Microsoft Brings Games on Demand to PC

Microsoft announced that it will be bringing its Games on Demand service on Xbox Live to its equivalent PC platform Games for Windows Live. This will give players access to Games for Windows Live enabled games that can be downloaded straight to the hard drive “and re-install your games whenever you want, wherever you want.”

“With Games on Demand, we didn’t just want to create a cut-and-paste version of existing digital distribution services,” said Mike Ybarra, general manager of LIVE Engagement Services. “We challenged ourselves to deliver an integrated platform that takes full advantage of the unique capabilities offered by the LIVE service. Our goal has always been to create a seamless online gaming experience for the Windows community, and Games on Demand is a great step toward that end.”

The launch lineup will include recent hits like “Resident Evil 5” (Capcom), “Red Faction: Guerilla” (THQ), and “Battlestations: Pacific” (EIDOS), as well as new exclusive LIVE-enabled versions of popular digital games such as “World of Goo” and “Osmos,” distributed by Microsoft Game Studios. All games can be purchased either by credit card or with Microsoft Points. Games on Demand for Windows will be available in markets that currently have the Games for Windows – LIVE service. Microsoft is also offering an updated LIVE-enabled version of “Tinker,” formerly an exclusive Windows Vista Ultimate Extra, as a completely free download from the Games for Windows – LIVE client.

“Connected digital experiences are defining the continued growth of Windows as a gaming platform,” said Chuck Osieja, creative director of Games for Windows – LIVE. “Today marks Microsoft’s return to delivering Windows games built on unique LIVE experiences.”

That’s a great initiative. Microsoft’s main competitor is obviously Valve’s Steam that offers the same service and has built up a vast reputation among gamers over years of work. We await to see how this turns out. Will it be a disaster like Games for Windows Live, a failed attempt to replicate Xbox Live on the PC by charging PC gamers the same yearly fee to access multiplayer (which was turned to free later on) or will Microsoft truly create a product that will stand out?