Freedom, baby!
If you build it, they will come. But what if it was already built, you
slapped a price on it, and they stopped coming? Such was the short, sad
story of Microsoft's attempt to charge PC gamers (a largely fickle set) with
services and options that they had been largely been getting free of charge
since the dawn of time. The company's answer to their popular Xbox Live
service, the Game For Windows Live service has been met with criticism since its
low-key launch last year, such as lack of quality games for the service, slow
match-making, and the failure for the Games for Windows platform to really take
off. As such, Microsoft is setting Windows Live free.
That's right, from now on Windows Live will be free for all comers.
Although no word yet as how this will affect current Gold subscribers, the
company has removed one major impediment to getting their dedicated service into
the hands (or is that keyboards and mice?) of anxious gamers. The service
will still remain largely the same for now, and include gaming trailers, demos,
and the famous cross-platform matchmaking with certain titles for both Xbox Live
and Windows Live. Could this be a precursor into bringing similar no-fee
services to their propriety home console, which unlike PC gaming requires paid
subscribers in order to enjoy these services?
This Fall the company will also introduce a newly-designed Live interface,
which as described will be similar to the current Xbox Live user-interface
(although no mention if there are any plans to bring the just-announced,
stripped-down Live interface the console is getting later). Also rumored
is that by setting the service free for both gamers and developers, some content
may still have fees associated with it, largely dependant on the needs of the
publisher. By no means one of their finest official statements, the
following blurb sets the record straight:
Free multiplayer is just the beginning.
Introducing Games for Windows – LIVE, the free gaming service built for
Windows that makes great Windows games even better. With Games for Windows –
LIVE, you get an online identity – called a gamertag – and a friends list
that works across multiple games, the XBOX 360, and even the Zune music
service. You can easily find and communicate with your friends online with
text and voice chat. Earn achievements and Gamerscore that lets you track
and compare your accomplishments.
Play multiplayer games with your friends, or play against new opponents
online using our exclusive TrueSkill™ matchmaking system – with other
Windows® players or with or against XBOX 360 players (in supported games.)
All of this is possible today – and at no charge.