Ask any die-hard software enthusiast and they'll tell you: No other gaming platform in the world boasts a selection that is as broad or high quality as a Windows PC. But the best just keeps getting better thanks to the Games for Windows brand's steady growth and continued support from internal development teams and from third-party publishers, including Activision, Sega, and Rockstar Games.
The seamless partnership of Games for Windows and the Windows operating system delivers an awe-inspiring gaming experience – and welcomes an entirely new generation of players to the table. Ongoing advancements are raising the bar for technical performance and hands-on convenience more every day. Because of the partnership, millions of players the world over have access to cutting-edge titles from today’s top game makers. Equally important, there are games in every genre for all ages and interests, so everyone can find one to enjoy. For enthusiasts unwilling to compromise on audiovisual impact, game play quality, overall value and multiplayer mayhem, there's simply no better choice. So why not step your game up today?
Mahjong Wisdom takes the classic board game to another dimension.Instant benefits
Here are just a few standard play enhancements that you can enjoy straight out of the box with Games for Windows titles on computers running Windows 7 and Windows Vista:- Ease of installation—A standardized setup process ensures Games for Windows titles quickly and painlessly install to your Games folder in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Just insert the CD and follow on-screen prompts. Titles are also easy to locate and remove, making it simple to manage your collection.
- Photorealistic visuals—Thanks to DirectX 11 software, which runs behind the scenes and powers high-intensity 3D graphics, you can enjoy dazzling views that stretch across multiple monitors in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and at widescreen resolutions that home consoles can't match.
- Parental controls—Using built-in parental control functions in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, it's easy to block children's access to games by age rating, content and specific title. It's also possible to limit their computer access to set days and hours if desired—say, after their homework's completed.
- System compatibility—Extended pre-release testing ensures Games for Windows titles meet specific quality standards, and work with Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. You can also use the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows and Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows with titles that support game controllers.
- Free online multiplayer—With over 14 million members and counting, Games for Windows LIVE is the first free online multiplayer service to let PC and Xbox 360 owners connect, chat and play with one another. A single identity (the Gamertag) carries across both platforms, letting you team up with friends and earn collectible Achievements for accomplishing in-game goals. You can even sample software or purchase new add-ons or maps in an online Marketplace, or enjoy instant matchmaking features that pair you against players of similar skill level. See a full list of compatible titles.
Common features
At odds with the thumb-numbing, white-knuckle offerings you typically find on consoles, Games for Windows sport some common traits that make them more appealing:- Intelligent play—With strategy games (Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II), story-driven epics (BioShock and BioShock 2), and detailed simulations (Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania) among the platform's most popular genres, Games for Windows generally require considerable brainpower. In short, they're a great way to build your IQ while killing time. Besides, courtesy of action-packed blockbusters like sci-fi blaster Red Faction: Guerrilla, karate-chopping scrapper Street Fighter IV, and frantic racer FUEL, you can always enjoy a little mindless mayhem, too.
- Responsive controls—Nothing rivals the precision you'll get from a mouse and keyboard interface, especially in 3D shooters or strategic challenges, today's best-selling software categories. Unless, that is, you're using one of hundreds of optional gaming enhanced accessories compatible with Windows such as joysticks, steering wheels or wireless pads.
- Tremendous replay value—Through the use of mods, downloadable patches, level editors and official updates, Games for Windows constantly change and evolve, giving you more for the money. Consider Fallout 3, which offers a free downloadable toolkit that allows owners to create new adventures and items.
- Unrivaled selection—At odds with console amusements—which must be approved by system manufacturers prior to launch—home enthusiasts and bedroom coders are fully authorized to program new software for PCs. Meaning that in addition to the many traditional puzzlers, arcade outings, and racers you'll enjoy with Games for Windows, independent studios are also free to offer brilliant adventures, stunning battle simulators and entertaining hybrids as well.
Telltale’s Sam & Max loads the charge for episodic gaming.Hot trends
Forget complex sci-fi tales and convoluted fantasy quests that cost $50 a shot and are strictly targeted at teenage males.New technologies have enabled original types of electronic entertainment in recent months that aren't just instantly familiar and gratifying. They're also cheap and fun for the whole family.
Games for Windows and other Windows 7 and Windows Vista titles remain the clear-cut category leader in the following areas:
- Casual gaming—Casual games (available online or at retail) aren't just enjoyable in short or long-term sessions and suitable for all ages. They're also immediately playable and based on everyday themes like food, fashion, and photography, so you can jump right in and start having fun, regardless of skill or experience. See providers like MSN Games, PopCap, iWin, PlayFirst and Big Fish Games for hundreds of instantly downloadable options.
- Massively multiplayer online entertainment—Virtual universes that exist all day, every day and allow you— through a custom-created 2D/3D digital double—to simultaneously interact with and quest alongside thousands of fellow hobbyists.
- Episodic gaming—Instead of being sold in a single box, episodic games are divided into bite-size, value-priced installments. New episodes that further an overall storyline debut every few weeks, similar to your favorite television shows. Developers such as Telltale Games and Valve are leading the way.
- Digital distribution—Download complete versions of retail products right to your hard disk drive using services like Games for Windows – LIVE, Steam, GamersGate, Good Old Games, or Impulse.
The skeleton crew guards inmates in Batman Arkham Asaylum.Recent/upcoming hits
Ready to see what's got everyone raving? Here are a few recent and upcoming blockbuster Games for Windows that are already wowing critics and consumers alike:Batman: Arkham Asylum
Developer: Rocksteady
Publisher: Eidos
ESRB Rating: Teen
Creep through the shadows, instigate fear among your enemies, and do battle with the Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains, who have taken over the asylum for the criminally insane!
Street Fighter IV
From: Capcom Co. Ltd.
ESRB Rating: Teen
Capcom brings the legendary animated martial arts series back to its roots by using next-generation technology to create a truly extraordinary fighting experience.
The battle heats up in BioShock 2.Developer: 2K Marin, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes, and 2K China
Publisher: 2k Games
ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
Step back into the unforgettable world of Rapture (a capsizing art deco undersea utopia populated by DNA-tinkering mutants) in BioShock 2—the perfect blend of explosive first-person shooter combat, rich storytelling, and intense multiplayer experiences.
Osmos
From: Hemisphere Games
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Enter the ambient world of Osmos: A mind-expanding, physics-based arcade puzzle game with dreamlike visuals and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack whose relaxed vibe and captivatingly creative approach recalls gaming's golden era.
World of Goo
From: 2D Boy LLC
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Players of all ages will adore this candy-colored, smash hit indie brainteaser wherein you manipulate squishy blobs of goo to cross chasms, overcome obstacles and cleverly noodle your way through challenging scenarios.
The World of Goo is a sticky puzzle.Resident Evil 5: ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
Dirt 2: ESRB Rating: Teen
Mahjong Wisdom: ESRB Rating: Everyone
Tinker: ESRB Rating: Everyone
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