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Microsoft’s plans to unite PC and Xbox gamers was first unveiled back at E3 2006 and today Microsoft has announced that its Xbox Live service will be joined by Games for Windows Live from May 8.
The launch of Games for Windows Live will unite Xbox and PC gamers with a single identity, a single gamertag, a single friends list and a single list of achievements. Users of the service will also be able to text and voice chat with gamers across the entire Live network.
More importantly, PC and Xbox 360 gamers will be able to compete against each other. This functionality won’t be available at launch, but will arrive in June with the release of Shadowrun. More Xbox vs PC gaming action will be available later in 2007 when the popular card game UNO is released.
The cost of the Live Gold membership will be the same as the current Xbox Live subscription at $49.95/£39.99 a year. Silver membership is available and importantly will enable free PC to PC multiplayer gaming.
“Five years ago, we began building a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The benefits of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles is twofold: We’re bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we’re enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity †it’s a win for everyone.”
Alongside the launch of Games for Windows Live will be the Windows Vista version of Halo 2. The game will feature Live functionality, although will not support cross-platform play. Look of for initial impressions on Halo 2 Vista soon.
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