Wolverine
09-18-2009, 10:19 AM
With the release of Windows 7 just around the corner, you can bet Microsoft wants you to know they've updated the GFW (Games for Windows) program for developers. Hey it's a OS release year, what do you expect.In 2008, the global PC game software market reached $12.7 billion in revenue from a combination of retail sales, subscriptions, virtual item sales, advertising and digital distribution revenue according to the PC Gaming Alliance Horizons Software Report (click here (http://www.pcgamingalliance.org/imwp/download.asp?ContentID=15911) to download the report). This was up 18% from 2007! PC gaming is hotter than ever!
So today we are announcing that we are revamping the Games for Windows Program. This revamp includes new technical guidelines, a self-certification option (http://www.microsoft.com/GFWCertification/EN/US/default.aspx), and a set of 22 technical requirements which are designed to:
Create an easier game installation experience.
Support both 32-bit and 64-bit Platforms.
Support Ratings and Parental Controls in Windows 7
Game titles populated in the Game Explorer.
Enhanced game update notifications for game titles.
Stability, security and compatibility against commonly known issues.
The idea is to have more game developers participating with more game titles that pass a standardized set of technical requirements. Games that go through and pass these technical requirements will offer consumers a better gaming experience. Gamers can expect awesome high-quality gaming with Games of Windows titles going forward.
The new requirements for Games for Windows will also allow developers to take advantage of Windows 7 features and compatibility when Windows 7 is released on October 22nd.
If you wish to read my comments :hand: check out comment number 16 (that's me) or if you simply wish to read about all the new features in GFW click here (http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2009/09/16/games-for-windows-program-gets-an-update.aspx#comments)
More... (http://www.fpsadmin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18486&goto=newpost)
So today we are announcing that we are revamping the Games for Windows Program. This revamp includes new technical guidelines, a self-certification option (http://www.microsoft.com/GFWCertification/EN/US/default.aspx), and a set of 22 technical requirements which are designed to:
Create an easier game installation experience.
Support both 32-bit and 64-bit Platforms.
Support Ratings and Parental Controls in Windows 7
Game titles populated in the Game Explorer.
Enhanced game update notifications for game titles.
Stability, security and compatibility against commonly known issues.
The idea is to have more game developers participating with more game titles that pass a standardized set of technical requirements. Games that go through and pass these technical requirements will offer consumers a better gaming experience. Gamers can expect awesome high-quality gaming with Games of Windows titles going forward.
The new requirements for Games for Windows will also allow developers to take advantage of Windows 7 features and compatibility when Windows 7 is released on October 22nd.
If you wish to read my comments :hand: check out comment number 16 (that's me) or if you simply wish to read about all the new features in GFW click here (http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2009/09/16/games-for-windows-program-gets-an-update.aspx#comments)
More... (http://www.fpsadmin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18486&goto=newpost)