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Games for Windows – Live

GFWL transparent.png
Developer Microsoft
Type
  • Content delivery
  • Digital rights management (DRM)
  • Cross-platform play
  • Social networking
Launch date
  • Games for Windows – Live:
    May 29, 2007[1]
  • Games on Demand:
    December 15, 2009[2]
Current version 3.5.95.0
Last updated February 20, 2014
Platform(s) PC
Operating system(s) Designed for Windows XP, Vista and 7; still works on Windows 8, 8.1, 10 and 11
Status Discontinued
(digital distribution store only; services are still running for purchased and retail content)
Website www.gfwl.com

Games for Windows – Live or GFWL (trademarked as Games for Windows – LIVE[3]) was an online gaming service used by Games for Windows–branded PC titles that enables Windows PCs to connect to Microsoft’s Live service. Users, each with a unique Gamertag (the Microsoft username service for gaming that began on Xbox Live), are able to play online, keep track of their friends’ status, send and receive messages, gain and keep track of Achievements and associated Gamerscore, voice chat across platforms (removed in 2010), and more. Some games allow for cross-platform play, such as Shadowrun, putting Windows players against Xbox 360 players.

The service was open to third-party developers, but they had to meet certain Technical Certification Requirements (TCRs), which included (but were not limited to): game ratings, total number of Gamerscore points, content, game profiles, and Live connectivity. Games for Windows – Live games also had to meet standard Games for Windows (games that do not have Live support) TCRs. The same developer support infrastructure as the Xbox 360 was also available. Assistance to developers was provided through the Microsoft XNA Developer Connection.[4] The successor to Games for Windows is now Microsoft Store for PC which allows players on the computer to use the Xbox network functions and play various Xbox games without having a console.

History[edit]

The first Games for Windows – Live-enabled title was Shadowrun, which launched simultaneously on Windows Vista and Xbox 360 on May 29, 2007,[1][5] and was also the first LIVE title to offer cross-platform play between Windows Vista and Xbox 360 on the Live service.

Another game that was released is Halo 2 for Windows Vista, which was launched to the public on May 31, 2007.[1] The game supports all the standard Live features (such as achievements, voice chat, messages, etc.), but does not offer cross-platform play with Xbox players.

Sega, Eidos, and THQ have signed on to include Games for Windows – Live in their upcoming games. Epic Games also included this service in their game engine Unreal Engine 3.[6] Universe at War: Earth Assault from Sega and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition from Capcom include cross-platform play between Xbox 360 and Windows over Live.

On July 22, 2008, Microsoft’s Chris Satchell, CTO of the company’s Entertainment devices division, announced that Games For Windows – Live would be free to developers. Previously, select publishers and developers used the system and had to pay for it. Also, all Games For Windows – Live features were now free for gamers, such as matchmaking and cross-platform play. Satchell added that the move was a «way to improve Windows gaming».[7]

As well as free multiplayer, Microsoft reduced the technical requirements for those developers looking to utilize Live such as removing playlist servers, and allowing studios to use the Microsoft matchmaking servers instead. The new Marketplace was made available for Games for Windows – Live on December 5, 2008. Microsoft also released the newly designed User Interface, on November 12, 2008.[8]

On January 7, 2010, it was announced at CES that the upcoming Xbox Game Room would be made available on both the Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live services.[9] However, games purchased with 240 Microsoft Points will only be playable on one of the platforms; either Xbox 360 or PC. A dual-platform license will cost 400 Microsoft Points.[10] As the Game Room will be available to Gold and Silver Xbox members, the service will be free to use on Games for Windows Live. Arcade games will feature achievements and online leaderboards.[11]

Microsoft revealed on May 21, 2010, that Fable III would be released on Windows as well as the Xbox 360, and would feature Games for Windows – Live. The downloadable version will be a Games on Demand exclusive.[12]

On August 17, 2010, Microsoft unveiled two new games at Gamescom 2010 that will use Games for Windows – LIVE, Age of Empires Online and Microsoft Flight. Age of Empires will be free-to-play through LIVE.[13] On September 24, 2010, Microsoft Game Studios’ general manager Dave Luehmann said in an interview the studio’s renewed focus will start with three big titles—Fable III, Age of Empires Online and Microsoft Flight—which will use Games for Windows – LIVE. Luehmann reassured PC gamers that more big titles were on the way, however the studio plans to test new ideas.

On September 13, 2011, Major Nelson confirmed what Microsoft is bringing Xbox Live to Windows 8, being called Xbox Live on Windows.[14]

On March 26, 2012, Microsoft Studios announced the arrival of Age of Empires Online on Steam.[15] Age of Empires Online was released on Steam on March 27, 2012. On April 3, 2012, Microsoft Flight was released on Steam.[16] Microsoft Studios release Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet on April 17, 2012, and Toy Soldiers on April 27, 2012, in Games for Windows – LIVE. On April 17, 2012, Microsoft said that they continued to support the Games for Windows platform, to the rumors of the discontinuation of Games for Windows – LIVE in favor of Xbox Live on Windows.[17] On April 13, 2012, Microsoft Studios release Iron Brigade, and is the first Microsoft Studios title available only on Steam.

On August 31, 2012, Gotham City Impostors became free-to-play and dropped Games for Windows – LIVE in favor of Steamworks. On October 10, 2012, the Steam version of Toy Soldiers was updated to fully use Steamworks, although it still gives the option to use the original service.[18] On October 16, 2012, Mark of the Ninja was the first title of Microsoft Studios to use Steamworks exclusively, instead of GfWL. On October 25, 2012, Deadlight became the second title of Microsoft Studios to use Steamworks exclusively.[19] On November 28, 2012, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon became the first (and only) retail Games for Windows – LIVE title announced for 2013.[20]

On January 31, 2013, Microsoft Studios said that they «have nothing to share on the future of Games for Windows Live».[21] On March 7, 2013, Microsoft Studios announced Age of Empires II: HD Edition + The Conquerors would be released exclusively on Steam.[22] On April 3, 2013, Ms. Splosion Man was released by Microsoft Studios on both platforms. On August 9, 2013, Microsoft announced the removal of one of the most criticized limitations for the LIVE platform, the inability of simultaneously logging in on both the Xbox One and Games for Windows LIVE.[23]

On August 16, 2013, Microsoft announced that the Xbox.com PC Marketplace was going to be closed on August 22 alongside the Xbox 360 update that retired Microsoft Points in favour of local currency purchases. The service would otherwise continue to operate normally.[24]

In August 2013, a since-deleted support article for Age of Empires Online announced that the Games for Windows – Live service would be discontinued on July 1, 2014.[25] Microsoft issued a statement in June 2014 denying they were closing Games for Windows Live, stating «We remain committed to investing in PC gaming in the years ahead, and look forward to sharing more in the future».[26][27][28] After the initial August 2013 support article, some game publishers announced that they would be removing GFWL from their games, but in most cases this did not happen until several years later or at all.[29][30][31] Microsoft closed Games for Windows LIVE on August 15, 2013: «As part of the upcoming Xbox 360 system update, Microsoft Points will be retired, and the Xbox.com PC marketplace will be closed as of August 22, 2013. We encourage you to spend your Microsoft Points balance prior to this change». The download of the client software is still available, and the servers are still online.[32][33]

Games for Windows Live has since been practically replaced with the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 & 11 (and supported now-discontinued Windows Phone).

In 2020, Microsoft removed the Games for Windows – LIVE download page and the Windows Live Sign-in Assistant was removed from their servers and therefore the online Games for Windows – LIVE installer fails to install.

Features[edit]

  • Achievements earned during gameplay.
  • Gamerscores amounting the total of a user’s achievement points.
  • Reputation voted by other users preferring or avoiding the user. Rep defaults to five stars over time after the user has been preferred by at least one other user.
  • Friends list displaying the user’s chosen friends of up to 100.
  • Recent players list displaying the last 50 players the user has met.
  • Complaint system allowing users to file reports of other users that have broken Live Terms of Use.
  • Games for Windows Marketplace offered Games on Demand, downloadable content, music and movies until its closure in 2013.
  • Public and private chat via Voice and text. The voice feature worked between Xbox 360 and Windows until 2010, when Microsoft updated the voice codec for Xbox Live. Games, such as Shadowrun,[34] now only support the text portion of this feature.
  • Multiplayer gameplay via Games for Windows – Live.
  • Matchmaking depending on the user’s cumulative gamerscore, rep, location, language and gamer zone.
  • Family settings controlling younger users’ exposure to other users.
  • Game Room virtual arcade space offering a library of classic retro games.
  • Cross-platform gameplay with Xbox 360

User information[edit]

Gamertag[edit]

A Gamertag is the universal name for a player’s username on Games for Windows – Live, as well as Xbox Live, Zune, and XNA Creators Club. A Gamertag used online must be unique and can be up to 15 characters in length, including numbers, letters, and spaces.

A player’s Gamertag account status can be checked using a variety of online tools, which is useful especially when looking for a new Gamertag, or confirming that a Gamertag exists. Using a valid Gamertag, any player can be located and messaged from within Live. There are also several websites which allow users of Gamertags to upload photos and information about themselves.

Gamerscore[edit]

The Gamerscore (G) is an achievements system that measures the number of achievement points accumulated by a user with a Live profile. These Achievement points are awarded for the completion of game-specific challenges, such as beating a level or amassing a specified number of wins against other players in online matches.

All regular disc-based games must have 1,000 Gamerscore points in the base game; the title can ship with fewer than 1,000 points, but anything added later must be free. Game developers also have the option of adding up to 250 points via downloadable content every three months after the first year of release (for a total of 1,750 points).

On May 26, 2007, Halo 2 was the first Games for Windows – Live title to feature Achievements, which counted towards a player’s Gamerscore.

Gamercard[edit]

The Gamercard is an information panel used to summarize a user’s Live profile. The pieces of information on a Gamercard include: the user’s Gamertag (in front a silver or gold bar), reputation, Gamerscore, Gamer Zone and recently played games.

TrueSkill[edit]

TrueSkill[35] is a ranking and matchmaking system premiering in the Live services. Developed at Microsoft Research Cambridge (United Kingdom), the TrueSkill ranking system is now used in many titles for Games for Windows – Live. It uses a mathematical model of uncertainty to address weaknesses in existing ranking systems such as Elo. For example, a new player joining million-player leagues can be ranked correctly in fewer than 20 games. It can predict the probability of each game outcome, which enhances competitive matchmaking, making it possible to assemble skill-balanced teams from a group of players with different abilities.

When matchmaking, the system attempts to match individuals based on their estimated skill level. If two individuals are competing head-to-head and have the same estimated skill level with low estimate uncertainty, they should each have roughly a 50% chance of winning a match. In this way, the system attempts to make every match as competitive as possible.

In order to prevent abuse of the system, the majority of ranked games have relatively limited options for matchmaking. By design, players cannot easily play with their friends in ranked games. However, these countermeasures have failed due to techniques such as alternate account(s) and system flaws where each system has its own individual trueskill rating. To provide less competitive games, the system supports unranked Player Matches, which allow individuals of any skill level to be paired (often including «guests» on an account). Such matches do not contribute to the TrueSkill rating.

User interface[edit]

The user interface or «Guide» was changed from earlier versions (made to match the Xbox 360’s original appearance) to a new appearance. The guide includes messaging (text and voice), friends list, recent players, private chat, and personal settings.

The current version of the in-game Live client is version 3.5.0088.0, released on May 6, 2011. It is available for Windows XP (Service Pack 2 and above), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems. Version 3.0 added extended information about progress and some bugfixes. The client also auto-updates when users are logged-on to a Live-aware game.

Marketplace[edit]

The Games for Windows Marketplace client was officially released on December 4, 2009. It initially launched with demos and trailers of games available on the Live service.[36] Full titles were later added in the form of Games on Demand.

With version 3.0 of the Games for Windows – Live service, an in-game marketplace was included; in addition to new account management tools, such as the ability to change a Gamertag for 800 Microsoft Points.[37] The in-game marketplace enables users to purchase DLC without exiting, as it installs the content directly from within the game.[4]

On July 22, 2011, Microsoft announced that they would be scrapping the newly revamped Games for Windows Marketplace website and merged the content with the Xbox website.[38] The Games for Windows client, which was another way for users to purchase games, was also reduced to simply opening up the Windows section of Xbox.com. On August 15, 2013, Microsoft announced that the marketplace would be closed on August 22 of the same year.[39][40][41]

The marketplace became non-functional in 2018 with purchased games no longer displaying and instead presenting an error saying «There was an error retrieving your purchase history. Please sign out and try again later» despite existing purchases being supposed to still be available to download.

The Games for Windows Live Marketplace client stopped logging in completely in 2022 due to TLS 1.0 and 1.1 connections being no longer permitted for Xbox Live accounts to login and therefore presents a connection error when launching the program. The marketplace however, was already non-functional since 2018.

Games on Demand[edit]

On December 15, 2009, Microsoft launched Games on Demand, a digital distribution service offering titles such as Resident Evil 5 and Battlestations: Pacific. Also available are arcade games such as a free version of Microsoft Tinker, a former exclusive to Windows Vista Ultimate, as well as World of Goo and Osmos.[2][42][43][44]

Some titles bought on Games on Demand include Server Side Authentication. This is a Games for Windows – Live 3.0 feature that automatically ties the game to your Windows Live ID and the Gamertag associated to it. These games have no activation limits and can be re-installed multiple times. The majority of the other titles on the service use a SecuROM DRM that lets the user activate the game up to five times each month on any hardware.[45]

On June 8, 2010, some games which were previously not Games for Windows titles were added for download. Microsoft had claimed that new titles would be added every week and that there would be over 100 games by the end of 2010.[46]

On October 22, 2010, Microsoft announced a revamp of Games On Demand under the new branding Games for Windows Marketplace.[47][48] However, this was met with low expectations from reviewers, considering the history of Games for Windows Live on PC.[43][47][49] On July 22, 2011, less than a year after the revamp, Microsoft announced that it would merge the Games for Windows Marketplace into the Xbox website.[38]

Availability[edit]

As of February 10, 2015[50][51] Games for Windows – Live is available in 42 countries/territories.[52] Users in other countries can access Live by creating a Gamertag using an address from a supported country, although no technical support is available outside of the supported countries.[citation needed] Since Games for Windows – Live is based on the Xbox Live service, availability is exactly identical to the regional availability of Xbox Live. The Marketplace is not available for all of these regions.

Worldwide Xbox/Games for Windows Live availability map

Worldwide Games for Windows – Live availability.

Controversies[edit]

After the official announcement of Games for Windows – Live, many PC gamers were upset with Microsoft’s move to charge PC gamers a fee of $49.99 to use the service. Many PC gamers felt this move was unfair, as playing online and many of the other services GFWL offered has, for the most part, always been free on the PC.[53] Microsoft later began offering the service free of charge, after many complaints from PC gamers were made.

After the announcement that the PC release of Dark Souls would use Games for Windows – Live, fans started up a petition to have the game released without the service attached. The online petition gained over 20,000 signatures in under a week, reflecting a notable public dislike of the service among PC gamers.[54] The game would move to Steamworks in 2014.[55]

Many Grand Theft Auto IV users who bought their game via Steam had trouble activating CD-keys in-game via the integrated Games for Windows – Live client.[56][57] In January 2020, the game was removed from sale on Steam, with Rockstar Games stating «With Microsoft no longer supporting Games For Windows Live, it is no longer possible to generate the additional keys needed to continue selling the current version of the game.»[58] The next month, Rockstar announced that on March 19, 2020, that an updated version of GTA IV named ‘Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition’ without Games for Windows Live would replace the previous version. The online leaderboards and multiplayer were removed as they relied on GFWL services to function.[59] The Rockstar Games Launcher is now required to launch the game, which acts as a replacement for the DRM and achievements features of GFWL.

See also[edit]

  • Games for Windows
  • List of Games for Windows titles
  • List of Games for Windows – Live titles
  • Windows Games on Demand
  • List of Xbox Live games on Windows 10
  • Live Anywhere

References[edit]

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  2. ^ a b LeBlanc, Brandon (December 18, 2009). «Games on Demand for Games for Windows – LIVE». Windows Team Blog. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
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  5. ^ «Xbox.com Shadowrun – Game Detail Page». Microsoft. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2008.
  6. ^ Minkley, Johnny (August 22, 2006). «GCDC: «Cross-platform floodgates will open in 2008″ – MS». Archived from the original on April 20, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2008.
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  9. ^ [1] Archived January 14, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
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  16. ^ «Flight Arrives on Steam!». Flight News Update. April 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 21, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
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  18. ^ «Toy Soldiers Product Update». Steam News. October 10, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  19. ^ «Tequila Works’ tweet». Tequila Works’ Twitter. October 23, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2012. @tequilaworks Does the PC version use Games For Windows Live? Thanks —@FunktionJCB
    @FunktionJCB Nope —@tequilaworks
  20. ^ joar (November 28, 2012). «Ace Combat Assault Horizonn Coming to PC in Q1 2013». gamersyndrome. Archived from the original on June 3, 2013.
  21. ^ John Callaham (January 31, 2013). «Microsoft has «nothing to share» on Games For Windows Live’s future». Neowin. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  22. ^ Samit Sarkar (March 7, 2013). «Age of Empires 2 HD coming to Steam on April 9 for $19.99». Polygon. Archived from the original on March 8, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2013.
  23. ^ Kirk Hamilton (August 9, 2013). «Xbox One Ditches One Of Xbox Live’s More Annoying Limitations». Kotaku. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  24. ^ «PC Marketplace Closing FAQ». Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  25. ^ «Microsoft: Games for Windows Live service ending July 2014». Polygon. August 19, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
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  29. ^ «Capcom to remove Games for Windows Live from PC titles». Destructoid. August 18, 2013. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  30. ^ «Batman: Arkham games drop Games for Windows Live». Destructoid. October 17, 2013. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  31. ^ «BioShock 2 updated for Steam after Games for Windows Live closure». Eurogamer. October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  32. ^ «Facebook page Games for Windows LIVE». Microsoft. August 15, 2013. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
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  34. ^ «Voice chat not working in Shadowrun». March 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 10, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  35. ^ «TrueSkill». Archived from the original on December 10, 2008.
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  37. ^ «Sign in to your Microsoft account». Forumd.gamesforwindows.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  38. ^ a b LeBlanc, Brandon (July 22, 2011). «The Games for Windows Marketplace has moved to Xbox.com!». Windows Team Blog. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  39. ^ «Games for Windows status». Facebook. August 15, 2013. Archived from the original on January 16, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
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  43. ^ a b Peckham, Matt (December 16, 2009). «Games for Windows Live Adds ‘Games on Demand’ Downloads». PC World. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  44. ^ Fahey, Mike (December 3, 2009). «Games On Demand Coming To Games For Windows Live». Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  45. ^ GFWL GHOST (May 16, 2011). «DRM Policies for Games on Demand titles». Microsoft Corporation. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
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  47. ^ a b «Microsoft Brings Games on Demand to the Web With New PC Game Store». Microsoft. October 22, 2010. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  48. ^ «Games for Windows Marketplace gets competitive, relaunching Nov. 15». Joystiq. October 22, 2010. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010. It’s all a step in the right direction, but Microsoft is severely behind Steam, which revamped its entire marketplace and client earlier this year
  49. ^ «Microsoft unveils all-new Games for Windows Marketplace». TechRadar. October 22, 2010. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2010. That announcement was greeted with a fair amount of scorn from the PC gaming world—so it remains to be seen if the US giant is already facing an uphill battle. «After years of failing to turn Games for Windows Live into a useful service to gamers, people are going to be skeptical of anything Microsoft try to do in the same space, said PC Gamer’s Graham Smith.
  50. ^ Rego, Nick (October 20, 2012). «XBOX Live Launching in UAE and KSA Oct 23rd». IGN Middle East. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
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  53. ^ «Games for Windows — LIVE Gold to Cost $50». Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  54. ^ Makuch, Eddie. «Gamers rallying against Dark Souls PC using Games for Windows Live». Gamespot. Archived from the original on April 20, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  55. ^ McWhertor, Michael (October 20, 2014). «Dark Souls PC is making the jump from Games for Windows Live to Steam». Polygon. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  56. ^ «Problems with GTA IV/EFLC Activation Keys on Steam». Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  57. ^ GFWL Support (September 5, 2012). «[Solution]Bought Grand Theft Auto IV from And the Key is Not Working to Sign-in». Archived from the original on April 6, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
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  59. ^ «Important Updates To Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes from Liberty City». Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
Games for Windows — LIVE

Games for Windows - LIVE cover
Developers
Microsoft
Release dates
Windows May 29, 2007

Games for Windows - LIVE at Wikipedia

Stores

Amazon
Battle.net
Bethesda.net
Discord
Epic Games Store
FireFlower Games
GamersGate
Games for Windows — LIVE
Gamesplanet
GOG.com
Green Man Gaming
Humble Store
Itch.io
Kartridge
Mac App Store
Microsoft Store
Oculus Store
Origin
Rockstar Games Launcher
Steam
Ubisoft Connect
Viveport
ZOOM Platform

Key points

Requires installation of the latest version to function on Windows 8 and later.
The Marketplace was closed on August 25, 2013 for new purchases; existing purchases was supposed to still available to download,[1] although the service has been non-functional since 2018.[2][3][4][5]
DRM varies; see the DRM section for details, or the list of games using GFWL. Some games have had it removed from certain versions, see the list of games formerly using GFWL. For a list of Steam games that use Games for Windows — LIVE, see The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam.
Not to be confused with the simpler Games for Windows (no LIVE) certification[6]
Uses the same Microsoft account and gamertag across other Xbox services.
Only available in Xbox Live Countries and Regions; players outside these areas must use a local profile. Local profile support is listed beside the game when known. Most Steam games are region-locked; Latin America users cannot view or purchase these games.

Download

  1. Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable.
  2. Download and install the Games for Windows — LIVE software.
    • Note that the included GFWL Marketplace is non-functional in 2022 and can be ignored after the installation.[7]
  3. Launch a GFWL title and sign in using the in-game overlay and login prompt that appears. Please note that the first sign-in for a game tend to take quite some time and the process might seem to be stuck for 5-10 minutes before completion.[8]

Games for Windows — LIVE

Creating a local profile

Local profiles don’t need internet access.
Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable (many games can be patched manually; refer to the individual game pages for details).
Local profiles can’t be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. Age of Empires Online).
Create local profile[9]
  1. While in any game sign out of your existing profile (if you are signed in), then choose Create New Profile.
  2. Choose Create New Profile again.
  3. At the Create Gamer Profile screen, scroll down and click the «create a local profile» blue link.
  4. Name your profile and click Submit.
  5. Customize the profile now if you want to, then click Done to save your profile.

Backing up saves

Back up XLive folder[citation needed]
  1. Back up the game’s normal save folder.
  2. Back up the XLive folder: %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftXLive.
  3. Restore everything to the same locations.

Moving saves between gamertags

If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won’t be shown in-game.[10]
Move saves to new gamertag
  1. Log into the game with the new gamertag and save the game to make the new folder, then exit the game.
  2. Go to the game’s save folder (e.g. for Fallout 3 this is %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy GamesFallout3Saves).
  3. Move everything from the old gamertag’s folder to the new one, replacing all existing files.
  4. If it worked, the saves will now show up in-game under the new gamertag.
Some games specifically block saves being moved between profiles so this may not work for all games.[11]

Backing up installers

Installation files are normally deleted after installation is complete; you can back them up to avoid having to download them again.
Games reinstalled from backups will not show up as installed in the Marketplace client but will otherwise work normally.
You may also want to keep a copy of your game keys, accessible from the Marketplace client by going to the item and then choosing View Game Keys.
Backing up installers for games purchased through the Marketplace[citation needed]
  1. Download the game through the Marketplace client but do not install it yet.
  2. Go to the downloads folder, found in the following location by default:
    • Vista and later: %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftGFWLiveDownloads
    • Windows XP: %USERPROFILE%Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftGFWLiveDownloads
  3. Copy the installation files somewhere else, then install the game normally.
  4. To reinstall the game from your backup extract the .cab file(s) and run the .msi inside.
Backing up patch update installers[citation needed]
  1. Allow the game to download the update in-game when prompted.
  2. Cancel the UAC prompt or installer window when it appears.
  3. Go to the updates folder, found in the following location by default:
    • Vista and later: %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftXLiveUpdates
    • Windows XP: %USERPROFILE%Local SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftXLiveUpdates
  4. Copy the installation files somewhere else, then allow the game to retry the update installation.
  5. To reinstall the update from the backup, extract the .cab file(s) and run the executablee (or .msi).

DRM

List of games using Games for Windows — LIVE.

There are two types of GFWL activation, Server-Side Activation (SSA) and Legacy (Per-Title 5×5). Both can also utilize Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) to prevent access to games before the release date. ZDPP protected titles are marked as such.

Server-Side Activation (SSA)

Server-Side Activation (SSA) include a unique product key with the game. The key is permanently bound to the Microsoft account, similar to Steam. These games have no activation limits.
If an SSA product key is bound to an account that is not in a supported region the key will be lost (and, consequently, access to the game).
SSA implementations are flexible and it is up to game developers how much of the product should be restricted behind the activation.[Note 1]

Legacy (Per-Title 5×5)

Simple product key check; requires internet access for online profile but does not attach the key to the Microsoft account.
Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles. Then, the game must be purchased again.

Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP)

Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) was an additional DRM check used to prevent pre-release access to games through their retail copies. It relied on an online service to decrypt critical AES-128 encrypted game files that were stored on the disc. When the user tried to launch the game after its installation had completed the Zero Day Piracy Protection Tool would be launched instead. This tool connected and transmitted the ID of the protected game to Microsoft’s online ZDP service hosted here. The online service would then look up the release date for the requested game ID and validate if the date have passed. Upon confirming the release date as passed, the service would respond with the decryption keys for the relevant files which allowed the local tool to decrypt them and grant user access to the game.

The online service stopped working sometime between 2018 and 2020,[13] meaning retail discs of ZDPP protected games will not longer work after installation unless the decrypted files is retrieves through another means. A common method is by manually installing the patches released for the game as this usually comes with a decrypted copy of the game executable.

Module Authentication (MA)

Module Authentication (MA) is an protection measure meant to prevent debugging and/or cheats by verifying protected executable files.[Note 2]

Issues unresolved

If you still have any issues with GFWL, use XLiveLess

Issues fixed

Crashes, errors, impossible to log-in

Reinstall updated client[citation needed]
  1. Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
  2. Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
  3. Reinstall latest version.

Corrupted file error during ZDPP check

«»Games for Windows – LIVE has encountered a corrupted file»
Run Zdp.exe[16]
  1. Go to the game’s installation folder.
  2. Go into the Zdp folder.
  3. Run Zdp.exe.

Games not saving under Windows 8 and newer

Reinstall client in Windows 7 compatibility mode and as administrator[17]
  1. Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
  2. Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
  3. Reboot Windows.
  4. Download the latest version of the Games for Windows Marketplace Client installer.
  5. Run the installer in compatibility mode for Windows 7 and as administrator.
  6. Run a GFWL game and retrieve the gamertag profile if necessary.

Sign-in problems

In-game interface does not open

Reinstall client[citation needed]
Log in the desktop client at least once[citation needed]
  1. Open start menu/screen
  2. Search for Games for Windows
  3. Open the client and log in there
Install the Sign-in Assistant[citation needed]
These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
  1. Install the Sign-in Assistant:
    • Vista and 7: Windows Live Sign-in Assistant.
    • Windows XP: Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5.
  2. Launch the game again and the interface should now open normally.

Notes

Fails to install if Windows Update service is disabled[citation needed]
Ensure Sign-in Assistant service is running[citation needed]
If the Sign-in Assistant is installed but not working, the service might not be running.
These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
  1. Go to Services:
    • Vista and 7: open the Start screen/Start menu, type services.msc and press Enter.
    • Windows XP: press Win+R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Open the Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant entry on the list.
  3. Ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.
  4. If the service is Stopped, click Start and wait until the Service status says Started.
  5. Close the Services windows and try again.

Code: 8015403A error

Try to log in website[citation needed]

Code: 80048821 error

If two-factor authentication is enabled, create a new app password[18]
Try «Sign in with a different gamertag» in the Windows Live ID dropdown menu[citation needed]

Password contains special characters

Passwords need to be under 16 ASCII characters[19][20]
Change incompatible password[citation needed]
  1. Go to the password change form.
  2. Set a new password that is 16 characters or less and has only ASCII characters.
  3. Try signing in with the new password.

Cannot connect in-game

The Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.

Attempt workarounds[citation needed]
  • «Sign in as a different user», then re-enter the same account credentials.
    1. Open an administrator level command prompt.
    2. Enter netsh.exe interface ipv4 show interfaces and note the number it returns.
    3. Identify the used Local Area Connection, then type in netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface 10 mtu=1492 store=persistent
      Replace «10» with the value for the Local Area Connection from the first command’s results. This may need to be run every time the game is started.
This problem arises because GFWL tries to alter the network connection’s MTU before using it.

DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers

«Can’t connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers.»
Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers[21]

Flush the DNS entries from your DNS cache

  1. Run the command prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following: ipconfig /flushdns
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Exit the command prompt.

Change the DNS servers to OpenDNS servers

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Under the ‘Network and Internet’ header click ‘View network status and tasks’.
  3. Select the current network used for teh used Internet connection, right-click on it and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
  4. Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ from the ‘This connection uses the following items’ box. Click ‘Properties’ button.
  5. Click the checkbox labelled ‘Use the following DNS server addresses:’
  6. In the ‘Preferred DNS server:’ box, enter 208.67.222.222.
  7. In the ‘Alternative DNS server:’ box enter 208.67.220.220.
  8. Click ‘OK’ and then click ‘Close’ for Internet connection’s Properties window.
  9. Sign out of the Windows account or restart the computer for changes to take affect.

List of games using Games for Windows — LIVE

Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles

This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Game Developer Publisher First release Local profile ZDPP
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon — Enhanced Edition Project Aces Bandai Namco Entertainment 2013-01-25
AFL Live Big Ant Studios Tru Blu Entertainment 2012-06-06
Age of Empires Online Robot Entertainment, Gas Powered Games Microsoft Studios 2011-08-16
Batman: Arkham City Rocksteady Studios Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Feral Interactive 2011-11-22
Battle vs. Chess Targem Games TopWare Interactive 2011-05-17
Blacklight: Tango Down Zombie Studios Ignition Entertainment 2010-07-14
Bulletstorm People Can Fly, Epic Games Electronic Arts 2011-02-22
CarneyVale: Showtime Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab Microsoft Game Studios 2010-11-11
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 Codemasters Codemasters, Feral Interactive 2009-12-01
Crash Time 4: The Syndicate Synetic DTP Entertainment 2010-12-23
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition FromSoftware Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware 2012-08-23
Dark Void Airtight Games Capcom 2010-01-19
Dead Rising 2 Capcom Vancouver Capcom 2010-09-28
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record Capcom Vancouver Capcom 2011-10-11
DiRT 3 Codemasters Codemasters, Feral Interactive 2011-05-24
F1 2010 Codemasters Birmingham Codemasters 2010-09-22
F1 2011 Codemasters Birmingham Codemasters 2011-09-20
Game Room Krome Studios Microsoft Game Studios 2010-03-24
Gotham City Impostors Monolith Productions Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 2012-02-07
Lost Planet 2 Capcom 2010-10-12
Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom Creat Studios TikGames, Big Fish Games 2007-03-07
Microsoft Flight Microsoft Studios Vancouver Microsoft Studios 2012-02-29
Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection NetherRealm Studios, Other Ocean Interactive, Code Mystics Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 2012-02-01
Ms. Splosion Man Twisted Pixel Games Microsoft Studios 2013-04-03
Operation Flashpoint: Red River Codemasters 2011-04-21
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Slant Six Games Capcom 2012-05-18
Rugby League Live Big Ant Studios Tru Blu Entertainment 2011-02-11
Section 8 TimeGate Studios SouthPeak Interactive 2009-09-04
Section 8: Prejudice TimeGate Studios Atari 2011-05-04
Street Fighter X Tekken Dimps, Capcom Capcom 2012-05-11
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Capcom, Dimps Capcom 2011-07-05
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends Slightly Mad Studios Evolved Games, Rombax Games 2012-12-10
Toy Soldiers Signal Studios Microsoft Studios 2012-04-27
Tron: Evolution Propaganda Games Disney Interactive Studios, Noviy Disk 2010-11-25
Virtua Tennis 4 Sega Sega 2011-06-24
Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Ludia Microsoft Game Studios, Ubisoft 2009-09-22

Legacy (Per-Title 5×5) titles

This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Game Developer Publisher First release Local profile ZDPP
007: Quantum of Solace Treyarch Activision 2008-10-31
Batman: Arkham Asylum Rocksteady Studios Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Eidos Interactive, Square Enix, Feral Interactive 2009-09-15
Battlestations: Pacific Eidos Hungary Eidos Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Feral Interactive 2009-05-12
BioShock 2 2K Marin, 2K China, 2K Australia, Iron Galaxy Studios, Digital Extremes 2K Games, Feral Interactive 2010-02-09
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Arc System Works H2 Interactive Co. Ltd. 2010-08-20
Fallout 3 Bethesda Game Studios Bethesda Softworks 2008-10-28
Fuel Asobo Studio Codemasters, Noviy Disk 2009-07-05
Gears of War Epic Games Microsoft Game Studios 2007-11-06
Grand Theft Auto IV Rockstar North Rockstar Games, Capcom, 1C-SoftClub 2008-12-02
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City Rockstar North Rockstar Games, 1C-SoftClub 2010-04-13
Halo 2 Bungie, Pi Studios Microsoft Game Studios 2007-05-17
Hour of Victory N-Fusion Interactive Midway Games 2007-06-01
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights Juice Games THQ 2007-11-16
Legend of the Galactic Heroes Microvision Bandai Namco Entertainment 2008-10-16
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition Capcom 2008-05-27
Osmos Hemisphere Games 2009-08-17
Red Faction: Guerrilla Volition, THQ Nordic THQ, THQ Nordic, Deep Silver 2009-09-15
Resident Evil 5 Capcom Capcom 2009-09-17
Shadowrun FASA Interactive Microsoft Studios 2007-05-29
Star Wars: The Clone Wars — Republic Heroes Krome Studios LucasArts, Disney Interactive Studios, 1C Company 2009-10-06
Stormrise Creative Assembly International Sega 2009-03-29
Street Fighter IV Capcom, Dimps Capcom 2009-07-03
The Club Bizarre Creations Sega 2008-02-07
Universe at War: Earth Assault Petroglyph Games Sega 2007-12-10
Vancouver 2010 Eurocom Sega 2010-02-18
Viva Piñata Rare Microsoft Game Studios 2007-11-06
World of Goo (2008) 2D Boy Brighter Minds Media 2008-10-13

Only on the Games for Windows Marketplace

These games only had Games for Windows — LIVE when purchased from the Games for Windows Marketplace.
These versions were removed for purchase on August 25, 2013 following the Marketplace’s closure,[1] and eventually removed for download in 2015.

Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles

Game Developer Publisher First release Local profile ZDPP
Dark Void Airtight Games Capcom January 19, 2010
Game Room Krome Studios Microsoft Game Studios March 24, 2010
Mahjong Wisdom Creat Studios TikGames March 7, 2007
Tinker Fuel Industries Microsoft September 23, 2008
Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey Ludia Microsoft Game Studios September 22, 2009

Legacy (Per-Title 5×5) titles

Game Developer Publisher First release Local profile ZDPP
Osmos Hemisphere Games August 17, 2009
World of Goo 2D Boy October 13, 2008

List of games formerly using Games for Windows — LIVE

These games have had Games for Windows — LIVE removed from certain versions in favour of Steam or other services.
Name Notes
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon — Enhanced Edition Steam version migrated to Steamworks. Retail product keys activate on Steam.[22]
Batman: Arkham Asylum GFWL and SecuROM removed from Steam version. All product keys activate on Steam. Non-GOTY keys are upgraded to GOTY version.[23]
Batman: Arkham City GFWL and SecuROM removed from Steam version. All product keys activate on Steam. Non-GOTY keys are upgraded to GOTY version.[23]
BioShock 2 Steam version migrated to Steamworks. All product keys activate on Steam.[24]
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Re-released without GFWL. The original version cannot be upgraded.
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Steam version migrated to Steamworks on February 16, 2015. All product keys activate on Steam.[25]
Dead Rising 2 Steam version migrated to Steamworks on March 17, 2015.[26] Retail product keys activate on Steam.[27]
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record Steam version migrated to Steamworks on March 17, 2015.[26] Retail product keys activate on Steam.[27]
DiRT 3 Steam version owners received DiRT 3 Complete Edition which does not use GFWL. Retail product keys activate on Steam.[28]
Fallout 3 GFWL removed from Steam version.[29]
Gotham City Impostors Free to Play version does not use GFWL.
Grand Theft Auto IV / Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City Steam versions merged and changed in March 2020 to remove GFWL and replace its functionality with that of Rockstar Games Launcher.[30]
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Steam version migrated to Steamworks. GFWL removed.[31]
Iron Brigade GFWL was removed in the Steam Matchmaking update.[32]
Ms. Splosion Man Steam version migrated to Steamworks on June 20, 2014.[33] Other versions are not affected. GFWL can be accessed if still desired[34]
Red Faction: Guerrilla Steam version migrated to Steamworks.[35] GFWL can be accessed if still desired through the gamesforwindowslivelegacy Steam beta (does not generate a GFWL key).
Resident Evil 5 Steam version migrated to Steamworks. Retail product keys activate on Steam.[36] GFWL can be accessed if still desired, see game page.
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Steam version migrated to Steamworks as Ultra Street Fighter IV.[37] GFWL saves can be optionally imported. All product keys activate on Steam.
Toy Soldiers Steam version gives choice of GFWL or Steamworks (saves and achievements are separate for each). GFWL completely optional (GFWL keys cannot be generated or retrieved).[38]
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II GFWL has been removed.[39] A GFWL downgrade is available, see game page.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising GFWL has been removed.[40] A GFWL downgrade is available, see game page.

Notes

  1. Four typical configurations are mentioned as examples in a presentation by Microsoft:[12]
    • While offline: Singleplayer is accessible. While connected to LIVE: Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
    • While offline: Nothing is accessible. Having connected once to LIVE: Singleplayer is accessible. While connected to LIVE: Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
    • While offline: Nothing is accessible: While connected to LIVE: Singleplayer, Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
    • While offline: Demo with only the first few levels are accessible. While connected to LIVE: Singleplayer, Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.

  2. Not a lot of information is available on this module, but this presentation mentions it in context of anti-cheat measures.[14] Additionally, it is also mentioned in the EULA for the original version of Bulletstorm.[15]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Wayback Machine: PC Marketplace closing | PC Marketplace — Xbox.com
  2. NeoGAF — Games for Windows Live purchases no longer downloadable from client [Edit: Fixed] — last accessed on 2018-02-26
  3. Microsoft Community — GFWL keeps saying there was an error retrieving your purchase history. please sign out and try again later. — last accessed on 2018-02-26
  4. Steam Community — There was an error retrieving your purchase history — last accessed on 2018-02-26
  5. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/i-will-continue-insisting-for-the-games-for/ae8a7b21-9243-4672-9c2b-8c8509c79b04?page=1
  6. For Publishers | Games for Windows
  7. Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-08-15
  8. Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-08-15
    This is something that have been the case the last few years — the first sign-in to a game on a system takes forever before it finishes, though subsequent sign-ins for that game takes the expected couple of seconds.

  9. Verified by User:SojerManLan on 2021-09-20
    Tested with a retail installation of Fable III. Once the GFWL overlay pop-up appeared, I was able to follow the instructions and create a local profile.

  10. PSA: If you change your Windows Live gamer tag name, all of your GFWL save games will disappear.
  11. Verified by User:SojerManLan on 2022-08-17
    This is the case for Fable III, at the very least. Opening the file and changing the gamertag within the game’s save/following the above instructions both (separately or at the same time, doesn’t matter) result in the game assuming the save is corrupt and forces to create a new save.

  12. Defense Against the Dark Arts of Game Piracy and Cheating — Gamefest 2010 presentation by Arka Ray on protecting PC games from piracy and cheating. — last accessed on 2022-03-20
  13. Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-09-15
    In February of 2018 was when I investigated Dark Souls, and at the time the online service worked.

  14. Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-03-20
  15. https://media.contentapi.ea.com/content/dam/eacom/en-us/eula/eula-bulletstorm-ea-pcf-combined-07-12-10-2-2.pdf
  16. Fix: Dark Souls Prepare to Die Games for Windows Live Zero Day Protection not unlocking | Screened by Slimm
  17. How to fix Games for Windows Live on Windows 8 Pro x64 (And Windows 10 too!)
  18. Games For Windows live marketplace Code: 80048821 — Microsoft Community
  19. Microsoft No Longer Accepts Long Passwords, Shortens Them For You | The Next Web
  20. security — Is it true that Microsoft doesn’t allow more than 16 characters in their Hotmail password? — Web Applications Stack Exchange
  21. DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do?
  22. Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update — Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition
  23. 23.0 23.1 Important Batman Arkham Announcement — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Batman: Arkham City GOTY
  24. News — BioShock 2 Updated
  25. HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions
  26. 26.0 26.1 Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record now on Steam, on sale — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Dead Rising 2
  27. 27.0 27.1 Steamworks Migration / Troubleshooting FAQ (Updated!) :: Dead Rising 2 General Discussions
  28. DiRT 3 Complete Edition — Now Available With 100% Less GFWL
  29. Fallout 3: Game of the Year — Update 1.7.0.4
  30. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live — Rockstar Games Customer Support — last accessed on 2020-03-25
    «As a result of this update the following services will no longer be available in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition — Games for Windows Live, Multiplayer mode, Leaderboards«

  31. Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Goes GFWL-Free with New Indie Bundle
  32. Update: GFWL Gone, progress wiped :: Iron Brigade General Discussions
  33. Steamworks update! — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Ms. Splosion Man
  34. https://steamcommunity.com/app/105420/discussions/0/522729358512938354/#c45350244936638030
  35. Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition LIVE — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Red Faction: Guerrilla Steam Edition
  36. «Gold Edition» Content Now Available! — Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Resident Evil 5 / Biohazard 5
  37. Just Updated with Steamworks — Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition, 75% off!
  38. News — Toy Soldiers Product Update
  39. Dawn of War II Patch Notes and Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II General Discussions
  40. Dawn of War II — Chaos Rising Patch Notes/Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II — Chaos Rising™ General Discussions

Games for Windows Live – это бесплатный игровой онлайн сервис, открывающий множество возможностей для сетевых игр. Для приложения можно использовать клиент из Xbox Live. Скачать Games for Windows Live можно для операционной системы Windows 10 и других версий.

Общая информация

Сервис позволяет поиграть в старые игры онлайн. Есть кросплатформенный мультиплеер между Xbox 360 и Windows. С ним вы всегда сможете играть с друзьями по сети.

Возможности утилиты довольно обширны. Разработкой приложения занимается компания Microsoft. Главной задачей стояло объединение компьютеров и игровых приставок Xbox. Пользователи могут общаться с помощью текстовых сообщений и голосового чата.

Games for Windows Live создано сразу для двух платформ. Интерфейс сервиса достаточно прост. Авторизация осуществляется через Live ID. Лайв ид является учетной записью Microsoft для всех ее серверов.

Аналогами игровых сервисов для ПК являются такие платформы, как Steam, Origin и Uplay. Games for Windows Live подходит для запуска на ОС х32 и х64 бита. В нем доступны для покупки разнообразные игры, которые будут запущены через виртуальный сервер.

Особенности

Игровой магазин работает через единый профиль. В Games for Windows Live также сохраняются достижения и статистика. GFWL позволяет играть в кооперативе с игроками Xbox. Приложение можно назвать социальной сетью, так как в нем есть возможность добавлять друзей.

Вы можете установить себе ник и аватар. Сервис будет обновляться автоматически, для улучшения производительности. В нем регулярно проводятся распродажи и акции.

Программное обеспечение открывает новые возможности для видеоигр на ПК и консоли. Таки образом расширяется доступный контент. Вы можете работать с целой библиотекой патчей и дополнений.

Полезным будет чат для разных устройств Майкрософт. В сервисе много полезных функций, например, поиск. Для аккаунта также становится доступен Games on Demand. Но наиболее значимым все же является общение и возможность следить за статусами друзей.

Заключение

Game Room дает шанс поиграть в старые игры, выходившие еще в 80-е годы. Для работы программы гейм фор виндовс лайф нужно зарегистрироваться в системе. Служба также необходима для полноценной работы с GTA 4. Это связано с тем, что ГТА 4 изначально создавалось для Games for Windows Live.

Games for Windows Live скачать

Если после скачивания Games for Windows Live нужная вам игра не запускается, то попробуйте скачать файл xlive.dll, после скачивания разархивируйте файл и переместите его в папку с игрой и попробуйте запустить игру.

Games for Windows — это специальный сервис, который был разработан компанией Microsoft. Games for Windows — LIVE требуется для запуска и работы многих игр. Даже несмотря на то, что в 2014 Microsoft закрыла проект, эта программа должна быть установлена на ПК иначе игры работать не будут.

Изображение

Games for Windows — игровая платформа и маркетинговая кампания Microsoft, начатая в 2005 году, и которая была пересмотрена в 2006 году. Игры для платформы должны отвечать стандартам сертификации, подобно современным игровым консолям. Цель кампании — сделать видеоигры на операционных системах Windows столь же простыми и доступными как на популярных игровых консолях. Одновременно с кампанией «Games for Windows» был запущен сетевой сервис «Games for Windows — LIVE», созданный по образцу другого игрового онлайн-сервиса компании Microsoft — Xbox Live. Сервис предоставляет возможности многопользовательской игры, список друзей, чат и систему онлайн-дистрибьюции игр (покупка игр и дополнительного контента для них посредством интернет, подобно сервису Steam от Valve). Критики отметили, что «Games for Windows — LIVE» сильно упрощен, по сравнению с аналогом для приставки Xbox 360 (производимой Microsoft), написав, что он является «робким шагом на пути к соединению компьютера с Xbox 360» вопреки стратегии кампании «развивать ПК как игровую платформу».

www.bbc.co.uk писал(а):Компания Microsoft наградила пятилетнего мальчика, которому удалось обойти систему безопасности сервиса Xbox Live для игровых приставок Xbox. Кристоффер фон Хассель из города Сан Диего смог войти в аккаунт своего отца, не зная пароль. После ввода неправильного пароля появилось окно верификации данных, в котором ребенок оставил все поля пустыми и нажал Enter. Система пустила его внутрь, в результате чего ребенок получил доступ к играм своего отца. Узнав об этом, отец Кристофера помог ему отправить сообщение об ошибке в Microsoft. Компания приняла решение подарить ребенку четыре игры для приставки, 50 долларов и годовую подписку на сервис Xbox Live, а также поблагодарила его за вклад в безопасность онлайн-сервисов Microsoft.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/rolling_news/2014/04/140404_rn_microsoft_child_reward.shtml

Как создать офлайн профиль.

  1. Запустите игру.
  2. Нажмите на клавиатуре кнопку — Home
  3. В открывшимся окне найдите и нажмите — создать профиль
  4. Найдите и нажмите на странице — создать локальный профиль (офлайн профиль), ищите внимательно — написано мелким шрифтом
  5. Заполните все требуемые донные и сохраните.
  6. Теперь Можно играть.

Скачать Games For Windows — Live
Games For Windows Live — бесплатный игровой онлайн сервис для Windows, позволяющий получить
больше возможностей при сетевой игре, так же как и Xbox Live. С его помощью у пользователей ПК
появилась возможность соединяться со всеми устройствами, поддерживающими сервисы Live, в том
числе Windows Mobile и Zune. Пользователь при регистрации получает уникальный тег игрока
Gamertag, который совместим с Xbox Live, и дает возможность играть онлайн, следить за статусами
друзей, принимать и отправлять сообщения, коллекционировать достижения (Achievements).
Кроме того, существует кросс-платформенный голосовой чат.

Скачать бесплатно по прямой ссылке:
Офлайн установщик, не требует интернета.
Можно установить на ПК без интернета.

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