Windows 8 is to get “Xbox Windows” Branded Games

According to a tech website called eurogamer Windows 8 is to get “Xbox Windows” Branded Games, the same as the Windows Phone Marketplace has. The new Xbox branded games will also be able to link with Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, offering Gamer score points for earning achievements in the games.  These games are likely to be found on it’s new Metro app tile service so keeping the new branded games separate from the Windows live service which also offers games. The first games to get it’s new branding will be Minesweeper, Solitaire and Microsoft Mahjong that will offer up to 50 Gamer scores. 

This re branding raises some red flags for game developers, because it invokes thoughts of Microsoft making it a closed platform like that of  Microsoft’s Xbox. If Microsoft did decide to make it a closed platform the developers would have to go through extensive certification processes and mandatory features to release their games through the Windows Store, which would be an headache for developer and which could discourage developers from developing for the platform.

Windows 8 comes out in October so be sure to check it out if you intend buying the new OS.