Microsoft announced that the Games for Windows initative is set to expand with the launch of their online PC gaming marketplace coming this fall. The service will be delivered free and downloadable game content, also featuring trailers, demos, and other content akin to the current Xbox Live.
In addition, the Games for Windows Live interface will be redesigned for the PC gaming audience in mind making it “much more PC friendly.” No details were shed on whether or not Microsoft will provide full games for purchase through the network.
To further entice the PC audience, Microsoft has announced that all the multiplayer features for Games for Windows Live are now free.
Games for Windows Gold offered a subscription based service for $7.99 monthly or $49.99 yearly in order to gain access to achievements, matchmaking, and cross-platform play. Similar to features on the Xbox 360 platform, PC gamers did not necessarily wanted to pay a similar price on the GFW platform as free programs (i.e. Steam) offered comparable functionality.
