Microsoft Will Jump Into Digital Distribution Dec. 15

Microsoft announced that Games for Windows LIVE will be evolving into a portal site that will feature buy & download capability for all Games for Windows LIVE titles.

Microsoft GM for LIVE stated:

“We challenged ourselves to deliver an integrated platform that takes full advantage of the unique capabilities offered by the LIVE service. Our goal has always been to create a seamless online gaming experience for the Windows community, and Games on Demand is a great step toward that end.”

Red Faction: Geurilla, Resident Evil 5, and Battlestations: Pacific will make up part of the list of titles at launch.

http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/community/newsarticles/pages/gamesondemandcomingsoon.aspx

DGSpy’s Take

This sounds like a run at Steam’s integrated features. Microsoft’s ability to connect gamers through Windows and the XBOX 360 with friends lists, achievements, chat, and skill matchmaking puts them in a nice position to reach a lot of gamers quickly and offer cross platform gaming connections no one else can.

2010 is shaping up for some serious head to head battles in the digital distribution space.