Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace is a digital distribution platform for PC games developed by Microsoft. It was launched in 2009 as a successor to the now-defunct Games for Windows Live service. The marketplace offers a wide range of games from various genres, including action, adventure, role-playing, strategy, and more. While it may seem like a convenient platform for gamers, there are certain factors to consider when deciding whether to keep or remove it from your system.
The Pros of Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace
Before diving into the question of whether to remove Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace, let’s explore some of its advantages:
- Wide Selection of Games: The marketplace offers a vast library of games, including both popular titles and indie gems. Whether you’re a fan of AAA blockbusters or prefer niche indie games, you’re likely to find something that suits your taste.
- Convenience: With Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace, you can easily browse, purchase, and download games directly to your PC. This eliminates the need for physical copies or additional software installations.
- Integration with Xbox Live: If you’re an Xbox Live user, the marketplace provides seamless integration with your Xbox Live account. This allows you to earn achievements, track your game progress, and connect with friends across both platforms.
- Regular Updates: Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace receives regular updates and improvements, ensuring a smooth and secure gaming experience. These updates often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features.
The Cons of Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace
While Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace offers several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Compatibility Issues: Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain games on the marketplace. These issues can range from performance problems to crashes and technical glitches. It’s important to check the system requirements and user reviews before purchasing a game.
- Limited Game Library: Although the marketplace has a wide selection of games, it may not have every title you’re looking for. Some popular games may be exclusive to other platforms or not available on the marketplace at all.
- Dependency on Microsoft Services: Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace relies on various Microsoft services, such as Windows Live ID and Games for Windows Live. If these services are discontinued or face technical issues, it could impact your ability to access and play games on the marketplace.
- Privacy Concerns: Like any online platform, Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace collects and stores user data. While Microsoft has implemented security measures to protect user information, there is always a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
Should You Remove Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace?
Deciding whether to remove Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace ultimately depends on your personal preferences and gaming habits. Here are a few scenarios where removing the marketplace might be a good idea:
- If you primarily use other gaming platforms: If you already have a preferred gaming platform, such as Steam or Epic Games Store, and rarely use Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace, it may be unnecessary to keep it installed.
- If you encounter compatibility issues: If you frequently experience compatibility issues or technical glitches with games on the marketplace, it might be worth considering removal to avoid frustration and wasted time.
- If you prioritize privacy and data security: If you’re concerned about the privacy of your personal information and want to minimize your exposure to potential data breaches, removing the marketplace can be a proactive step.
How to Remove Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace
If you’ve decided to remove Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace from your system, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows PC.
- Select “Uninstall a program” or “Programs and Features.”
- Locate Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace in the list of installed programs.
- Right-click on Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace and select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
After removing Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace, it’s recommended to perform a thorough scan of your system for any potential malware or unwanted programs. Malwarebytes Free is a reliable and effective tool for detecting and removing malware.
Conclusion
Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace offers a convenient platform for PC gamers to browse, purchase, and download games. It has a wide selection of titles and integrates seamlessly with Xbox Live. However, there are compatibility issues, a limited game library, and privacy concerns to consider. Whether to remove the marketplace depends on your personal preferences, gaming habits, and priorities. If you rarely use the marketplace, encounter compatibility issues, or prioritize privacy, removing it might be a good decision. Remember to perform a malware scan after uninstallation to ensure the security of your system.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
-
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It’s essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
-
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
-
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you’re agreeing to before you click «Next.»
-
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
-
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
-
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it’s your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it’s easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn’t make messages more trustworthy.
-
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
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Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
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Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
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Don’t use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it’s important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Games for Windows
| Owner | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Introduced | November 8, 2006 |
| Discontinued | August 25, 2013 |
| Related brands | Microsoft Studios |
| Markets | Worldwide |
| Registered as a trademark in | Worldwide |
| Website | www |
Games for Windows is a former brand owned by Microsoft and introduced in 2006 to coincide with the release of the Windows Vista operating system. The brand itself represents a standardized technical certification program and online service for Windows games, bringing a measure of regulation to the PC game market in much the same way that console manufacturers regulate their platforms. The branding program was open to both first-party and third-party publishers.[1]
Games for Windows was promoted through convention kiosks and through other forums as early as 2005.[2] The promotional push culminated in a deal with Ziff Davis Media to rename the Computer Gaming World magazine to Games for Windows: The Official Magazine. The first GFW issue was published for November 2006.[3] In 2008, Ziff Davis announced that the magazine would cease to be published, though online content would still be updated and maintained.[4][5]
In 2013, Microsoft announced that Xbox PC Marketplace would cease operations, which would result in the discontinuation of the Games for Windows brand. In spite of this announcement, the company stated that content previously purchased could still be accessed via the Games for Windows – Live client software.[6] Its successor is the Xbox app.
Games certified by Microsoft feature a prominent «Games for Windows» logo border across the top of their packaging, in a manner similar to games developed for the Xbox 360.[1] Software must meet certain requirements mandated by Microsoft in order to display the brand on its packaging. These requirements include:[1][7][8][9]
- An «Easy Install» option that installs the title on a PC in the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks
- Compatibility with Xbox 360 peripherals
- An «Only on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista» or «Only on Windows Vista» stamp for game packaging
- Compatibility with the Games Explorer
- Compatibility with x64 processors with proper installation and execution on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7; games themselves can be 32-bit
- Support for normal and widescreen resolutions, such as 4:3 aspect ratio (800 × 600, 1024 × 768), 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080), and 16:10 aspect ratio (1280 × 800, 1440 × 900, 1680 × 1050, 1920 × 1200)
- Support for parental controls and family safety features
- Support for launching from Windows Media Center
Microsoft claimed that it had increased its sales of Games for Windows-branded games in stores that had been giving the games greater focus, and stated that it planned to increase marketing efforts for the brand.[10]
Cross-platform compatibility
[edit]
Certain games certified under the Games for Windows brand, including Shadowrun, and UNO featured cross-platform compatibility, allowing gamers to play against each other across Xbox 360 consoles and traditional Windows Vista or Windows 7 PCs.[11][12]
Starting with Halo 2 on May 31, 2007, certain Games for Windows titles have access to Microsoft’s Live network for online play and other features, including voice chat, instant messaging and friends lists, accessed from an in-game menu called the «Guide». Users can log in with their Xbox Live gamertags to gain achievements and play games and chat across platforms with games that support cross-platform compatibility. Some features, including cross-platform multiplayer gaming and multiplayer achievements, initially required a subscription to the Xbox Live Gold.[13] However, on July 22, 2008, Microsoft announced that all Games for Windows functionality would be free for existing and future members, and that early adopters of the technology would receive refunds for previously incurred charges. In addition, Microsoft launched a Games for Windows Live Marketplace, similar to the Xbox Live Marketplace, which allowed users to download or purchase content, such as game demos, add-ons, and gamer pics, with Microsoft Points; the publisher of a title would determine if an item required to be purchased.[13] At the same time, Microsoft announced its intentions to make the Games for Windows — Live client software interface more friendly and to reduce the technical requirements for developers.[14][15]
The Games Explorer, included with all versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7, is a special folder that showcases the games installed on a user’s computer and their related information, essentially making it a games gallery. When a compatible game is installed, the operating system adds a shortcut of the game to the Games Explorer, and can optionally download additional information, such as game packaging and content rating information (e.g., ESRB, PEGI, USK, ACB, CERO) through the developer’s own game definition file or from information provided by the Internet, although this feature was discontinued since 2016.[16] Windows Experience Index information is also displayed within the interface.[17] The feature was removed entirely in Windows 10 April 2018 Update.
Games Explorer supports custom commands for games[17] and also includes shortcuts to configure various operating system components which may be pertinent to gamers, such as audio devices, display devices, firewall settings, and game controllers.[1] In Windows Vista, Games Explorer allows developers to expose game metadata and thumbnails to the interface and Windows Search through a shell handler.[18] The Games Explorer is fully compatible with the parental controls feature included in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Parental controls allows parents to include or preclude certain games from being played based on their content, rating, and/or title, and can also block games from being played altogether.
Compatibility typically depends on the age or popularity of a game, with newer games having better compatibility. If a game is incompatible, a user can manually add a game by dragging and dropping it to the Games Explorer.[19]
Tray and Play is a technology developed by Microsoft for Windows Vista that allows users to insert a game disc into an optical disc drive and play the game while it installs itself in the background and streams off the disc with minimal or zero caching—in a manner similar to a game console. The first and only commercial game known to use this technology is the Windows version of Halo 2.[8]
Xbox 360 peripheral compatibility
[edit]
Part of the Games for Windows initiative involved ensuring that Xbox 360 peripherals, such as the Xbox 360 Controller and Wireless Gaming Receiver worked across Windows platforms.[1][20][21] Xbox 360 peripherals not only work with certified games, but also with the default games included with Windows Vista, such as Minesweeper.[22][23]
- DirectX
- Index of Windows games
- List of Games for Windows titles
- List of Games for Windows – Live titles
- List of Windows Games on Demand
- List of Xbox games on Windows
- Live Anywhere
- PC Gaming Alliance
- ^ a b c d e Thurrott, Paul (October 6, 2010). «Games for Windows Vista». Supersite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Rail Simulator attends Leipzig Games Convention». GamesIndustry International. September 5, 2006. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Freidenfelds, Jason; Zane, Randy. «Ziff Davis Announces Online and Print Media Alliance with Microsoft». Ziff Davis Media. Archived from the original on November 7, 2006. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Cox, Simon. «The end of an era?». 1Up.com. IGN. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Orland, Kyle (April 8, 2008). «Games for Windows Magazine goes online-only». Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «PC Marketplace is closing August 2013». Xbox Support. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 17, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «About Games for Windows». Games for Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on April 7, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ a b Block, Gerry (April 18, 2007). «Vista ‘Tray and Play’ Hands On». IGN. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Wiley-Ransom, James (December 18, 2006). «Games for Windows Vista: how the new brand & OS will change PC gaming [update 1]». Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
- ^ Adams, Dan (December 7, 2006). «Vista and Games for Windows Update». IGN. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Ploskina, Brian (March 14, 2007). «Microsoft Unifies Xbox, Windows». Dealerscope. NAPCO Media. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Microsoft Unites Xbox and PC Gamers With Debut of Games for Windows — LIVE». News Center. Microsoft. March 14, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ a b Caron, Frank (July 23, 2008). «Microsoft refunding gamers, Games for Windows Live goes free». ArsTechnica. Condé Nast. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Breckon, Nick (July 22, 2008). «Games for Windows Takes on Steam, Set to Launch PC Digital Content Distribution Platform». Shacknews. Shacknews LTD. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Games for Windows LIVE Gets Major Changes». G4 Media. NBCUniversal. July 22, 2008. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Legacy Game Support with Games Explorer». MSDN. Microsoft. 10 September 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ a b Soper, Mark (January 4, 2008). «Gaming with Windows Vista: Playing Games Through the Games Explorer». Que Publishing. Pearson Education. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Rich Saved Games (Vista Only)». MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ «Install a game in the Games folder». Microsoft. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ GameSpot (September 22, 2004). «Microsoft talks Longhorn, XNA, and Xbox 2». Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Dawson, Bruce (2006). «Preparing Games for Windows Vista» (PDF). Microsoft. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 5, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
- ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (May 13, 2007). «Gaming in Windows Vista with the Wireless Xbox 360 Controller». Windows Blogs. Microsoft. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
- ^ Oiaga, Marius (May 14, 2007). «Take Windows Vista Gaming to the Next Level». Softpedia. Retrieved May 3, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- Games for Windows Technical Requirements
- Games for Windows Test Requirements
Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace — это платформа от разработчиков Windows для распространения игр, а также ПО. В некоторых случаях возникает ситуация, когда магазин приложений отсутствует и его нужно установить в ручном режиме.
Описание программы
Сам магазин, наверняка, известен всем. Здесь присутствует огромное количество как платных, так и бесплатных программ, включая игры. Есть удобный поиск, а также функция автоматического скачивания софта.
Данная платформа устанавливается посредством командной строки. Соответственно, процесс более детально будет рассмотрен ниже.
Как установить
А теперь рассмотрим, как при помощи командной строки на компьютер устанавливается приложение Windows Marketplace:
- В первую очередь запускаем саму командную строку. Для этого вы можете воспользоваться, например, поиском.
- Дальше скачиваем текстовый документ с нужной командой, после чего вводим ее в окно консоли и нажимаем «Enter».
- Также в некоторых случаях может понадобиться перезагрузка компьютера.
Как пользоваться
Дальнейшее использование мания магазина сводится к поиску нужного программного обеспечения или игр, а затем его установки посредством единственного клика по соответствующей кнопке.
Достоинства и недостатки
Также давайте разберем положительные и отрицательные особенности Windows Marketplace.
Плюсы:
- отличная интеграция с Windows;
- бесплатная схема распространения;
- огромное количество разных игр и программ;
- привязка к аккаунту Microsoft.
Минусы:
- в магазине присутствует множество совершенно ненужных и откровенно плохих приложений.
Скачать
Новейшая версия программного обеспечения, актуальная на 2025 год, доступна к бесплатной загрузке посредством прямой ссылки.
| Язык: | Русский |
| Активация: | Бесплатно |
| Разработчик: | Microsoft |
| Платформа: | Windows 8, 10, 11 |
Шаблон:Карточка товарного знака
Games for Windows — игровая платформа и маркетинговая кампания Microsoft, начатая в 2005 году, и пересмотреная в 2006 году. Игры для платформы должны отвечать стандартам сертификации, подобно современным игровым консолям. Цель кампании — сделать видеоигры на операционных системах Windows столь же простыми и доступными как на популярных игровых консолях.
В августе 2013 года Games for Windows Live Marketplace был закрыт[1]. Сервис Games for Windows Live проработал до июля 2014 года.
Сертификация[]
Требования к игре, которая могла выходить с логотипом «Games for Windows»:
- Возможность «простой» установки на компьютер, с минимальным количеством шагов установки
- Совместимость с Games Explorer
- Возможность установки и корректной работы на x64-версии Windows и компьютерах с 64-разрядным процессором (хотя сама игра могла быть и 32-разрядной)
- Поддержка как обычного экрана с соотношением 4:3, так и широкоэкранных разрешений 16:9 и 16:10
- Поддержка функций родительского контроля и семейных настроек Windows Vista и Windows 7
- Поддержка запуска из Windows Media Center
- Основная статья: Games for Windows — Live
Одновременно с кампанией «Games for Windows» был запущен сетевой сервис «Games for Windows — Live», созданный по образцу другого игрового онлайн-сервиса компании Microsoft — Xbox Live. Сервис предоставляет возможности многопользовательской игры, список друзей, чат и систему онлайн-дистрибьюции игр (покупка игр и дополнительного контента для них посредством интернет, подобно сервису Steam от Valve).
Критики отметили, что «Games for Windows — Live» сильно упрощен, по сравнению с аналогом для приставки Xbox 360 (производимой Microsoft), написав, что он является «робким шагом на пути к соединению компьютера с Xbox 360»[2] вопреки стратегии компании «развивать ПК как игровую платформу».
Games Explorer[]
Специальная папка, которая поддерживается операционными системами Windows Vista и Windows 7 — Games Explorer — содержит ярлыки на различные игры, установленные на компьютере. Совместимые игры устанавливают ярлык в эту папку, автоматически скачивается облик коробки игры и информация о возрастном рейтинге.
Tray and Play[]
Tray and Play — это технология, разработанная корпорацией Microsoft специально для операционной системы Windows Vista. Технология позволяет владельцем Games for Windows-игр немедленно приступить к игре, вставив диск в оптический привод. При этом установка игры происходит в фоновом режиме с минимальным или нулевым кэшированием, как на консолях. Первой и единственной, на данный момент, коммерческой игрой, использующей эту технологию, является Windows-версия Halo 2.
См. также[]
- Список игр Games for Windows
- Xbox Live
Примечания[]
- ↑ Microsoft Closing Games for Windows Live Marketplace
- ↑ Обзор Games for Windows LIVE на сайте thevista.ru
Ссылки[]
- Официальный сайт Games for Windows
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July 22, 2011
The Games for Windows Marketplace has moved to Xbox.com!
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November 15, 2010
New Games for Windows Marketplace Launches Today!