14 DAY TRIAL // We reported yesterday about the update that Microsoft's online PC service, Games for Windows, had received. The update, consisting of a complete revamp of the old heavy user interface, is only the first step in the company's new marketing campaign that will back up PC gaming in general, and especially the Windows environment.
The next step in this new move will be the addition of an online Marketplace, similar to the one for the Xbox 360, where gamers will get the chance to download demos, trailers, screenshots and various other materials related to games that appear on the PC platform. As a special addition, this new Marketplace, which will be implemented in two to three weeks, will also offer full games that will be available to buy.
This move has been expected for quite some time, as a lot of people said that Microsoft would enter the online game distribution market and create a rival for the currently most used program, Steam, from Valve. Although Microsoft really has its work cut out for it, as Steam already has over 450 titles in its portfolio, there's nothing money can't solve, as the company already announced that it would be offering the first DLC (Downloadable Content) packs for Bethesda's very popular Fallout 3 RPG (Role Playing Game). Although nothing about this future DLC has been stated, Bethesda's Pete Hines shared his thoughts on this new partnership.
"Games for Windows LIVE helps us expand the Fallout 3 universe and bring the full experience directly to gamers. Through the Marketplace we now have a no-nonsense way to deliver updates and great downloadable content. It's really a complete package, and a great fit for Fallout 3."
It seems like Microsoft will pull out all the stops to close the big gap between Games for Windows and Steam, which can only make PC users happy, as a lot more content will be coming to this platform.