cliff7197

Was in Game the other day, and was browsing through the PC titles they had to offer when I noticed something a little disconcerting.

It seemed that the games that were branded with the official "Games for Windows" flash on the top of the box were at least £5 dearer than the rest. "Normal" chart games were about £20-£25, whereas "Games for Windows" games were about £25-£35.

Is this just coincidence, or is there something more sinister going on? My worry is that Uncle Bill may be creaming money off in a way similar to how publishers have to pay hard cash to the console makers to release games on systems like XBox 360, PS3, Wii, etc.

Obviously being a "Game for Windows" is optional for publishers but I don't see what benefit I, as a consumer, get from seeing this on a box. After all, I've never needed this on a game in the past so don't see the need for it now, and really don't understand the difference between a normal game and a GFW one to me the consumer. I've read the Wiki article on it, but I really don't care about any of the supposed benefits as I've got a brain in my head and can read the minimum specs on the box.

Who really cares if a game installs with "the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks"? Is 2 fewer clicks during installation really worth paying an extra £5-£10 for the game? Or that it works with an X-Box controller? Or that it runs with Windows Vista Games Explorer?

So I guess the question is: Does anyone out there know if Microsoft charge publishers (And if so, how much) or if it costs more in any way, shape or form to have a game certified as a Game for Windows? Because if it does, I'll have to think very long and hard before buying any.

(Incidentally, FM08 has got the "Games for Windows" flash on it...)

Becks

Yeah the reason they're more expensive is that they're newer. And you're totally and utterly paranoid, if a game's good then buy it ffs

Mr Adam

Pretty sure you need Vista to play them, no?

Will Smith

tomb raider anniversary says no

Umney

Don't NEED Vista for them I don't think

Will Smith

although does it mean the games are exclusive for windows? ie. not mac compatible?

Francis Cole

You don't need vista. They will (where applicable) be compatable with the x360 controller, they would be in the Vista Games Explorer (if you have vista) and of course in some cases they will work with the xbox live system, so people on a PC can play online with people with an X360.

LycanGav

Don't the newer games for windows efforts also "boast" the Windows Live feature too? Makes me chuckle, the thought of paying to play PC games online.

CovFan

The new Football Manager game is under the "Games for Windows" umbrella. I'll leave it to one of the SI lot to explain the benefits!

cliff7197

Don't need Vista, that much I'm sure of. But they must run under Vista.

And Becks, some of the non-games for windows were brand new as well, so that isn't a convincing argument.

Though I admit my suspicions of all things Microsoft related may have made me totally and utterly paranoid.