Microsoft Making New PC Games DL Marketplace
A Steam competitor?
For PC gamers, the most popular way to buy games digitally is through Steam. And where there's action, Microsoft wants to be there.
Microsoft today announced the overhaul of Games for Windows Marketplace, which will have Games on Demand online distribution. Launching Nov. 15, the Games for Windows Marketplace will sell PC games, and like the Xbox Live Marketplace, will have recurring specials such as Deal of the Week.
"With Games for Windows Marketplace, we set out to create a digital store built for PC gamers end-to-end," said Kevin Unangst, senior global director, PC and Mobile Gaming, at Microsoft. "And by integrating with our existing Xbox Live and Windows Live services, we've made it easier than ever for millions of gamers to see for themselves how easy buying PC games can be."
Logging into Games for Windows Marketplace requires any form of Windows Live ID, such as Windows Live, Xbox Live, Games for Windows – LIVE or Zune account. The new store also supports Microsoft Points, as well as credit card purchasing.
Check out more about the new PC Marketplace at Joystiq.
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That's all well and good, but they're a bit late. Most PC gamers own a console already, so what we really want is a cross platform purchasing system. I bet Valve is already working on that anyway...
Most PC gamers own a console already, so what we really want is a cross platform purchasing system. I bet Valve is already working on that anyway...
What's this "we"? I don't want cross platform anything, I only want to buy games for my PC.
I'm a dedicated PC gamer, but I'm feeling like I belong to a dying breed... Today's gamers want something that's simple and doesn't take any effort to master - aka a console.
Anyway, I always welcome more distribution channels - more competition usually lowers prices. However, I doubt this one will leave a mark. Steam is well embedded already and unless MS's prices are significantly lower, I see few reasons to switch.
Stfu Takuhi, you really think people who visit a site called TOM'S HARDWARE care about childrens toys?
More competition is always good, and it shouldn't be too hard to beat steam considering what a rip off it is. I mean, I still can't understand how play.com can offer their games cheaper WITH box+manual+disc PLUS delivery...
I would like Microsoft to get XBOX Live and Games for Windows linked togheter so that everyone could join their servers.
There should always be a choice.
Stfu Takuhi, you really think people who visit a site called TOM'S HARDWARE care about childrens toys?More competition is always good, and it shouldn't be too hard to beat steam considering what a rip off it is. I mean, I still can't understand how play.com can offer their games cheaper WITH box+manual+disc PLUS delivery...
The fault doesn't lay solely with Steam, Valve must comply with the contractual arrangements they agreed with the publisher of the game. This is ok in digital only distribution but when there is a simultaneous release it becomes more complex, with a boxed version the retailers have to be convinced that it is worth using valuable shelf space to stock an item. Steam have to make an agreement not to become cheaper than the stores otherwise the store wont stock the item, and that hurts the overall sales.
Steam have to stay above a certain price point (by contractual agreement) to ensure fair competition. Retailers like play.com or game etc are not constrained by the same agreement and can just offer the product at what price they want
steams too big for microsoft yo do anything about. unless they have them already installed on their brand new machines.