Games for Windows

For the magazine, see Games for Windows: The Official Magazine. For the service, see Games for Windows – Live.
Games for Windows
OwnerMicrosoft
IntroducedNovember 8, 2006
DiscontinuedAugust 25, 2013
Related brandsMicrosoft Studios
MarketsWorldwide
Registered as a trademark inWorldwide
Websitewww.gamesforwindows.com

Games for Windows was a brand owned by Microsoft and introduced in 2006 to coincide with the release of the Windows Vista operating system. The brand itself represents a standardized technical certification program and online service for Windows games, bringing a measure of regulation to the PC game market in much the same way that console manufacturers regulate their platforms. The branding program was open to both first-party and third-party publishers.[1]

Games for Windows was promoted through convention kiosks and through other forums as early as 2005.[2] The promotional push culminated in a deal with Ziff Davis Media to rename the Computer Gaming World magazine to Games for Windows: The Official Magazine. The first GFW issue was published for November 2006.[3] In 2008, Ziff Davis announced that the magazine would cease to be published, though online content would still be updated and maintained.[4][5]

In 2013, Microsoft announced that Xbox PC Marketplace would cease operations, which would result in the discontinuation of the Games for Windows brand. In spite of this announcement, the company stated that content previously purchased could still be accessed via the Games for Windows – Live client software.[6] Its successor is the Xbox app.

Games certified by Microsoft feature a prominent "Games for Windows" logo border across the top of their packaging, in a manner similar to games developed for the Xbox 360.[1] Software must meet certain requirements mandated by Microsoft in order to display the brand on its packaging. These requirements include:[1][7][8][9]

  • An "Easy Install" option that installs the title on a PC in the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks
  • Compatibility with Xbox 360 peripherals
  • An "Only on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista" or "Only on Windows Vista" stamp for game packaging
  • Compatibility with the Games Explorer
  • Compatibility with x64 processors with proper installation and execution on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7; games themselves can be 32-bit
  • Support for normal and widescreen resolutions, such as 4:3 aspect ratio (800 × 600, 1024 × 768), 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080), and 16:10 aspect ratio (1280 × 800, 1440 × 900, 1680 × 1050, 1920 × 1200)
  • Support for parental controls and family safety features
  • Support for launching from Windows Media Center

Microsoft claimed that it had increased its sales of Games for Windows-branded games in stores that had been giving the games greater focus, and stated that it planned to increase marketing efforts for the brand.[10]

  1. ^ a b c Thurrott, Paul (October 6, 2010). "Games for Windows Vista". Supersite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  2. ^ "Rail Simulator attends Leipzig Games Convention". GamesIndustry International. September 5, 2006. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  3. ^ Freidenfelds, Jason; Zane, Randy. "Ziff Davis Announces Online and Print Media Alliance with Microsoft". Ziff Davis Media. Archived from the original on November 7, 2006. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  4. ^ Cox, Simon. "The end of an era?". 1Up.com. IGN. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  5. ^ Orland, Kyle (April 8, 2008). "Games for Windows Magazine goes online-only". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  6. ^ "PC Marketplace is closing August 2013". Xbox Support. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  7. ^ "About Games for Windows". Games for Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on April 7, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  8. ^ Block, Gerry (April 18, 2007). "Vista 'Tray and Play' Hands On". IGN. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  9. ^ Wiley-Ransom, James (December 18, 2006). "Games for Windows Vista: how the new brand & OS will change PC gaming [update 1]". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  10. ^ Adams, Dan (December 7, 2006). "Vista and Games for Windows Update". IGN. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved May 3, 2015.