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Microsoft has announced the Games for Windows Marketplace, a new online PC games store scheduled to launch November 15, 2010.
“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.”
The new store is said to have been built from the ground up for convenience and performance, offering gamers a more streamlined experience.
We’re also told the service will launch with a portfolio of 100 games, including Dead Rising 2, Lost Planet 2, Fable: The Lost Chapters and Grand Theft Auto III. In addition, the portfolio will bring new indie titles to the forefront and continue to grow with many of the best games in the industry including titles such as Lego Universe and CarneyVale, which will hit the Games for Windows Marketplace and retail stores at the same time.
Games for Windows Marketplace will also be the place to find iconic franchises from Microsoft Game Studios, including Flight Simulator, Gears of War, Halo and Zoo Tycoon, as well as upcoming blockbusters Fable III, Age of Empires Online and Microsoft Flight.
Anyone with a Windows Live ID (Windows Live, Xbox LIVE, Games for Windows – LIVE or Zune account) can login and immediately start shopping in the Games for Windows Marketplace. The new store also supports Microsoft Points (as well as credit card purchasing), allowing the more than 25 million users of Xbox LIVE, Zune Marketplace and Games for Windows – LIVE to use their Microsoft Points balance.
Microsoft clearly wants to eat into the market currently dominated by Steam, but it faces an uphill task.
Not only do many PC gamers harbour negative feelings towards Microsoft, but Steam is very highly regarded and has the backing of most of the industry.
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