Microsoft said that it would no longer be charging for "premium" online features in Games for Windows - Live titles, such as TrueSkill matchmaking, cross-platform gameplay and multiplayer achievements.
When Microsoft announced Games for Windows - Live in 2007, the firm said it would offer free PC-to-PC multiplayer gaming and community features, but charge $50 per year (which also included an Xbox Live gold membership) for extra features.
PC gamers and some developers--used to having similar amenities for free--criticized Microsoft for charging anything at all.
The change takes effect immediately for all existing and future Games for Windows - Live titles.
Microsoft also said that it would be launching a Games for Windows - Live marketplace this fall, which will offer free and paid (decided by publisher) downloadable content including but not limited to demos and trailers.
The company added that it would be revamping the Games for Windows - Live in-game interface to make it more user-friendly, at the same time "reducing the technical requirements for developers."
Microsoft needs to give up charging anything for the PC; yeah, we're getting screwed because we have to pay for functionality on our console, but XBL is one of the first consoles to have a pc-comparable multiplayer functionality. They are never going to get strictly PC players to pay for stuff they are used to getting for free. Besides, most people I know who play Games For Windows Lives do it simply for the achievements, and already have a XBL Gold Subscription
