Microsoft Gamefest: gaming and Windows
updated 11:15 am EDT, Tue August 15, 2006
MS Gamefest: Windows
The coverage of Gamefest continues with Microsoft's schemes for Windows software. Under their Games for Windows rebranding strategy, games will be divided into two categories: Essentials and Showcases. Earning the Essentials tag will require a "basic" level of support which includes the 360 Windows controller, Windows Media Center, Vista's Windows Game Explorer, and the use of Direct3D as the primary graphics driver. OpenGL will still be an option. Showcase games must (in general) also support DirectX 10, error reporting, multiple cores, and 64-bit processing. Other features that may warrant a Showcase tag include multi-monitor support and three-click, DVD-only installs.
On the topic of Windows Game Explorer, Microsoft's Skip McIlvaine says that it will actually integrate ESRB ratings as a filter. Parents with admin accounts will be able to lock their children out of any game with an M rating, and on top of that, there will be the option of excluding games with certain ratings keywords, like "blood" or "violence."
Microsoft has acknowledged that their Live Anywhere plans do include translating the look and features of the 360 interface to Windows, and more importantly, PC users will be able to play games with 360 owners. Shadowrun and Halo 2 are mentioned as early crossover titles, scheduled for 2007.
