As of yesterday, Microsoft made all of the features of its ‘Games for Windows Live’ platform free of charge for all users.  Previously, if you wanted to earn online achievements, play ranked online games or play cross platform multiplayer (supported by Shadowrun, Universe at War and Lost Planet: Colonies) then you would have to play for a full priced ‘gold’ Xbox live account (unless you already have one for your Xbox of course).

This should have been Microsofts policy from the start, but better late than never I suppose.  The main benefit of this for PC gamers is it will be far easier to find opponents on ranked games as most non-360 owners refused to pay to be able to play PC’s games online and for the 360 owners, all those cross-platform achievements in Shadowrun might actually be achievable again!

Microsoft have also announced that they will be bringing out an online store out for the GFWL platform, which I’m guessing will sell videos downloads and XBLA mini games, all paid for with some kind of Microsoft points…  Hmm, where have I heard that model before?

‘Game for Windows Live’ is currently only available for Windows Vista and is installed the first time you install a game that supports the feature on your system.

(via)

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