Games for Windows

[Aynjell]

What is everyone's opinion of this program (http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Pages/index.aspx) (www.gamesforwindows.com)? (http://www.gamesforwindows.com%29?)

I especially like the initiative because if I see it on the box, I can assume several things: more than likely it will feature 360 controller support. To me, this is invaluable, simply because a vast majority of games see a release on the Xbox 360 prior to PC launch, and being able to play it the way it was designed is an enjoyable feature for me. Games translated to PC controls usually lose something in the switch.

Another thing that games for Windows focuses on is support for widescreen resolutions. Apparently these features are mandatory. Also, games for windows are required to support that little games menu in vista and windows 7.

So, what's everyone's opinion? Mine, personally, is GFW makes buying games easier, and more like buying a game for my console. I see GFW, and I can usually assume that it'll work well on my machine suppport many of the features we all crave in modern games, and will have higher quality than other games. While I don't believe the mumbo jumbo about "higher quality games with GFW" I do believe that there is some impact due to the requirements.

[shadin]

What is everyone's opinion of this program (http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Pages/index.aspx) (www.gamesforwindows.com)? (http://www.gamesforwindows.com%29?)

I especially like the initiative because if I see it on the box, I can assume several things: more than likely it will feature 360 controller support. To me, this is invaluable, simply because a vast majority of games see a release on the Xbox 360 prior to PC launch, and being able to play it the way it was designed is an enjoyable feature for me. Games translated to PC controls usually lose something in the switch.

Another thing that games for Windows focuses on is support for widescreen resolutions. Apparently these features are mandatory. Also, games for windows are required to support that little games menu in vista and windows 7.

So, what's everyone's opinion? Mine, personally, is GFW makes buying games easier, and more like buying a game for my console. I see GFW, and I can usually assume that it'll work well on my machine suppport many of the features we all crave in modern games, and will have higher quality than other games. While I don't believe the mumbo jumbo about "higher quality games with GFW" I do believe that there is some impact due to the requirements.

I like the idea, and it's nice that games with controller support will have default profiles for the 360 controller, but beyond that I think the program is mostly meaningless. When games like Grand Theft Auto 4 can get past their "extensive testing" to "to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards", the project loses credibility.

I'm all for standards being adopted, but unfortunately I think this is more a marketing ploy rather than any meaningful credential of excellence.

[Aynjell]

I like the idea, and it's nice that games with controller support will have default profiles for the 360 controller, but beyond that I think the program is mostly meaningless. When games like Grand Theft Auto 4 can get past their "extensive testing" to "to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards", the project loses credibility.

I'm all for standards being adopted, but unfortunately I think this is more a marketing ploy rather than any meaningful credential of excellence.

I've heard terrible things about GTA4. But for whatever reason, sandbox crime games I've played all suck. I'd noticed that Saints Row 2 was also terrible as far as performance goes.

[shadin]

I've heard terrible things about GTA4. But for whatever reason, sandbox crime games I've played all suck. I'd noticed that Saints Row 2 was also terrible as far as performance goes.

Well, I meant more of the awful port job and performance on PC rather than the genre itself. Then again it wasn't all that smooth a ride on the consoles, either, so maybe it's just a case of garbage in, garbage out.

[Aynjell]

Well, I meant more of the awful port job and performance on PC rather than the genre itself. Then again it wasn't all that smooth a ride on the consoles, either, so maybe it's just a case of garbage in, garbage out.

Well, all you have to work with is filth. I understand that the gaming can be fun, but the culture it emulates, the activities, the lifestyle are all terrible and unfathomably evil. It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't have such a strong resemblance to the real thing.

If there's one thing I can't stand more than anything else in the world, it's people who delight in hurting others, or have no qualms with doing so to make gains.

[ratbuddy]

If there's one thing I can't stand more than anything else in the world, it's people who delight in hurting others, or have no qualms with doing so to make gains.

Is your avatar meant to be ironic then?

edit: Oh yeah, on topic, I like the whole GFW thing. Same reasons, with the 360 controller thing.

[Aynjell]

Is your avatar meant to be ironic then?

edit: Oh yeah, on topic, I like the whole GFW thing. Same reasons, with the 360 controller thing.

I see no problem with alcohol when consumed responsibly. A glass of whiskey is sometimes the best thing in the world. :)

[ratbuddy]

I see no problem with alcohol when consumed responsibly. A glass of whiskey is sometimes the best thing in the world. :)

When you see your dad in the hospital from alcohol poisoning after finding him in a puddle of his own puke still clutching a bottle of Soco it tends to change your perspective ;)

[Aynjell]

When you see your dad in the hospital from alcohol poisoning after finding him in a puddle of his own puke still clutching a bottle of Soco it tends to change your perspective ;)

Responsibly. I can't stress that enough, but I am sorry to hear that about your father. Is he going to AA?

[ratbuddy]

Responsibly. I can't stress that enough, but I am sorry to hear that about your father. Is he going to AA?

Nah, he's going to die. That was about 15 years ago, more recently he was diagnosed with emphysema and told he had 5 years if he quit smoking. It's about 4 years later, and he is smoking 3 packs a day. Not drinking any more, though.

[SteveLord]

Games for Windows was a marketing flop. It was hyped about in magazines as being the key to energizing PC gaming. Do a lot of people know what GFW is? NO. Does anyone care of GFW logo is on a game? NO.

It's done nothing...and using Windows Live for games is a pain in my opinion. Seems like MS wants a piece of Steam's pie.

[Aynjell]

Nah, he's going to die. That was about 15 years ago, more recently he was diagnosed with emphysema and told he had 5 years if he quit smoking. It's about 4 years later, and he is smoking 3 packs a day. Not drinking any more, though.

Once again, I'd like to apologize if anything about me offended you. I can't say I've experienced alcoholism in my family, in the sense that I was ever affected. I know my dad goes to AA, and he and I both smoke but I've already initiated the quitting process. I had quit but I was falling asleep at work (currently on the night shift... going backk to days very soon) so the woman told me to go ahead and smoke again. Helps break up the night and keep me awake.

Games for Windows was a marketing flop. It was hyped about in magazines as being the key to energizing PC gaming. Do a lot of people know what GFW is? NO. Does anyone care of GFW logo is on a game? NO.

It's done nothing...and using Windows Live for games is a pain in my opinion. Seems like MS wants a piece of Steam's pie.

Considering it's very early in it's inception and games are still released under "games for windows" moniker all the time... and a few of the games I've bought recently are newish titles who get the moniker... I can't say it was a flop. And what it stands for is a good thing (tm).

Oh, and by the way, I care.:)

And Windows Live isn't the issue here, what is under discussion is Games For Windows. They are two seperate products. The features of Games for Windows are displayed here:

1) Quality. Games for Windows branded titles undergo extensive testing, and not just by the publisher. Microsoft also invests in quality checking each title to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards.

2) Compatibility. Games for Windows branded titles work on Windows XP and Windows Vista based PCs, including both 32- and 64- bit editions. Games for Windows titles that support controllers are also compatible with the Microsoft XBOX 360 controller for Windows (http://gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Hardware/Controllers/Pages/Xbox360ControllerforWindows.aspx), including the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. They even support widescreen resolutions and more.

3) Safety features. You can be confident that any title carrying the Games for Windows brand will support the new parental controls and family settings features in Windows Vista (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=5790609).

4) Easy to Play. Games for Windows branded titles are easy to install, find and remove, especially in Windows Vista. Every Games for Windows title appears in the new Windows Vista Games Explorer (no more hunting around the start menu for that game you just installed). And Games for Windows branded titles all offer some form of “easy install”, putting you in the game more quickly.

Taken from games for windows website.

[Theocnoob]

I've heard terrible things about GTA4. But for whatever reason, sandbox crime games I've played all suck. I'd noticed that Saints Row 2 was also terrible as far as performance goes.

?

GTA4 was one of the funnest games I've played in 5 years and I make sure to sample all the blockbuster stuff

[Aynjell]

?

GTA4 was one of the funnest games I've played in 5 years and I make sure to sample all the blockbuster stuff

I tried it, and I thought it was terrible.

[Theocnoob]

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I just don't know how to react to that...
Its like saying water and oxygen suck

[Aynjell]

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I just don't know how to react to that...
Its like saying water and oxygen suck

I dunno. Just don't like it.

[shadin]

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I just don't know how to react to that...
Its like saying water and oxygen suck

I didn't like it either. Thought San Andreas and GTA3 were way, way better. It was also ported to PC terribly and caused nothing but problems for a lot of people. Maybe I just had too high of expectations for the game but it left me feeling pretty meh overall.