Microsoft to Charge PC Players for Live
Well, they're going to try. Will PC gamers bite?
PC gaming is going through big changes at the moment, from last year's introduction of the Games For Windows brand aimed at simplifying how people buy games to Games For Windows - Live, an extension of Microsoft's Xbox Live service onto PC.
Halo 2 for Vista will have AchievementsOne of the key questions many PC gamers have is how much (if anything) it's going to cost to get onto the Live network so they can play against Xbox 360 owners. Microsoft has revealed the answer.
Games For Windows - Live will cost exactly the same as Xbox Live does on the console side, Game Informer reports.
Just like on Xbox 360, there are two layers of service to Games For Windows - Live: Silver and Gold. Silver membership will be free while Gold membership will cost $8 for one month, $20 for three months, or $50 for a year. European pricing has not been confirmed.
Accounts will be transferable between Xbox 360 and PC, meaning those with Xbox Live Gold accounts will use the same account for Gold service on PC.
Microsoft is also bringing Achievements to the PC in games such as Halo 2 for Vista and other Vista-exclusive casual titles, according to Game Informer. Cross-platform shooter Shadowrun will likely support this too.
Microsoft hasn't said when Games For Windows - Live will launch but it's holding an open beta now, which you can sign up for here.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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