Microsoft is kicking Games for Windows – LIVE up a notch. The evolution announced by Larry Hryb, the director of programming for Xbox Live (who uses the pseudonym Major Nelson), involves the overhauling of the service and the introduction of a fresh LIVE guide. According to Hryb, all that end-users will have to do is login and they will be prompted for the updated version of Games for Windows – LIVE.

“An update to Games for Windows – LIVE will be available next time you login to a LIVE enabled game (of course) - offering you the brand new LIVE Guide,” revealed Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc. At the bottom of this article you will find a series of screenshots made available by Hryb, which have been designed to deliver a taste of the new user experience of the updated Games for Windows – LIVE.

At the same time, Microsoft has made available for download the Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable v2.0. The bits for the Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable v2.0 went live on the Microsoft Download Center on November 12, 2008, and were supported on Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2, according to the Redmond giant.

“Redistributable package for Games for Windows - LIVE v2.0. upgrades the version of Games for Windows - LIVE on a user's machine to version 2.0,” reads Microsoft's description of the package. In order to upgrade, users will have to download and execute the file, and then simply follow the instructions presented by the Installation Wizard.

Games for Windows -LIVE is Microsoft's cross-platform gaming service, set up to connect the PC with the Xbox console. In addition to the Games for Windows – LIVE update, Microsoft has also overhauled the design of the official website for the service. According to its statistics, the Redmond giant is applauding a community of in excess of 14 million gamers, built around Games for Windows – LIVE since the service was introduced.

Games for Windows - LIVE Redistributable 2.0 is available for download here.