Games On Demand Coming To Games For Windows Live

[luke_c]

Microsoft has announced that on December 15th, Games on Demand comes to Games for Windows Live, which is a very fancy way of saying it's going to start digitally distributing PC games.

It's really the next natural step in Games for Windows Live development. The Xbox 360 Games on Demand program has been doing well enough, and services like Stardock's Impulse and Steam have already proven the viability of the digital download store model, so now we're getting Games on Demand for Games for Windows Live.

"With Games on Demand, we didn't just want to create a cut-and-paste version of existing digital distribution services," said Mike Ybarra, general manager of LIVE Engagement Services. "We challenged ourselves to deliver an integrated platform that takes full advantage of the unique capabilities offered by the LIVE service. Our goal has always been to create a seamless online gaming experience for the Windows community, and Games on Demand is a great step toward that end."

From the initial announcement, the main difference between Games on Demand and something like Steam is the use of Microsoft points to purchase games along with actual cash money, but it's certainly a start. If they can keep prices competitive, they could be on to something.

Speaking of starts, the service's launch lineup will include Resident Evil 5, Red Faction: Guerrilla, and Battlestations: Pacific, along with Live-enabled versions of popular downloadable titles like World of Goo and Osmos. If those aren't enticing enough, there's also a free Live-enabled version of Tinker, the Windows Vista Ultimate Extra exclusive for those willing to download the Games for Windows Live client when the service goes live on the 15th.

You can download the Games for Windows Live client at Microsoft's official website.

Source.
Microsoft's Official Games for Windows site.

 

[prowler]

are people going to have to pay for access then pay for the games?

 

[Maz7006]

are people going to have to pay for access then pay for the games?

Well yeah, isnt that the whole idea ?

Hence the windows logo

 

[Placeholder]

I won't be using it as I already have lots in Steam. Seems silly changing to use this instead of Steam where my other games are at.

 

[Law]

are people going to have to pay for access then pay for the games?

You can buy and download the games as long as you have a Gold account ($50/year?), but in order to play the games you've bought and downloaded using the service, you need to pay for a platinum account ($80/year).

 

[luke_c]

are people going to have to pay for access then pay for the games?

Why would they pay for access? It's completely free, like Steam.

 

[prowler]

I was taking a joke from xbox live gold accounts.

 

[Hadrian]

They up against competition this time so they'll need to offer the best service and cheapest games. Maybe get some demos that the likes of Steam wont get as well as some great DLC.

All in all I think this is where us consumers win in the end.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

...So it's Microsoft's version of Steam? Or am I making terrible comparisons?

 

[Minox]

...So it's Microsoft's version of Steam? Or am I making terrible comparisons?

Yes, pretty much. Except I kinda have a hard time seeing any real competition from M$ in this market.

 

[ninchya]

I sense fail lol
Its gonna be like the onlive project (if anyone has heard of it?)
Microsoft just wants more money probaly. also this new game on demand might open more pirating opportunities? who knows HAPPY ZELDA FLOOD DAY every1

steam is still better with the steam community (IM IN GBATEMP Community YAY)

 

[prowler]

Microsoft just wants more money probaly.

They always want money look at it this way
They refused BBC iPlayer for UK viewers because BBC wanted it to be free for all users
They charge money for people playing online on any game of theirs while Sony and Nintendo is free (unless the game says its Pay2Play)
They are charging way to much for Windows 7
Plus this.

 

[Dark Justice]

I've got Xbox live and meh, it's 40 bucks a year.. I use it more for buying Arcade games onto my xbox 360 mostly.. Sometimes I play some GTA or something like that online, but thats about it.. I don't think i'd ever use this feature for windows because well my computer is out of date and couldn't even attempt to play the games that are releasing these days.. ofcourse there is a few here and there (I loved Plants vs Zombies, puzzle quest galactrix, and Professor Heinz Wolffs Gravity and my computer could play them).. Overall, it's good for most, but my computer isn't a gaming beast.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

...So it's Microsoft's version of Steam? Or am I making terrible comparisons?

Yes, pretty much. Except I kinda have a hard time seeing any real competition from M$ in this market.

I agree. I think if they started something awesome, like offering Halo: CE for free or a dirt cheap price off the bat, it'd be a great promotional tool. Not to mention throwing in Gears of War 1 and 2, Halo 2 and 3, Fallout 3, and other big name titles for the PC.

 

[Bladexdsl]

They charge money for people playing online on any game of theirs while Sony and Nintendo is free (unless the game says its Pay2Play)

exactly what idiot would pay to play the multiplayer mode on a disc you you already bought!

 

[shito]

are people going to have to pay for access then pay for the games?

Why would they pay for access? It's completely free, like Steam.

were talking about M$, it may happen, i guess is pointless to buy a 360 now (at least for me), almost of it is being relased for pc except exclusivities

 

[Minox]

They charge money for people playing online on any game of theirs while Sony and Nintendo is free (unless the game says its Pay2Play)

exactly what idiot would pay to play the multiplayer mode on a disc you you already bought!

X360 users, that's what.

 

[shakirmoledina]

it would seem like how they blew away BBC, cost will be a major issue here