Windows 7 Games Explorer – The Evolution

The Games Explorer is one of the Windows Vista specific features that has survived in Windows 7, albeit the inherent evolution. The Games Explorer is Microsoft's attempt to create a cozy nook designed to centralize all the gaming content in Vista, and, of course, Windows 7. But with the advent of the next iteration of the Windows client, Games Explorer will grow with added functionality. However, the feature is almost wasted on users who plan to access games as Solitaire or Minesweeper, while a different targeted audience, namely the hardcore gamers, is bound to see more benefits to it. Despite this fact, this is not to say that all users can't enjoy Games Explorer.

“These new features in Games Explorer can not only be appreciated by the casual gamer looking to play one of Windows 7’s many built-in games, but also the more advanced PC gamer too,” Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, explained. “The new features I am going to talk about here are available for you to try out in the Windows 7 Beta today.”

The first noticeable difference in Games Explorer in Windows 7 compared with the Vista version is the clear separation between (plain vanilla) Games and Game Providers. The division is made for the sake of supporting an update infrastructure for all the gaming content associated with Games Explorer. LeBlanc promised that, while in Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 Microsoft was the official Game Provider, more companies would be added in the future.

“Games Explorer will deliver updates from Game Providers, including news and information regarding their own games. Updates from Game Providers appear in the right-hand Preview Pane when a Game Provider is selected. When you select the Microsoft Games Provider, you can see updates from us,” LeBlanc stated.

The Windows 7 Games Explorer streamlines access and discoverability of updates for games installed in the operating system. Users will be able to configure Games Explorer to deliver automatic update notifications for games, as well as news and information accompanying the updates. At the same time, right-clicking a Game Provider will offer the option to manually “check online for game updates.” The idea is that Games Explorer will permit users to install updates without actually having to launch the games themselves.

“One more thing… Games Explorer will track statistics for the games you play. Statistics are tracked for the different levels for each game. In the future, expect to see many of your favorite games take advantage of this functionality,” LeBlanc added.