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Games for Windows Marketplace relaunches right on time
Just as planned, the new browser-based Games for Windows Marketplace launched today. "Definitely you should show up on day one, because we're going to have a great pre-order on a title you may care about," product manager Peter Orullian teased several weeks ago. Well, we're not seeing "it" aaand ... there's not even Call of Duty: Black Ops on offer (or even Modern Warfare 2 for that matter). A Steam-killer this not -- not yet, at least. What the Marketplace does have going for it is a relatively user-friendly, if (for now) bare-bones interface, anchored by Live integration (squint and you'll see your faded-out, cross-platform Gamerscore in the upper right when you log in). Of course, Microsoft has stated its intent to vastly expand the site's catalog by offering plenty -- and there are plenty -- of PC games that are not Live-enabled. The new design also wisely highlights both the Deal of the Week (Osmos for $2.50) and new "DailyDeal" (GTA IV for $12), which are going to be key aspects of the new Marketplace. Additionally, there's an option on the site to add Microsoft Points to your Gamertag (Windows Live ID) account, and, while not obvious until you proceed to "checkout," you can use points as a payment method to purchase Games for Windows content -- already a dangerous aspect of the new Marketplace.
Osmos only $2.50 as Game for Windows Live's Deal of the Week
$2.50 doesn't buy a lot these days -- we remember when two bucks and fifty cents could get you a few movie rentals, a nice big bag of candy, or even a sweet comic book. But nowadays, it barely buys you a cup of coffee. One thing you can do with your $2.50 this weekend, though, is take advantage of Games for Windows Live's Deal of the Week -- Microsoft is offering up the terrific indie game Osmos for just two dollars and two quarters. The game's great -- it was an Indiecade finalist last year, and has you playing as a celestial body trading off mass for movement and always trying to eat orbs bigger than you are. $2.50 doesn't go as far as it used to, but this deal, on through Wednesday of next week, is money well spent. Update [11/15/10]: This deal is also available through the newly relaunched Games for Windows Marketplace.
Games for Windows Marketplace gets competitive, relaunching Nov. 15
In November, Microsoft will reboot its Games for Windows Marketplace. In doing so, the company aims to beef up its online portal with more games -- and not just those few that align themselves with the Games for Windows Live branding -- and provide a more competitive and comprehensive retail experience. Peter Orullian, who helped develop digital distribution strategies for Xbox Live, has been tapped to effectively manage the relaunch. %Gallery-105596%
Monday Night Combat grabs XBLM charts by the Moneyball
Following the trend of Summer of Arcade titles landing in the top spot on the XBLA sales charts during their release weeks, Monday Night Combat was top dog on last week's chart, which was released by Major Nelson. The online shooter also placed a respectable 11th on the Xbox Live Activity chart, leaps and bounds ahead of all other XBLA titles. Additionally, Limbo held its own with a second-place finish on the sales charts, one spot ahead of the more recent Castlevania: Harmony of Despair. Meanwhile, Baby Maker Extreme slipped to fourth on the Indie Games chart. Now we're going to be worried about it all week. Click past the jump to see how the rest of the console's offerings fared.
BioShock 2 'Protector Trials' DLC delayed on PC
You probably already knew, considering the Bioshock 2 "Protector Trials" DLC is nowhere to be found on Games For Windows Live, but here it is in plain English anyway: it's been delayed. 2K Games' Elizabeth Tobey confirmed the delay in a post on the official 2K Games forums, citing that no date for the patch has been decided yet, but that we should all "stay tuned." We've put in some questions to 2K about the delay and when exactly the company hopes to launch the DLC on Games For Windows Live. We'll let you know what we hear back.
Fable 3 for Windows not arriving day-and-date with 360 version
PC gamers will have to delay their journey into the land of Albion for a bit. Microsoft has confirmed today that the Windows version of Lionhead's action RPG Fable 3 will not, as originally planned, arrive on October 26 alongside the Xbox 360 release. "The console and PC versions are now on different schedules as we're focusing on building experiences optimized for each platform," the publisher said in a statement received by Joystiq. "We aren't announcing a ship date for the PC sku at this time, but expect news soon." Although Microsoft couldn't provide us with a revised release date, it did seek to assure those PC players awaiting Fable 3 that it's not game over for that version. "We will be offering PC players the ability to pre-order 'Fable III' for Windows, and in fact, retailers such as Amazon.com and Game (UK) are taking preorders today for the PC version of Fable III," the company said. Still, we don't expect Windows users to deliver a victorious arm pump emote until a new date is set in Bowerstone.
HP's Rahul Sood says Microsoft killed Xbox vs PC online gaming due to keyboard-mouse superiority
Once upon a time in 2007, there was a little-known game called Shadowrun, that let gamers on both Xbox 360 and PC destroy one another for sport. Such is the environment that Microsoft facilitated, but alas, it wasn't for long, as the moment Shadowrun flopped the cross-platform feature was dropped, though it resurfaced once or twice in third-party titles as the years shot by. Outspoken HP exec Rahul Sood (of Voodoo fame) spins a slightly more complex yarn, however: he says Microsoft killed the project when it found that "mediocre" PC gamers could wipe the floors with the very best players on Xbox. Now, we're not confirming his story, and there are plenty of other possible explanations if you follow the money, of course, but we can't help but feel a hint of admiration for the longevity of gaming mouse and keyboard. Here's hoping we can all leave our predilections at the door as developers pit Android vs. iPhone.
Gears of War, Max Payne and Bioshock added to GFWL Games on Demand
Better late than never, right? Gears of War ($20), Bioshock ($20) and Max Payne ($10) have been added to Games for Windows Live's Games on Demand service. [Thanks, TheWeaponeer]
GFW on Demand now offers day-and-date releases
When Games for Windows Live's Games on Demand service launched in December we said it was "marching onto the [PC digital distribution] field about an hour after the match ended." Three hours later (in metaphoric time), the service announced today it will offer day-and-date game releases from publishers 2K Games, Capcom, Microsoft Game Studios (what a coup!), Rockstar Games, THQ and Ubisoft. We can't help but imagine Steam, Impulse and all the other digital distribution players at their post-game parties laughing. The initial day-and-date offering by the service is Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. At the same time, the Prince of Persia games The Sands of Time and Warrior Within are each $2.50 -- which seem like much better deals than the aforementioned title. The service has also added several more games, which we've listed after the break.
Dark Void $10 through Games for Windows Live this weekend
Dark Void may have met with a cool reaction critically, but it's been temporarily granted a new feature that might improve people's impressions: costing ten dollars. Through June 1, the PC version of Airtight Games' jetpack-packed action game is available for just $9.99 on Games for Windows Live. A price like that skirts the boundaries between "rental" and "purchase" -- it's cheap enough that you can basically get it just to screw around with the jetpack and not feel bad. It's almost cheap enough that you can get it solely for the purpose of "completing your Dark Void collection" should you already have Dark Void Zero. [Via Capcom-Unity] %Gallery-24248%
Fable 3 also conquering lands on PC; Collector's Edition detailed
This morning, Microsoft officially announced that Fable 3 will be heading to the PC as well as the Xbox 360, confirming news derived from last week's accidental box art reveal. Standard and "Limited Collector's" editions were also detailed -- for $59.99 and $79.99, respectively -- with the latter coming with several in-game and physical items (seen in full after the break). Since the Windows iteration will only be available in the standard version at retail (for just $50, might we add) and downloadable "exclusively" through Games for Windows Live Marketplace, all PC players will be able to access the extra quest, region, and dog breed that come with the Xbox 360's collector's edition. Between now and the game's fall release, why not take a look through these exciting retail mockups below in our gallery? Oooh!%Gallery-93474%
Rumor: Microsoft's Live support coming to free Windows games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and more
Microsoft is allegedly preparing to implement Live functionality into the free suite of games that comes with all Windows-enabled PCs: Solitaire, Chess, Checkers, Spades, Hearts, Backgammon, Minesweeper, Purple Place, Spider Solitaire and Freecell. This tip comes courtesy of our trusted source (who accurately predicted Lucidity, NBA 2K10 Draft Combine and Tecmo Bowl: Throwback). Reportedly, each Windows game will not only get Achievements, but also chat and leaderboard support. While unconfirmed by our source, we'd anticipate this to be a free update. If true -- and hey, our tipster's batting a thousand (that's sports talk for reliable) -- adding Live functionality to these games would be an ideal gateway for Microsoft to usher new users into Live and the Achievements system. After registering a free Games For Windows Live account, a new user would be able to instantly start building Gamerscore cred with the free games included on Windows PCs. It's Drug Dealing 101 -- give 'em the first fix for free, and they'll be hooked!
PC Street Fighter IV only $20 from Impulse, GFW On Demand
Following last week's killer deal on Batman: Arkham Asylum, Games for Windows on Demand continues its series of game sales with Street Fighter IV. Right now, the service is offering Capcom's fighter for 50 percent off, knocking the price down to a palatable $19.99. Or, if you prefer, Impulse is also offering it for the same price. Of course, it's worth noting that Super Street Fighter IV will be released in just a month, so you might just skip the whole thing and wait for a couple of weeks. Unless, of course, the allure of "a nifty little special set of things" is just too much to resist. Source - Games on Demand Spring Sale Source - Street Fighter IV on Impulse [Via 1UP]
PC version of Batman: Arkham Asylum on sale for $12.49
We're going to need you to find some way to weasel out of that lunch date you have planned for tomorrow. See, the $12.49 you were planning on spending on that cucumber and cream cheese panini with Italian cream soda? It's about to go towards a much more virtuous cause: Purchasing Batman: Arkham Asylum through Games For Windows' Games on Demand platform, which until March 1, will only cost you $12.49. It may not be as delicious as the aforementioned sandwich, but it will take you longer to finish. Unless you're the world's slowest eater. Or the world's fastest game-tape solver. Or if it's the world's biggest panini.
Kodu 'Technical Preview' available as free PC download
Microsoft's experiment in casual game creation, Kodu, is now available in preview form online. PC gamers can download the "Technical Preview" version of the game right here, which features a revamped UI sporting mouse and keyboard controls. Microsoft also added other tweaks, enhancing the "move" verb (allowing for scripted camera movements), "streamlined terrain editing tools" and characters that can respond to mouse and keyboard events. If you're a PC gamer wondering what all of the fuss is about, we suggest you check out our video walkthrough. Oh, and do let us know if you come up with any Joystiq-inspired games! [Via Big Download]
Xbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3]
Update 3: An online fact sheet [.doc link] from Microsoft reveals that the Game Room itself will be free, while games will range in price from 400 ($5) for a dual-license purchase of arcade classics, 240 ($3) for a single-platform license or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters" worth of play. Users can try arcade titles for free within a friend's room. For full details, check out our follow-up post. Update 2: According to Major Nelson, Game Room users will have the ability to purchase games for their virtual arcade and play them on both their Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, new Game Room titles will be made available every week. Users will be able to invite Xbox Live friends into their respective (and customizable) rooms to show off their arcade collection. Stock up on Microsoft Points, kids. Update 1: During its CES 2010 keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach announced 30 arcade titles will be available in the Xbox Game Room when the service launches this spring for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live. Original: Hours following a leaked interview featuring Robbie Bach, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a virtual arcade room for Xbox Avatars via this trailer unveiled at CES 2010. The Xbox Game Room is slated to hit the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live this spring, allowing players to visit a virtual room filled with classic arcade titles. According to the video, users will be able to customize their arcade rooms (presumably for Microsoft funny money) and challenge friends to a plethora of original arcade versions of games such as Centipede, Outlaw, and Star Raiders. The news that Game Room will also launch for Games For Windows Live raises the question, will the service see Avatars added in the near future? As the upcoming arcade is centered around entertainment for your virtual identity, we'd hope the service would see an interface upgrade bringing it closer to the Xbox's current NXE, rather than locking our poor Avatars up inside of an executable program.
PSA: Games for Windows Live's Games on Demand launches
Microsoft's Games on Demand for Games for Windows Live is now live and on demandable. The launch lineup doesn't exactly conjure up thoughts of exploding confetti, but here goes nothing: Dirt 2 ($40) Fallout 3 ($50) Kane and Lynch: Dead Men ("1600") -- really, that's what it says (aka $20) Red Faction: Guerrilla ($40) Shadowrun ($10) Street Fighter IV ($40) Viva Pinata ($10) With established digital distribution systems for PC gamers -- heard of Steam? Impulse? -- already featuring far larger libraries and arguably better discounts, it sure looks like GFWLGOD (we're still working on the acronym ... ) is marching onto the field about an hour after the match ended.
Games for Windows Live adding Games on Demand beginning Dec. 15
Games on Demand, a.k.a. full game downloads, is one of the more recent additions to Xbox Live -- and today Microsoft has announced that it's bringing the service to its Games For Windows Live platform beginning December 15. GFWL creative director Chuck Osieja calls the initiative "Microsoft's return to delivering Windows games built on unique LIVE experiences." The service has a rocky history of sporadic supported releases and last summer ditched its subscription fees in the face of competition from the likes of Steam. The move puts Microsoft up against Valve's digi-distribution service, which similarly offers community features and its own Achievements system, but boasts a much larger catalog at present. The GFWL Games on Demand initial lineup will include Resident Evil 5, Red Faction: Guerrilla and Battlestations Pacific along with new GFWL-enabled versions of 2D Boy's excellent World of Goo and Hemisphere Games' Osmos -- all titles currently offered by Steam, with some available via Stardock's Impulse service. Microsoft hasn't divulged pricing for titles offered via GFWL Games on Demand. A reworked version of the former Windows Vista Ultimate Extra Tinker will be made available free to GFWL users when the Games on Demand service launches a week from next Tuesday.
DirectX 11-powered Dirt 2 heading to PCs in early December
During Microsoft's big coming-out party for Windows 7 today in New York City, Codemasters showed off the new DirectX 11 version of the upcoming PC port of Dirt 2 that you see above. Though the developer said little of new content additions being made to the game, the already gorgeous visuals have been gussied up with help from DirectX 11, and cheevos will be ready for the taking on Games for Windows Live. Meeting its previously announced delay head-on, Dirt 2 starts shipping in North America on December 1, with December 3 and 4 release dates for the rest of the world (in your face, world!).
Games For Windows getting 'easier' for indies, Microsoft eager for multi-touch games
Earlier this month, Microsoft announced an initiative to streamline the certification process of games coming to its Games for Windows platform. In doing so, the company effectively offered an olive branch to small developers and publishers who had previously been unable for a variety of reasons -- be they financial, time or size-related -- to release games on the platform. Perri Munsell, director of Windows consumer product management, told Joystiq today that the relaunch means good things for both the little guys and the big guys."Now, through the self-certification process, we really allow any developer -- indie on up, from one, two-man teams all the way up to a major publisher -- everyone receives the same automation tools." It's not just a question of making the certification process easier for everyone though, as Munsell says that before, indie devs couldn't even approach the GFW platform. "It goes beyond 'easier' -- it makes it possible." When asked about Microsoft's criteria for "showcasing" certain games at its events, Munsell says rather unsurprisingly, it has to do with what the company is promoting and how that ties into its plans. For next month's Windows 7 release, the company will be courting game developers large and small that are working on multi-touch games. "[At our events] we have different developers at different times based on what the core message is. One example is that Windows 7 has multi-touch built into it, and so we're actively looking at developers today -- some of them indie -- that have some great examples of multi-touch capability. And it really shows off the technology. 'Cause multi-touch by itself? There's no magic there. Multi-touch with a great partner application? That's where the magic exists."And sure, we asked when games would be downloadable and if Microsoft's working on cross-platform play, but got the boilerplate "nothing to tell you today, unfortunately" (though we should note there was an audible pause when we asked when we would be hearing more, before the PR handler chimed in). We were promised we'll be "kept posted" on those items, but for some reason, we're thinking "no" on holding our breath.
