Are you ready for the evolution of gaming on Windows Vista? Well, you might as well gear up, because Microsoft is cooking the next generation of Games for Windows - LIVE. According to the Redmond company, Games for Windows - LIVE 1.2 is planned for availability by the end of November. No word yet on exactly when Microsoft will deliver the update, but version 1.2 is coming and will bring to the table several enhancements. On the surface of Games for Windows - LIVE 1.2, Microsoft will introduce a redesigned graphical user interface, but there are also some under-the-hood tweaks waiting to be implemented, as Larry Hryb, Xbox Live Director of Programming, revealed.

"Xbox Live's [Larry Hryb] revealed some tidbits on an upcoming update to Games for Windows - LIVE for the PC. As you know, several games have launched under Games for Windows - LIVE that allow PC Games to tap into Xbox Live. Like with Dashboard Updates to the Xbox 360, Microsoft can also update the Games for Windows - LIVE components within PC games such as Halo 2 for Windows Vista and Shadowrun that add functionality and bug fixes. I look forward to seeing these improvements for the 1.2 release for Games for Windows - LIVE," said Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.

Version 1.2 will "continue to add numerous end-user benefits to the service, such as support for offline Achievements, so gamers can continue to rack up Gamerscore when not connected to the internet, the ability to see whether your friends are "joinable" in games, along with additional UI features. Turns out we can expect this update to go live sometime next month," Hryb promised.

Games for Windows - LIVE was announced as early as March 2007, but debuted only in May, concomitantly with the availability of Halo 2 for Windows Vista. The service is essentially set up in place in order to bridge Xbox Live and Windows gamers online. Games for Windows - LIVE 1.2 comes on the heels of the gaming phenomenon that proved to be Halo 3, with sales of $300 million worldwide in just the first week, and while the title is Xbox exclusive.