the living room, Xbox 360 was the number one selling connected TV device in 2011 and we have 40 million Xbox LIVE members. We are committed to delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences across devices in a uniquely connected way. Xbox LIVE on Windows 8 is a milestone in that journey. With the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, you’ll get a taste of some of the features we’re bringing with Xbox on Windows, but we’ll have more to share later this year as we get closer to launch.

I'm sure the adoption rate for Windows 8 might be rather low amongst those who hate GFWL. Just a weird hunch that I have about it.

[Stev0esque]

Re: GFWL Lives on in Windows 8

Well. Looks like I'm most likely keeping 7 for Desktop gaming. For netbooks I may switch to 8 if them making it a bit better optimised is to be believed... which despite me wanting to I still doubt it...

[Eagle101]

Urgh a new OS, i will be staying with Win7 like i stayed with WinXP and milked it as much as i could.Thingg is moving to a new OS is terrible and getting used to it and whatnot.

[cikame]

Essentially what i want is a program i load up, connects to your microsoft account so you can chat with xbox friends on the pc, voice or text, join parties and play hopefully a larger quantity of cross platform games in the future... pretty sure if they wanted to they could make that program on windows 7, or xp, or 98. Also STOP TRYING TO HIDE STEREO MIX YOU ANNOYING TURDS. And stop trying to get me to update msn, live essentials is awful.

[Buveed]

Every new OS, Microsoft always states that they're going to support gaming, etc. But every time they fail miserably. I understand that PC gaming can impact the 360's business, but they've always seemed like they can't be bothered getting the two to work in tandem. Personally, it doesn't make a difference; Steam is just fine. But it's the same pre-release dialog that they never follow through on.

Essentially what i want is a program i load up, connects to your microsoft account so you can chat with xbox friends on the pc, voice or text, join parties and play hopefully a larger quantity of cross platform games in the future... pretty sure if they wanted to they could make that program on windows 7, or xp, or 98.

Exactly. But to add, they could have dominated PC gaming if they had brought these features in years ago. Instead they release GFWL client which is cumbersome to say the least, doesn't provide any benefit to the user, and is just useless except for buying games (which does very little to instill any confidence). Not to mention the whole Halo 2/vista release fiasco. Why would they force people to upgrade to a new OS for a port of a 3-year old game. It just drove the masses to download the game illeagally and use the XP patch. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, Steam is excellent for the most part. But with every new OS release, they sound like a broken record when it comes to gaming.