Xbox LIVE! comes to Windows on May 8th

[Ruslan74]

Microsoft Corp. today announced the extension of the Xbox LIVE games and entertainment network to the Windows platform, bringing together the most popular online console game service with the most popular games platform in the world. Debuting on May 8, 2007, with the launch of the Windows Vista™ version of the Xbox blockbuster "Halo 2," Games for Windows — LIVE will connect Windows gamers to over six million gamers already in the Xbox LIVE community. Then, launching in June, "Shadowrun" will for the first time connect Windows gamers with Xbox 360 players in cross-platform matches using a single service. "UNO," releasing later in 2007, will also support cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360.
The launch of Games for Windows — LIVE marks a major expansion of the Xbox LIVE service across multiple platforms, uniting gamers with a single identity, a single gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements attainable on the Xbox 360 and a Windows-based PC. Games for Windows — LIVE gamers will be able to easily find and play supported titles online with their friends across a Windows computer or an Xbox 360. As a unified service with Xbox LIVE, Games for Windows — LIVE will be available in every country and region supported today by Xbox LIVE.

"Five years ago, we began building a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "The benefits of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles is twofold: We're bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we're enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity — it's a win for everyone."

Members of Xbox LIVE automatically receive the functionality of Games for Windows — LIVE, using the same gamertag and friends list at no additional cost. For a single, unified service, the pricing of the LIVE services across both Xbox and Games for Windows is identical. In addition, Games for Windows — LIVE introduces the best of Xbox LIVE functionality to please PC gamers, such as in-game voice chat, integrated achievements and dedicated servers. The offering of both Silver and Gold memberships will remain in place for gamers on the Xbox 360 and Windows PC. There is no cost associated with signing up for a Silver membership. Gold memberships will deliver the premium online network experience for $49.95 (U.S.) per year. Current Xbox LIVE Gold members will automatically have access to Gold features on Games for Windows — LIVE titles.

Silver Membership Features
* Single gamertag
* Common gamer profile
* Common gamerscore
* Single player achievements
* Private chat via text and voice
* Common friends list and online presence
* PC only multiplayer including browsing a list of active PC games

Gold Membership Features
* All Silver membership features
* Multiplayer matchmaking with friends
* TrueSkill™ matchmaking
* Multiplayer achievements
* Cross-platform gameplay

These features of the LIVE services will enable gamers to communicate online and play supported games across both of Microsoft's gaming platforms, bringing more players and their friends together to connect in new and exciting ways.



Source. (http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2007/03/14/542900.aspx)

So it might be worth getting some PC games again after all. :p

[Noodle]

Sounds great.

Exept with this I see microtransactions in tow :(

[SosmanSA]

Yip plenty of $$$$ microtransactions !!!

[stoke]

These MS morons could not even create local MSN messenger servers, now they want to get the world gaming on their USA based networks.

PAHLEEZE! Pfffffffft.

[rainy]

So now PC users also have to pay to play games online that used to be playable for free.

[stoke]

There is s seruious drift towards producing a model where games are "rented" instead of purchased.
MS of course, want you to pay for the game, and then rent it afterwards.

[rainy]

Well, there is a simple answer to that. I am not buying those games.

[doobiwan]

So now PC users also have to pay to play games online that used to be playable for free.

I also have a bit of a hard time swallowing that - basically you get a unified friends list and cross game VoIP for your money. If they were giving you MMO type content sure, but it seems a bit steep for 4 year old Halo 2, shadowrun and Uno.

[Noodle]

I'll get them for 360 :D

[Ruslan74]

Well, there is a simple answer to that. I am not buying those games.

Quite true. Nobody is forcing you to but nonetheless 8 million people are paying to play WoW and i dont hear a peep from them. I think the PC industry has way too many people used to get all for free and as soon as they sniff a mere scent of a monthly fee they bark.

It would be interesting if for all daily life chores one would complain or simply pay up your usual monthly fees and get on with life and enjoy it. ;)

[Noodle]

The one really good thing I see to come out of this, is the fees, will in part, be used to maintain the servers. So the online gaming will (better) be less buggy.

[doobiwan]

The problem I have with Live! Gold, I guess is one that we haven't encountered quite yet - what about MMO's. Do we get to pay less for MMOs, because we're already paying Live subs? I'll be miffed if we have to pay the same as Silver Members.

[Noodle]

By the sounds of it the service will be identical to LIVE on xbox.

Silver you can get content and chat to friends etc...
Gold you can play online and all the rest.
You only pay the Gold fees and pay for the game. It's up to the devs to decide if the game will have subs.

Looking at the 360 there are 2 games that have subs, only one that comes to mind now is dynasty warriors, Which a- is crap and b- no one plays.


So I'm not to worried about games having subs ontop of it as well.

[doobiwan]

Well there's a new version of Final fantasy II "2007" coming out so there's more subs :p

360 and Windows live are identical, in fact if you have a 360 Gold account, you can use it for Windows Live as well.

[Noodle]

THat is correct doobi.

However not too worried about FF not a very good mmo IMHO. :p