Software giant Microsoft is in the process of overhauling what seems to be the whole company and part of that strategy is to rebrand a number of products. Users of Microsoft’s operating systems will be familiar with built-in gaming titles like Minesweeper and Solitaire – but these titles will now be grouped together in Xbox Windows.
The games will link up with a user’s Xbox Live account (if they have one), and will provide a maximum of 50 Gamer Score per title, which will be available with Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 8, in October.
According to Eurogamer, “Minesweeper will blast out 5 Gamerscore when you are blown up by your first mine. Solitaire Collection offers 10 Gamerscore for flipping over your first card. And Microsoft Mahjong will award you 5 Gamerscore for changing the game’s theme.”
The new operating system will have full integration with Microsoft’s Xbox360 gaming console, where players will be able to access the Games Marketplace and browse their friends and other users’ Xbox Live profiles.
“The company previously insisted it wouldn’t drop support for its controversial Games for Windows Live service, but did promise “new investments in Metro style games,” Eurogamer stated.
Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor
