Games for Windows Live looks to dodge piracy, drive DLC

Microsoft has at GDC today detailed the newest features for its Games for Windows Live platform, with specific updates to address piracy and encourage downloadable content.

A new anti-piracy solution built into the firm’s backbone for PC games include ‘zero-day piracy protection and server-side authentication to help prevent game piracy before street date, and protect publishers and consumers by requiring authentication for online play’.

Meanwhile GFW – Live games will now allow for in-game marketplaces, with new APIs letting developers ‘create unique in-game store fronts and experiences surrounding the sale of additional content, providing developers and publishers with new revenue streams, and consumers with a seamless gaming experience’.

GFW – Live is also set to include new roaming functions, allowing PC gamers to ‘save their personal settings back to their Games for Windows – Live account in the cloud, providing access to their settings on any compatible and connected Windows PC’.

“This update and other features currently in development represent a tipping point in the evolution of Games for Windows – Live as a leading online PC gaming network,” commented Ron Pessner, general manager of Games for Windows – LIVE.

“In the coming months, we will continue to deliver on our promise to provide gamers and publishers with the industry’s best connected gaming experiences through the LIVE service.”

“As a publisher, no one is more excited to see the continued growth and evolution of Games for Windows – Live than Microsoft Game Studios,” added Dave Luehmann, general manager of Window games for Microsoft Game Studios.

“We have several projects underway which will incorporate the LIVE service, and we’re continuing to build new developer relationships here at GDC to bring the best in the industry to Games for Windows – Live.”