Live service for Vista this summer

Microsoft continues to push its revitalisation of PC gaming with the announcement that its popular Live service will launch on Windows Vista this summer.

Already the cornerstone of the Xbox 360's online gaming service, Live on Windows will include many similar features, such as Friends lists, and was demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show with Xbox 360 controllers on a Vista-running laptop.

"Windows Vista marks the biggest investment from Microsoft around Windows games since Windows 95, making games easier, safer and more fun to play on the PC," said Microsoft boss Bill Gates, as part of his CES keynote in Las Vegas.

"For consumers, we believe gaming is one of the top reasons to upgrade to Windows Vista," he said.

The company used highly-anticipated titles such as Age of Empires III: The Warchiefs, Shadowrun, Company of Heroes, Age of Conan — Hyborian Adventures and Crysis, as well as a PC version of Live Arcade favourite Geometry Wars, to show off commitment to the Games for Windows format.

"One of the cool things about Games for Windows is that, while it's for hardcore gamers, it's for casual gamers too," added Robbie Bach, who joined Gates on stage.

With Microsoft revealing that it has sold over 10 million Xbox 360's so far, Bach claimed that five million console users take advantage of the Live service.

The firm clearly hopes to integrate the well-received Live offering into its new operating system, helping to unify the two services.

Games already confirmed for cross-platform support include Live Arcade hit UNO, Halo 2 and Shadowrun.