Microsoft’s failed GFWL client is believed to be pulling the plug this July. Capcom are ”looking to transition” current users to Steamworks what with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
This Friday will see an updated version released that switches over to Valve’s Steamworks. Apparently those who wish to still use GFWL post-update ‘still can’.
”As Ultra Street Fighter IV is coming out soon for Steam, we are looking to transition our current GFWL users over to Steamworks in order to provide the optimal level of support across the board for PC Street Fighter fans,” writes Capcom community manager Peter Rosas. Users will be prompted to make the transition this Friday.
”We’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure that this change will be as seamless as possible, but for users who still wish to continue using GFWL, the game will still function as normal for the foreseeable future.”
Save files will automatically transfer to the new Steamworks version of SSFIVAE for those interested and retail copies of the PC brawler will also support activation through Steam. However the downside is that any DLC bought through the Games for Windows Live Marketplace won’t be salvageable. ”Both paid and free DLC for the GFWL version will not be transferred over in this process,” writes Rosas, ”but Steam should not be affected.”
What of Dead Rising 2, its Off the Record spin-off and the likes of Resident Evil 5?
”While we do not have any information regarding changes to the GFWL service, all of our applicable titles continue to support the features and will function normally.” Microsoft is yet to confirm that July will see the closure of the Games for Windows Live service, which was mentioned in a support update last year before disappearing.
A much larger casualty list of games (at least for multiplayer) follows the announcement of GameSpy shutting down.
