Games For Windows Live service now free

Microsoft scrap the $49.99 membership


22 July 2008 15:29 GMT / By Verity Burns

Microsoft has announced the its Games for Windows Live service, which was supposed to offer an Xbox Live-like online experience will be made free for all users.

The struggling service offered gamers things such as voice chat, unified friend lists and cross-platform play between console and PC. However, it had been criticised since the outset for its cost, which stood at $49.99 a year for Gold membership.

The change will be effective immediately, affecting both current GFW titles, such as Halo 2 and Shadowrun, and titles in the future.

The service is expected to be expanded by Microsoft too, through a GFW Live Marketplace due in the autumn. Just as with the XBL Marketplace, the store will be centred around PC gaming and offer free and paid for downloadable content such as demos and trailers.

In addition to all of this, Microsoft is working to make the GFW interface "much more friendly" and will also be reducing the technical requirements for developers.
Related
Full tags
Gaming, PC games, Microsoft

share print story pdf email story

Recommended articles

Recommended articles from around the web
Loading

Best iPad 2 apps

We detail the best iPad 2 and iPad apps in the app store Which iPad app should you download?

Best new iPad apps

We detail the best iPad apps in the app store for your new Retina Display Which iPad app should you download?

Windows 8

First Look: Windows 8 Consumer Preview reviewed

The new iPad

The new iPad: Everything you need to know

Pocket-lint poll

Q. Does the Samsung Galaxy S III deliver what you hoped for?

Vote YES Vote NO

» LAST TIME
When asked Would you switch from iOS to Android? 54% said yes and 46% said no