GTA IV PC to use Games for Windows LIVE

[Shrygue]

via Computer and Video Games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=197681)


Rockstar and Microsoft have rolled out the inevitable news that Grand Theft Auto IV will "exclusively" use Games for Windows LIVE for its multiplayer component.

Microsoft, GTA IV PC will feature upcoming GFW LIVE updates such as "a redesigned game interface, out-of-game client" and the PC version of Marketplace. See what the redesign looks like here (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=196815).

The news will no doubt come as a disappointment to the many PC gamers who'd rather sand their own face than use Microsoft's service, but that is how the cookie crumbles.

"As we work toward the release of the PC version, Games for Windows Live affords us the opportunity to seamlessly translate the multiplayer console experience for PC gamers," said Rockstar boss Sam Houser of the news.

"The service is a natural fit for the platform and we strongly believe it will help in building a strong online community around GTA IV PC."

The game itself is set to feature not multiplayer modes, a Halo-style replay mode and the obligatory graphical updates.

It's out on November 18. Read our first preview (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=195731) here for more.

[royvedas]

Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live have started to piss me off. Why pay for online play, when for instance a PS3 offers it for free.

I don't buy the argument with all the shit and stuff that's included with live. Create these special features for people who wants them and make the service free for others.

Another thing: Why does Xbox live serve demos for Gold members earlier than silver members? It's demos for crying out loud - why not let everyone experience these as early as possible to advertise your game the best way possible?

I only play an occasional game once in a while making online gaming extremely expensive.

Pisses me off. I might jump ship and get a PS3, even though I prefer the Xbox360

[Darksaviour69]

The xbox live service is better than the PS3 online service (more reliable and faster downloads being the biggest difference), but PS3's online service has closed the gap considerably, making it harder to justify the price. Still I would be happy to pay 10-20 pound a year for the current service, but 40 is a bit much now

[mcdougall57]

Xbox live is perfect I really don't see how they can improve it.