Games For Windows Brand Underscores PC Commitment

Microsoft has today unveiled its new Games for Windows PC software branding and associated packaging, as another step to emphasize the company's ramped-up pledge of support to the PC gaming market. Two recently released titles, LucasArts' LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy and the Windows exclusive Company of Heroes from THQ serve as the first two titles to carry the new Games for Windows branding and DVD-style package. Other forthcoming like-branded titles have not been confirmed, though Microsoft notes that beginning this month, Games for Windows titles will begin appearing on shelves at more than 7500 different retail outlets nationwide. According to a statement released by Microsoft: “These and other new game titles carrying the Games for Windows branding will support wide-screen gaming, can be launched from within Windows Media Center, will be compatible with 64 bit consumer versions of Windows and support the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows (for games which enable gamepads).” Finally, the Ziff Davis Game Group, which produces consumer game site 1UP and Electronic Gaming Monthly and Official PlayStation Magazine in North America, will debut Games for Windows: the Official Magazine in November, for the Dec. '06 issue. The magazine, which was announced as the replacement for US print magazine Computer Gaming World in August, will serve as the editorial voice for Microsoft’s Games for Windows initiative, alongside a companion website on group's the 1UP Network.