View source for Games for Windows – Live

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{short description|Former online gaming service}}
{{Infobox VG online service
| name = Games for Windows – Live
| logo = GFWL transparent.png
| caption = "Games for Windows - Live" logo
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| released = {{ubl|'''Games for Windows – Live:'''<br />{{Start date|2007|05|29}}<ref name="GFWLdebut-GSpot"/>|'''Games on Demand:'''<br />{{Start date|2009|12|15}}<ref name="GFWLG.O.DLaunched-WTB"/>}}
| discontinued = 
| version = 3.5.95.0
| update = {{Start date|2014|02|20}}
| operating system = [[Windows XP]] and above
| platform = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| status = Digital distribution store closed; online services still available
| type = 
*[[Content delivery]]
*[[Digital rights management]] (DRM)
*[[Cross-platform|Cross-platform play]]
*[[Social networking service|Social networking]]
| website = {{URL|www.gfwl.com}}
}}

'''Games for Windows – Live''' or '''GFWL'''{{Efn|Trademarked as Games for Windows – LIVE}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/library/toolbar/3.0/trademarks/en-us.mspx |title=Microsoft Trademarks |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=December 13, 2007 |access-date=July 28, 2008 |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323231003/http://www.microsoft.com/About/Legal/EN/US/IntellectualProperty/Trademarks/EN-US.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>  is a deprecated [[Online game|online gaming]] service used by ''[[Games for Windows]]''–branded [[Personal computer|PC]] titles that originally enabled [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] PCs to connect to Microsoft's [[Live Anywhere|Live]] service. Users, each with a unique [[Xbox Live#Gamertag|Gamertag]] (the Microsoft username service for gaming that began on [[Xbox Live]]), were able to play online, keep track of their friends' status, send and receive messages, gain and keep track of Achievements and associated [[Xbox Live#Gamerscore|Gamerscore]], voice chat across platforms (removed in 2010), and more. Some games allowed for cross-platform play, such as ''[[Shadowrun (2007 video game)|Shadowrun]]'', putting Windows players against [[Xbox 360]] players. The successor to Games for Windows – Live is the [[Xbox network]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Are Games for Windows Live games registered to a Gamertag, or a Windows Live ID? |url=https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/78797/are-games-for-windows-live-games-registered-to-a-gamertag-or-a-windows-live-id |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Arqade |language=en}}</ref>, which allows players on a PC to use online functionality and play various [[Xbox]] games without having a console.

== History ==
=== Development ===
On March 14, 2007, Microsoft announced Games for Windows – Live through a press release on their website. The service intended to connect [[Games for Windows]] with existing [[Xbox network|Xbox Live]] features, including [[Gamertag|gamertags]], achievements, and [[Friend list|friend lists]]. GFWL would also provide new features, including [[cross-platform play]] between [[Windows Vista]] and [[Xbox 360]] players. It was set to release on May 8, 2007, alongside its first game, [[Halo 2#Ports and rereleases|Halo 2 for Windows Vista]]. The first game to utilize GFWL [[cross-platform play]], ''[[Shadowrun (2007 video game)|Shadowrun]]'', was set to release in June 2007.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Source |first=Microsoft |date=2007-03-14 |title=Microsoft Unites Xbox and PC Gamers With Debut of Games for Windows — LIVE |url=https://news.microsoft.com/source/2007/03/14/microsoft-unites-xbox-and-pc-gamers-with-debut-of-games-for-windows-live/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Source |language=en-US}}</ref>

On May 29, 2007, Games for Windows – Live officially released, alongside its first title, ''Shadowrun.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-25 |title=Shadowrun (2007) |url=https://www.polygon.com/game/shadowrun-2007/3882 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> Halo 2 for Windows Vista, which was intended to be the first GFWL game,<ref name=":0" /> was released on June 8, 2007 after significant delays.<ref name="GFWLdebut-GSpot">{{cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=May 24, 2007 |title=Halo 2 Vista delayed again |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/news/story.php?sid=6171471&part=rss&subj=6171471 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630025426/http://www.gamespot.com/news/halo-2-vista-delayed-again-6171471 |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2009 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> The game supports all the standard Live features (such as achievements, voice chat, messages, etc.), but does not offer cross-platform play with [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] players.

Initially, Games for Windows – Live launched with its multiplayer features locked behind an [[Xbox LIVE Gold]] subscription, priced at $49.95.<ref name=":1" /> In 2008, Microsoft removed the paid tier from GFWL, making all Xbox Live multiplayer services free on PC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caron |first=Frank |date=2008-07-24 |title=Microsoft refunding gamers, Games for Windows Live goes free |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/07/microsoft-refunding-gamers-games-for-windows-live-goes-free/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Xbox Games &#124; Xbox |url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522162342/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/community/newsarticles/pages/fable3comingsoon.aspx |archive-date=May 22, 2010 |access-date=October 14, 2021 |website=Xbox.com}}</ref> 

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Old-logo.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The old banner displayed on Games for Windows – Live software]] -->
[[Sega]], [[Eidos Interactive|Eidos]], and [[THQ]] 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]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gcdc-cross-platform-floodgates-will-open-in-2008-ms | title = GCDC: "Cross-platform floodgates will open in 2008" – MS | first = Johnny | last = Minkley | date = August 22, 2006 | access-date = July 28, 2008 | archive-date = April 20, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080420232817/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gcdc-cross-platform-floodgates-will-open-in-2008-ms | url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[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. Additionally, all Games For Windows – Live features became free for gamers, such as matchmaking and cross-platform play. Satchell added that the move was a "way to improve Windows gaming".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/microsoft-to-add-games-for-windows-marketplace-drop-multiplayer-fees|title=Microsoft To Add Games For Windows Marketplace, Drop Multiplayer Fees|author=Chris Remo, Christian Nutt|date=July 22, 2008|website=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=April 7, 2009|archive-date=January 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131223920/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19521|url-status=live}}</ref>

Microsoft reduced the technical requirements for 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.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers | title = Games for Windows Live now free to developers | first = Michael | last = French | date = July 22, 2008 | access-date = July 28, 2008 | archive-date = November 20, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120064947/http://www.developmag.com/news/30211/Games-for-Windows-Live-now-free-to-developers | url-status = dead }}</ref>

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Gfwlive-new.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The new Games for Windows – LIVE logo stripe]] -->
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.<ref>[http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/06/ces-2010-xbox-news.aspx] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114025042/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/06/ces-2010-xbox-news.aspx|date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/ |title=Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed {{!}} Joystiq<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=January 10, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111033828/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed |url-status=live }}</ref> As the Game Room was available to Gold and Silver Xbox members, the service was free to use on Games for Windows Live. Arcade games will feature achievements and online leaderboards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebitbag.com/2010/01/07/dreamcast-in-the-works-for-microsofts-gameroom/|title=Dreamcast In The Works For Microsoft's Game Room &#124; The Bitbag<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Thebitbag.com|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522113349/http://www.thebitbag.com/2010/01/07/dreamcast-in-the-works-for-microsofts-gameroom/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522162342/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/community/newsarticles/pages/fable3comingsoon.aspx |url-status=dead |title=Xbox Games &#124; Xbox|archive-date=May 22, 2010|website=Xbox.com}}</ref>

On August 17, 2010, Microsoft unveiled two new games at [[Gamescom]] 2010 that used Games for Windows – LIVE, ''[[Age of Empires Online]]'' and ''[[Microsoft Flight]]''. ''Age of Empires'' was be free-to-play through LIVE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/aug10/08-16MSGamescomPCPR.mspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819044643/http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2010/aug10/08-16MSGamescomPCPR.mspx|url-status=dead|title=Microsoft Heralds a New Age of Gaming With "Age of Empires Online": New franchise installment joins exciting PC lineup of LIVE-enabled titles from Microsoft Game Studios<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=[[Microsoft]]|archive-date=August 19, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2021}}</ref> On September 24, 2010, [[Microsoft Studios (game studio)|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, [[Larry Hryb|Major Nelson]] confirmed what [[Microsoft]] is bringing [[Xbox Live]] to [[Windows 8]], being called Xbox Live on Windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/2011/09/13/xbox-live-and-windows-8/|title=Xbox LIVE and Windows 8|author=Larry Hryb|author-link=Larry Hryb|date=September 13, 2011|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606055922/http://majornelson.com/2011/09/13/xbox-live-and-windows-8/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Deprecation ===
On March 26, 2012, [[Microsoft Studios (game studio)|Microsoft Studios]] announced the arrival of ''[[Age of Empires Online]]'' on [[Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ageofempiresonline.com/en/articles/blog-20120326-1|title=Steam Launch|date=March 26, 2012|author=AOEO Trajan|publisher=[[Age of Empires Online]] Announcements Blog|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607045420/http://ageofempiresonline.com/en/articles/blog-20120326-1|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Age of Empires Online'' was released on Steam on March 27, 2012. On April 3, 2012, ''[[Microsoft Flight]]'' was released on Steam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoftflight.com/blogs/news/archive/2012/04/03/flight-arrives-on-steam.aspx|title=Flight Arrives on Steam!|date=April 3, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight|Flight]] News Update|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-date=May 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521074259/https://news.microsoftflight.com/blogs/news/archive/2012/04/03/flight-arrives-on-steam.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft Studios release ''[[Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet]]'' on April 17, 2012, and ''[[Toy Soldiers (video game)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neogamr.net/news/microsoft-still-no-plans-to-ditch-games-for-windows-live|title=Microsoft: Still no plans to ditch Games For Windows Live|date=April 17, 2012|author=John Callaham|author-link=John Callaham|publisher=[[NeoGamr]]|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617220431/http://www.neogamr.net/news/microsoft-still-no-plans-to-ditch-games-for-windows-live|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 13, 2012, Microsoft Studios release ''[[Iron Brigade (video game)|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 [[Steam (service)#Steamworks|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/9054/|title=Toy Soldiers Product Update|date=October 10, 2012|publisher=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] News|access-date=October 26, 2012|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114194541/http://store.steampowered.com/news/9054/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 (video game)|Deadlight]]'' became the second title of Microsoft Studios to use Steamworks exclusively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/FunktionJCB/status/260686067596926976|title=Tequila Works' tweet|quote=@tequilaworks Does the PC version use Games For Windows Live? Thanks --@FunktionJCB<br />@FunktionJCB Nope --@tequilaworks|date=October 23, 2012|publisher=[[Tequila Works]]' [[Twitter]]|access-date=October 26, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304215306/https://twitter.com/FunktionJCB/status/260686067596926976|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 28, 2012, ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]'' became the first (and only) retail Games for Windows – LIVE title announced for 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamersyndrome.com/2012/ps3/ace-combat-assault-horizon-coming-pc-in-2013/|title=Ace Combat Assault Horizonn Coming to PC in Q1 2013|author=joar|date=November 28, 2012|publisher=[[gamersyndrome]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603061122/http://gamersyndrome.com/2012/ps3/ace-combat-assault-horizon-coming-pc-in-2013/|archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref>

On January 31, 2013, Microsoft Studios said that they "have nothing to share on the future of Games for Windows Live".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-has-nothing-to-share-on-games-for-windows-lives-future|title=Microsoft has "nothing to share" on Games For Windows Live's future|author=John Callaham|date=January 31, 2013|publisher=[[Neowin]]|access-date=August 13, 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812015359/http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-has-nothing-to-share-on-games-for-windows-lives-future|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 7, 2013, Microsoft Studios announced ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II: HD Edition]] + [[Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|The Conquerors]]'' would be released exclusively on [[Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/7/4076454/age-of-empires-2-hd-steam-release-date|title=Age of Empires 2 HD coming to Steam on April 9 for $19.99|author=Samit Sarkar|date=March 7, 2013|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=March 8, 2013|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308095611/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/7/4076454/age-of-empires-2-hd-steam-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 [[login|logging]] in on both the Xbox One and Games for Windows LIVE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-ditches-one-of-xbox-lives-more-annoying-limit-1082595464|title=Xbox One Ditches One Of Xbox Live's More Annoying Limitations|author=Kirk Hamilton|date=August 9, 2013|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=August 13, 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812014108/http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-ditches-one-of-xbox-lives-more-annoying-limit-1082595464|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 16, 2013, Microsoft announced that the Xbox.com PC Marketplace was going to be closed on August 22, 2013, alongside the Xbox 360 update that retired Microsoft Points in favour of local currency purchases. The service would otherwise continue to operate normally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/en-CA/games/pc-games/pc-marketplace-closing|title=PC Marketplace Closing FAQ|access-date=October 28, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190030/http://support.xbox.com/en-CA/games/pc-games/pc-marketplace-closing|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft: Games for Windows Live service ending July 2014|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/19/4637694/microsoft-games-for-windows-live-service-ending-july-2014|work=Polygon|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=August 19, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201557/http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/19/4637694/microsoft-games-for-windows-live-service-ending-july-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-says-it-s-not-shutting-down-games-for-windows-live/1100-6420654/|title = Microsoft Says It's Not Shutting Down Games for Windows Live|last = Maiberg|first = Emanuel|date = June 21, 2014|work = Video Games|access-date = June 22, 2014|publisher = Gamespot|archive-date = June 25, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140625081927/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-says-it-s-not-shutting-down-games-for-windows-live/1100-6420654/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Games for Windows Live Shutting Down in 2014|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/19/games-for-windows-live-shutting-down-in-2014|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=August 19, 2013|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322030045/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/19/games-for-windows-live-shutting-down-in-2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Games for Windows Live to shut down July 2014 according to deleted support update|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/08/20/games-for-windows-live-may-shut-down-next-year/|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=August 20, 2013|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102212923/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/08/20/games-for-windows-live-may-shut-down-next-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capcom to remove Games for Windows Live from PC titles|url=http://www.destructoid.com/capcom-to-remove-games-for-windows-live-from-pc-titles-263817.phtml|website=[[Destructoid]]|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=August 18, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030081635/http://www.destructoid.com/capcom-to-remove-games-for-windows-live-from-pc-titles-263817.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Batman: Arkham games drop Games for Windows Live|url=http://www.destructoid.com/batman-arkham-games-drop-games-for-windows-live-263745.phtml|website=[[Destructoid]]|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=October 17, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103151106/http://www.destructoid.com/batman-arkham-games-drop-games-for-windows-live-263745.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BioShock 2 updated for Steam after Games for Windows Live closure|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-04-bioshock-2-updated-for-steam-after-games-for-windows-live-closure|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=November 1, 2013|date=October 4, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103151519/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-04-bioshock-2-updated-for-steam-after-games-for-windows-live-closure|url-status=live}}</ref>

Games for Windows – Live has since been practically replaced with the [[Microsoft Store]] for compatible Windows devices.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

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

From 2022, users are unable to login to Games for Windows – Live through the Games for Windows Marketplace client. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Games for Windows- Live dead, broken & shutdown without warning, 2020 onwards. |url=https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/124458-games-for-windows-live-dead-broken-shutdown-without-warning-2020-onwards/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240809192832/https://www.doomworld.com/forum/topic/124458-games-for-windows-live-dead-broken-shutdown-without-warning-2020-onwards/ |archive-date=2024-08-09 |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=Doomworld |language=en-US}}</ref>The in-game overlay, however, still works fully on all games already owned either digitally or retail, with long login times ranging from 1-5 minutes.

== Features ==
Some features of the service include the following:

* 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
* [[Contact list|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]]
* [[#Marketplace|Games for Windows Marketplace]] offered [[Windows Games on Demand|Games on Demand]], [[downloadable content]], music and movies until its closure in 2013
* Public and private chat via [[Voice chat|Voice]] and [[Text chat|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'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.xbox.com/gfw/technical_support/f/253/t/216032.aspx|title=Voice chat not working in Shadowrun|date=March 3, 2012|access-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510080522/http://forums.xbox.com/gfw/technical_support/f/253/t/216032.aspx|archive-date=May 10, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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
* [[Parental controls|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]]

=== Gamertag ===
{{Main|Xbox Live#Gamertag}}
A Gamertag is the universal name for a [[user (computing)|player's username]] on Games for Windows – Live, as well as [[Xbox Live]], [[Zune]], and [[Microsoft XNA|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 ===
{{Main|Xbox Live#Gamerscore}}
The Gamerscore (G) is an [[Achievement (video gaming)|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 (computer and video games)|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. [[Video game developer|Game developer]]s 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 ===
{{Main|Xbox Live#Gamercard}}
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 ===
{{Main|TrueSkill}}
'''TrueSkill'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://research.microsoft.com/osa/apg/details.aspx|title=TrueSkill|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210013829/http://research.microsoft.com/osa/apg/details.aspx|archive-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> is a ranking and matchmaking system premiering in the Live services. Developed at [[Microsoft Research]] Cambridge ([[United Kingdom]]), the TrueSkill [[Elo rating system#Other chess rating systems|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 rating system|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.

== In-game client ==
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 Vista]], [[Windows 7]], [[Windows 8.1]] and [[Windows 10]] [[operating system]]s. 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.

<!-- [[Image:GfW-Live 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The gamer card allows the user to communicate with other players. ''First version of interface'']] -->
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.

== Digital distribution ==
=== Marketplace===
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/custompc/news/605295/microsoft-launches-games-for-windows-live-marketplace.html|title=&#124; Microsoft launches Games for Windows LIVE marketplace &#124; bit-tech.net<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Bit-tech.net|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403002744/http://www.bit-tech.net/custompc/news/605295/microsoft-launches-games-for-windows-live-marketplace.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Full titles were later added in the form of [[List of Windows Games on Demand|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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forums.gamesforwindows.com/p/8092/75321.aspx|title=Sign in to your Microsoft account|website=Forumd.gamesforwindows.com|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-date=March 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327191006/http://forums.gamesforwindows.com/p/8092/75321.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The in-game marketplace enables users to purchase [[Downloadable content|DLC]] without exiting, as it installs the content directly from within the game.<ref name="auto"/>

=== Games on Demand ===
{{Main|List of Windows Games on Demand}}
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 were 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]]''.<ref name="GFWLG.O.DLaunched-WTB">{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2009/12/17/games-on-demand-for-games-for-windows-live.aspx|title=Games on Demand for Games for Windows – LIVE|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=December 18, 2009|publisher=Windows Team Blog|access-date=December 24, 2009|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222144207/http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/windowsexperience/archive/2009/12/17/games-on-demand-for-games-for-windows-live.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamerscoreblog.com/press/archive/2009/12/03/az985.aspx|title=Games on Demand, Meet Games for Windows – LIVE|author=Xbox Team|date=December 3, 2009|publisher=Gamerscore Blog|access-date=December 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207002605/http://gamerscoreblog.com/press/archive/2009/12/03/az985.aspx|archive-date=December 7, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Peckham">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/184777/games_for_windows_live_adds_games_on_demand_downloads.html|title=Games for Windows Live Adds 'Games on Demand' Downloads|last=Peckham|first=Matt|date=December 16, 2009|magazine=PC World|access-date=December 24, 2009|archive-date=December 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210000015/http://www.pcworld.com/article/184777/games_for_windows_live_adds_games_on_demand_downloads.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5418213/games-on-demand-coming-to-games-for-windows-live|title=Games On Demand Coming To Games For Windows Live|last=Fahey|first=Mike|date=December 3, 2009|website=Kotaku|access-date=December 24, 2009|archive-date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513011650/http://kotaku.com/5418213/games-on-demand-coming-to-games-for-windows-live|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 a [[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]] [[Digital rights management|DRM]] that lets the user activate the game up to five times each month on any hardware.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.xbox.com/gfw/technical_support/f/271/t/2909.aspx|title=DRM Policies for Games on Demand titles|author=GFWL GHOST|date=May 16, 2011|access-date=January 2, 2014|publisher=[[Microsoft Corporation]]|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194644/http://forums.xbox.com/gfw/technical_support/f/271/t/2909.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611022929/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/Community/Pages/gond.aspx |url-status=dead |title=Xbox Games &#124; Xbox|archive-date=June 11, 2010|website=Xbox.com}}</ref>

On October 22, 2010, Microsoft announced a revamp of Games On Demand under the "Games for Windows Marketplace" branding.<ref name="joystiqGOD">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/press.aspx|title=Microsoft Brings Games on Demand to the Web With New PC Game Store|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=October 22, 2010|access-date=November 2, 2010|archive-date=October 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025010554/http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/press.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/games-for-windows-marketplace-gets-competitive-relaunching-nov-15/|title=Games for Windows Marketplace gets competitive, relaunching Nov. 15|publisher=[[Joystiq]]|date=October 22, 2010|access-date=November 2, 2010|quote=''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''|archive-date=October 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025120459/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/games-for-windows-marketplace-gets-competitive-relaunching-nov-15|url-status=live}}</ref> However, this was met with low expectations from reviewers, considering the history of Games for Windows Live on PC.<ref name="Peckham" /><ref name="joystiqGOD" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-unveils-all-new-games-for-windows-marketplace-902784/|title=Microsoft unveils all-new Games for Windows Marketplace|work=[[TechRadar]]|date=October 22, 2010|access-date=November 6, 2010|quote=''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.''|archive-date=October 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025014044/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-unveils-all-new-games-for-windows-marketplace-902784|url-status=live}}</ref>  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.<ref name="GFWonXbox" />

=== Store discontinuation ===
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.<ref name="GFWonXbox">{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/extremewindows/archive/2011/07/22/the-games-for-windows-marketplace-has-moved-to-xbox-com.aspx|title=The Games for Windows Marketplace has moved to Xbox.com!|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=July 22, 2011|publisher=Windows Team Blog|access-date=April 4, 2012|archive-date=January 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104223758/http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/extremewindows/archive/2011/07/22/the-games-for-windows-marketplace-has-moved-to-xbox-com.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The Games for Windows Marketplace 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/gamesforwindows/posts/10151523556336389|title=Games for Windows status|date=August 15, 2013|publisher=[[Facebook]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116050414/https://www.facebook.com/gamesforwindows/posts/10151523556336389|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/microsoft_to_retire_games_for_windows_live_marketplace.html|title=Microsoft to retire Games For Windows LIVE Marketplace|author=David Scammell|date=August 15, 2013|publisher=VideoGamer.com|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-date=August 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826214156/http://www.videogamer.com/news/microsoft_to_retire_games_for_windows_live_marketplace.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350641296/microsoft-retira-games-for-windows-live/|title=Microsoft retira Games for Windows Live|author=Carlos Leiva|date=August 15, 2013|newspaper=[[20 minutos|Vandal]]|language=es|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817165230/http://www.vandal.net/noticia/1350641296/microsoft-retira-games-for-windows-live/|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=There was an error retrieving your purchase history :: Fable III General Discussions |url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/105400/discussions/0/3277925755432043509/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=steamcommunity.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Games for Windows Marketplace client stopped logging in entirely in 2022 due to [[Transport Layer Security|TLS]] 1.0 and 1.1 connections being no longer permitted for [[Xbox network|Xbox Live]] accounts to login and therefore presents a connection error when launching the program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft Games for Windows - LIVE |url=https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=PCGamingWiki PCGW Community |date=February 27, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> The marketplace however, was already non-functional since 2018.

==Availability==
As of February 10, 2015<ref>{{cite web |last=Rego |first=Nick |url=http://me.ign.com/en/news/4952/XBOX-Live-Launching-in-UAE-and-KSA-Oct-23rd |title=XBOX Live Launching in UAE and KSA Oct 23rd |publisher=[[IGN]] Middle East |date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2012 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023093557/http://me.ign.com/en/news/4952/XBOX-Live-Launching-in-UAE-and-KSA-Oct-23rd |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="New Six">{{Cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/e32010-xbox-live-rolling-out-nine-new-countries|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231075401/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/e32010-xbox-live-rolling-out-nine-new-countries|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2012|title=E32010: Xbox Live Rolling Out To Nine New Countries|website=Next-gen.biz|access-date=November 13, 2021}}</ref> Games for Windows – Live was available in 42 countries/territories.<ref name="countries">{{cite web |publisher=Microsoft |work=Xbox.com |title=Countries/Regions with LIVE Service - Xbox.com |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/countries |access-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103084616/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/countries |url-status=live }}</ref> 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|date=July 2012}} 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.

<!-- DO NOT add a different image file! Update the SVG map given. Other articles/Wikipedias use this Commons file. -->
[[File:Xbox Live availability map.svg|450px|thumb|center|Worldwide Games for Windows – Live availability|alt=Worldwide Xbox/Games for Windows Live availability map]]

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* {{flag|Argentina}}
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* {{flag|Belgium}}
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== Controversies ==
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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/244045/games-for-windows-+-live-gold-to-cost-50 |title=Games for Windows - LIVE Gold to Cost $50 |access-date=January 12, 2013 |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127191633/http://kotaku.com/244045/games-for-windows-+-live-gold-to-cost-50 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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 (video game)|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.<ref name="Gamers petition to have Games for Windows – Live removed from [[Dark Souls]]">{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |title=Gamers rallying against Dark Souls PC using Games for Windows Live |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/gamers-rallying-against-dark-souls-pc-using-games-for-windows-live-6371507 |publisher=Gamespot |access-date=April 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420174732/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/gamers-rallying-against-dark-souls-pc-using-games-for-windows-live-6371507 |archive-date=April 20, 2012 }}</ref> The game would move to [[Steamworks]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Dark Souls PC is making the jump from Games for Windows Live to Steam |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/10/20/7025071/dark-souls-pc-games-for-windows-live-gfwl-steam |website=Polygon |access-date=January 31, 2023|date=October 20, 2014}}</ref>

In January 2020, ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' was removed from sale on [[Steam (service)|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."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/rockstar-explains-why-grand-theft-auto-4-was-suddenly-delisted-from-steam|title=Rockstar Explains Why Grand Theft Auto 4 Was Suddenly Delisted From Steam|website=USgamer.net|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506191005/https://www.usgamer.net/amp/grand-theft-auto-4-delisted-from-steam-rockstar-responds|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February, Rockstar announced that on March 19, an updated version 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/newshub/app/12210/view/3176663794401897531|title=Important Updates To Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes from Liberty City|date=February 19, 2020 |access-date=July 30, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322030047/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/12210/view/3176663794401897531|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Rockstar Games#Rockstar Games Launcher|Rockstar Games Launcher]] is now required to launch the game, which acts as a replacement for the [[Digital rights management|DRM]] and achievements features of GFWL.

In 2014, [[Fallout 3]] and [[Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition]] were rendered inoperable due to their reliance on GFWL's [[digital rights management]]. In 2021, a patch was released for the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] versions of both games that removed GFWL entirely. This patch allowed the game to launch without third-party modification, but prevented some players from accessing [[DLC (video gaming)|DLC]] initially purchased through the service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brinkmann |first=Martin |date=2021-10-16 |title=Bethesda removes Games for Windows Live dependency from Fallout 3 GOTY - gHacks Tech News |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2021/10/16/bethesda-removes-games-for-windows-live-dependency-from-fallout-3-goty/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=gHacks Technology News |language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Video games}}
* [[Games for Windows]]
* [[Index of Windows games]]
* [[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]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Xbox}}
{{Microsoft}}
{{Online video game networks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Games For Windows - Live}}
[[Category:Digital rights management systems]]
[[Category:Games for Windows| ]]
[[Category:Microsoft Gaming]]
[[Category:Multiplayer video game services]]
[[Category:Online video game networks]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox network]]