New Games for Windows Launches Today

As of today you can get a new version of Games for Windows Live, including the new in-game marketplace.

If you launch Games for Windows Live it should update automatically. Otherwise, you can get it by clicking here.

The rundown of new features, as provided by Microsoft, looks like this:

In-game Marketplace

The biggest feature is the in-game marketplace, which lets you purchase items for your game from within the game itself. You no longer have to exit your game to view or purchase Game Add-ons.

Once you've bought something, Games for Windows - LIVE will download the Game Add-ons and install it all from within the game. You no longer have to leave the game experience to grab the latest addition to your favorite game! You can also re-download previous purchases if you need to as well.

Account Management

You can manage your Games for Windows - LIVE account without leaving the comfort of your game with these features:

- Purchase Microsoft Points with a credit card
- Edit your credit card information
- Add a new credit card
- Redeem codes for purchases
- Change your Gamertag from the Edit Gamer Profile page in the Guide
- Changing a Gamertag

Anti-piracy Protection

Starting with new title releases this fall, publishers can optionally take advantage of two new methods to ensure everyone's playing with a legitimate copy of their games.

- Server Side Authentication links the game license to your Gamertag. The advantage of this method is that it allows installation of the game onto any PC, anywhere — only you can access the LIVE service from the game. Server Side Authentication has no affect on offline play.

- Zero Day Piracy Protection keeps games from launching before the street date the publisher has set for the game.