September 13th 2011 1:41 pm PT

Xbox LIVE and Windows 8

We are confirming that we will be bringing Xbox LIVE to the PC with Xbox LIVE on Windows. We are very excited about Xbox LIVE coming to Windows 8. Xbox LIVE brings your games, music, movies, and TV shows to your favorite Microsoft and Windows devices. Bringing Xbox LIVE to Windows 8 is part of our vision to bring you all the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, made easy. At BUILD we are showing that it is easy for developers to create games for Windows 8 that take advantage of the power of Xbox LIVE. We have much more detail to share about the capabilities of Xbox LIVE on Windows and look forward to the opportunity to do so in the near future.

If you want to learn more about Windows 8, you can watch the Keynote from earlier today.

Update: Here is a screenshot that shows Xbox LIVE on Windows 8

Windows, Xbox Live By Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE's Major Nelson

permalink: http://majornelson.com/2011/09/13/xbox-live-and-windows-8/

Daniel DeLucio

This may seem like a long-shot, but does this mean PC will become capable of playing Xbox titles somehow?
- Anonymous
  
  Different architectures so… not going to happen.
- http://twitter.com/seekul Luke Es | sE ekuL
  
  Well, give it a few years and PCs will probably be powerful enough to HLE. More long-term than long-shot.
- Anonymous
  
  He still hasn’t answered a single question on his own blog?
  
  What is the purpose of this?
  
  Major – “yes”
  
  Crazy MS.
Daniel DeLucio

This may seem like a long-shot, but does this mean PC will become capable of playing Xbox titles somehow?
AmpliHelix

I just hope Windows 8 won’t be another $150+.
AmpliHelix

I just hope Windows 8 won’t be another $150+.
the Tech Dino

This is awesome. Windows 8 looks amazing. I find it funny though. I thought Games for Windows LIVE was suppose to be this, but what ever! This is awesome news.
- http://twitter.com/seekul Luke Es | sE ekuL
  
  It was supposed to be, but then they wised up about how powerful the Xbox brand and the unified gamertag is. The people who don’t like the Xbox brand on their PC are probably not the key audience for these games anymore, and were never going to pay for a Gold membership anyway. I think it’s fine.
the Tech Dino

This is awesome. Windows 8 looks amazing. I find it funny though. I thought Games for Windows LIVE was suppose to be this, but what ever! This is awesome news.
chaze hejms

didnt windows 7 just come out?
- http://twitter.com/larbear_72 Larry Slattery
  
  Windows 7 was just a over haul and fix of Windows Vista. I wouldn’t count it as a new OS, just the result of what Microsoft had intended to release with Vista.
  - Anonymous
    
    So, Windows 7 did just come out. Okay, thanks.
- http://twitter.com/mcmax3000 David
  
  Windows 7 will have been out for two years next month & I don’t believe Windows 8 is scheduled for release until next year. Three years is roughly normal between Windows versions (I think it just seems short because Windows XP was around for so long).
- http://twitter.com/mcmax3000 David
  
  Windows 7 will have been out for two years next month & I don’t believe Windows 8 is scheduled for release until next year. Three years is roughly normal between Windows versions (I think it just seems short because Windows XP was around for so long).
chaze hejms

didnt windows 7 just come out?
Anonymous

Would love to see the Windows Store cone to the Xbox. Do what Apple did for smartphones to our TVs!
Anonymous

Would love to see the Windows Store cone to the Xbox. Do what Apple did for smartphones to our TVs!
Todd Schroeder

Will it be available with the developer build tonight?
- Anonymous
  
  I would love to !
- Anonymous
  
  I would love to !
Todd Schroeder

Will it be available with the developer build tonight?
http://twitter.com/larbear_72 Larry Slattery

As long as Windows 8 doesn’t leave a nasty taste in our mouths like Vista did, I will continue being very excited about the new OS. Windows 7 was a massive upgrade. @Microsoft:disqus
: Tip, do not release operating system until fully functional with modern and upcoming hardware and software.
And thank you Mr. Larry for providing good info to us nerds!
http://twitter.com/larbear_72 Larry Slattery

As long as Windows 8 doesn’t leave a nasty taste in our mouths like Vista did, I will continue being very excited about the new OS. Windows 7 was a massive upgrade. @Microsoft:disqus
: Tip, do not release operating system until fully functional with modern and upcoming hardware and software.
And thank you Mr. Larry for providing good info to us nerds!
http://w1ngnut.myopenid.com/ w1ngnut

This is a killer feature for Windows and Xbox! But, one question – tHis is interesting: “Xbox LIVE brings your games, music, movies, and TV shows to your favorite Microsoft and Windows device”. Does this mean Zune is being phased out?
- Anonymous
  
  That doesn’t mean zune is being phased out. The fact that zune has been phased out already is why we know is dead.
http://w1ngnut.myopenid.com/ w1ngnut

This is a killer feature for Windows and Xbox! But, one question – tHis is interesting: “Xbox LIVE brings your games, music, movies, and TV shows to your favorite Microsoft and Windows device”. Does this mean Zune is being phased out?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1113051243 Giuliano Tognarelli Buono-core

Its xbox live not windows live. should be only for xbox
- Doug Anderson
  
  Why? Xbox (with Xbox Live) is one, if not the greatest platform Microsoft has right now. Why not integrate it into other things?
  - Anonymous
    
    For me, one of the really great things about the XBox platform *has* been that I could use it without paying any attention at all to the rest of what Microsoft is doing. It’s been increasingly influenced by first Zune, then Windows Phone 7, and now Windows 8.
    
    The changes have not been positive from my perspective (personal example: I haven’t been able to watch a single episode of “The Guild” since they got that Zune stuff all over my XBox), but they seem to be going further down this path. At this point it feels like further movement in this direction is inevitable.
    I suppose I can only hope that the PS4 or the Wii U is a better console than those vendors’ current generation devices. Ah well, I *will* give it all a fair shot — I’m just very nervous about it, based on the past.
    
    And yes, I fully understand that YMMV. This *may* in fact be an improvement for a whole lot of people. It doesn’t seem likely that it’ll be one for me, though.
    - Doug Anderson
      
      That’s interesting. As someone who doesn’t use Zune or ANY other Windows platform, I don’t feel any kind of real change as an Xbox user. You mentioned that you haven’t been able to watch any of The Guild since the Zune thing, but I don’t see why. I’ve been able to watch each new episode as they come out. It doesn’t feel any different, other than the interface.
      - http://twitter.com/williamronholm Anonymous
        
        It’s actually easier to watch them with Zune since you can stream instead of download only. (If I’m remembering correctly, since it’s been a few years since NXE started)
Peter M.

Will this be free like windows live?
- http://twitter.com/mcmax3000 David
  
  Windows 8 won’t be but I wouldn’t expect using the XBL integration to cost anything once you have the operating system.
Peter M.

Will this be free like windows live?
http://twitter.com/AlexMSFT AliHK

This I did NOT know, which is awesome, since I knew everything else. Can’t wait to here more about this!
http://twitter.com/AlexMSFT AliHK

This I did NOT know, which is awesome, since I knew everything else. Can’t wait to here more about this!
Anonymous

Very interesting
Anonymous

why put a link to the keynote, if it’s not available to watch.
- Anonymous
  
  It’s up now
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=519370297 Michael Relko

Achievements for Windows Solitaire. That would make me so happy.
- Anonymous
  
  I’ve been playing minesweeper on my phone and getting achievements. It just feels wrong.
http://twitter.com/Epic_Louie Lou

Day one purchase for me!
Anonymous

Will the Xbox LIVE integration be in the Windows 8 Dev Preview?
http://twitter.com/Sc0ttyyM ScØtt

Woot. So excited! I have a feeling it is going to be even easier now to play pirated Xbox games online
Anonymous

Looks like this spells the end of Games for Windows Live. Thank god. What a disaster.
- Peter M.
  
  At least it doesn’t cost anything. Nice for people who want to play games like halo 2 or gears of war online for free.
http://twitter.com/deadstoned Alex

So GFWL will finally die? Well thats good news =) . Ohh wait its being rebranded Xbox LIVE, way to bring down the service Microsoft -_- . GFWL is bloody awful, keep it as far away from my PC Games as possible. Microsoft cant make good PC Games any more, those days are gone forever.
Anonymous

Can you play Xbox 360 games on it or is it a rebranding of GFWL?
- Anonymous
  
  No, you can’t play XBox 360 games.
- Anonymous
  
  No, you can’t play XBox 360 games.
Marcus Posey

So wait. I’m pretty sure that is confirming that if the future to play what would be GFWL games, umm we’re going to have to pay to play online.

Good thing more developers are coming to SteamWorks.
the Tech Dino

In the latest picture it shows that video, music, and games are all apart of the Xbox experience on Windows 8. What’s going on with Zune?!?!
- Anonymous
  
  Still there, but will most likely be under Apps on the Start Screen.
- Anonymous
  
  Still there, but will most likely be under Apps on the Start Screen.
Leo

AWESOME
http://twitter.com/Hellhog Christian

I’m actually really excited for this. I won’t buy Windows 8 at launch. I’ll wait until my college offers an Academic version (just upgraded to Windows 7 from college). But as an owner of an Xbox 360, Zune, Windows Phone, and a Windows user. This just puts the icing on the cake.
Anonymous

That screenshot might as well be from the new Xbox 360 dashboard…

Why not show the Games section? That’s what people care about, not renting movies, seeing ads or watching faux comedy about peripherals!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jonathan-Marston/542557737 Jonathan Marston

Cool, but why does the Xbox LIVE interface on Windows 8 look more polished than the Windows 8 start screen? I think the Windows guys could use some design help from the Xbox LIVE design team!
- http://www.facebook.com/aronmayo Aron Mayo
  
  they are the same guys, the former Zune design team worked on the latest Xbox 360 dash as well as Windows 7 and Windows 8.
- http://www.facebook.com/aronmayo Aron Mayo
  
  they are the same guys, the former Zune design team worked on the latest Xbox 360 dash as well as Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Vagner Ranieri

So the rumors are confirmed. The next xbox does not exist! It is so and simply Win8 running games via Xbox Live … On my PC … On my tablet… On my phone… No consoles any more… Sad but I catch the message…
- Anonymous
  
  I suspect we’ll see another console regardless
- Anonymous
  
  This is just Microsoft extending the XBox Live service beyond the console. It doesn’t replace the console itself as that is MS’s consumer platform for the living room.
Anonymous

Can’t wait to try this out.
http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden

Just great mouse control against controlers. You get a good thing going to bring all the pc problems to xbox live.
http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden

Just great mouse control against controlers. You get a good thing going to bring all the pc problems to xbox live.
Chris Bizzelle

I’m getting increasingly nervous. I’ve seen NOTHING of Windows Media Center in the Xbox 360 dash update and the Windows 8 video. I really hope I dont have to stop using my current tv set up with the PC acting as a server and my 4 360s acting as extenders. That would be a real problem for me…and certainly the wife who agreed that I should buy so many 360s and build that insane computer.
- Anonymous
  
  Steve Sinofsky already publicly confirmed on the Windows Team Blog that Media Center would be included in Windows 8.
- Anonymous
  
  Steve Sinofsky already publicly confirmed on the Windows Team Blog that Media Center would be included in Windows 8.
http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden

someone please fire that guy that came over from dell. Windows 98 all over again. Did not take then will not take now.
- http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden
  
  This guy must have alot investments in the hardware end. So destroy the 360 to start making money again. I mean after all 360 profits are the highest at microsoft. Very wrong leader for the company. I say give all power to larry herb.
  - Anonymous
    
    Where do you get the idea that they are trying to destroy the 360? All they’ve done is add the XBox Live service into Windows. That doesn’t mean at all that people will move enmass to the PC. I game on both and have no reason to do away with my 360 and I hardly think anybody else will as well.
    - http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden
      
      just wait xbox live customers have been very clear about not wanting pc in xbox. It will destroy it. Very clear that will happen or they would have stuck with direct x box pc games on the go like they originally planed. This guy is a sony plant.
      - Anonymous
        
        Um, Hello. PC HAS been on the XBox Live service for YEARS now under the Game For Windows Live banner. Different names. SAME network.
http://www.kefq900.com kef q900

I’m curious to see where they’re going to this…would not be surprised if xbox 720 mimicks what we’re seeing here with windows 8
Anonymous

Seriously, we still have the Spotlight channel, even though ads are all over every channel? At least give us a way to disable it, like the Welcome channel.
http://www.facebook.com/FLIPTAKU James Casey

Not saying anything until Beta is out for me to try it.
- Anonymous
  
  Developer copy is available for download right now (no XBox Live though). Beta might be available early next year around CES.
http://twitter.com/ETPC1 ETPC1

major nelson, i’ve never read your blog before but what will this mean for PC Games/GFWL? will microsoft try to charge us again? does this mean more cross-platform releases? we need more info!
Naveed Iqbal

i wonder if pc users will now have to pay for online
- Anonymous
  
  Not likely.
http://twitter.com/StrikeSudden XboxLiveStrikeSudden

This is the worst idea of ideas. PC guys hiding hardware ids hacking the network and getting all your account info. Happing right now. Even Major Nelson was hacked. So just present the xbox now as some low end pc. People want xbox because ps is out of it and reasonably secure. But now. they will just say why bother get a pc and play games on linux. Im tellin ya this ceo is a sony plant. Windows phone not even that pop. Major vowel loli and stepto still tweet from i phones play games on i phones and read books on i phones not windows phones.
- Anonymous
  
  **FACEPALM**
  
  Steven Sinofsky has been with Microsoft since 1989! Hell, that’s 6 YEARS BEFORE the PSONE!
  
  What happend to Major Nelson and Stepto’s accounts was NOT hacking, but SOCIAL ENGINEERING –> there is a HUGE difference between the two. PC has been on the Live network since 2006 with Games for Windows Live.
  
  Do you honestly have a clue what you are talking about?
davide spagocci

Major Nelson there is A PROBLEM whit the game CRIMSON ALLIANCE in XBOXLIVE ARCADE from italy it DOWNLOAD FREE whitout pay it,but i never pay it.
- Anonymous
  
  That isn’t a problem. The full game is technically free but you buy the characters. You can buy one for 800 points or all for 1200 points.
ElektroDragon

EXCELLENT!!!! Let’s hope this succeeds where Games for Windows Live did not and turns Steam into just a bunch of hot air!
- http://twitter.com/GreenMistt Miller
  
  Steam is great, and has way better sales/deals than MS will ever have. Xbl is great too, but it won’t be turning steam into “hot air”. From your comment it is clear you don’t game on PC (otherwise you wouldn’t be saying that), so, in that case, why do you care if it beats steam in sales or not? That is a sign of blind fanboyism.
  - ElektroDragon
    
    No, I do also game on the PC, and yes, I use Steam. But since I made the 360 my primary platform instead of the PC back in 2005, I really only want to play PC games with GFWL… i.e. Achievements.

September 13th 2011 1:41 pm PT

Xbox LIVE and Windows 8

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