Microsoft KB Archive/937065

= Information about the features of Xbox 360 LIVE and of Games for Windows LIVE =

Article ID: 937065

Article Last Modified on 11/13/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Games for Windows - LIVE
 * Microsoft Gears of War (PC)
 * Microsoft Viva Pinata (PC)
 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Xbox Live
 * Microsoft Xbox

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SUMMARY
This article describes the benefits and the features of subscriptions to Games for Windows LIVE and to Xbox LIVE.



Benefits of Xbox 360 LIVE

 * You can easily find and play games online with your friends.
 * You can communicate in your own voice with your friends.
 * You have access to new types of games and new content that is only available online.
 * Games are fast and have the intense 3-D graphics that you expect from the Xbox 360 console gaming experience.
 * The service is easy to use.

Here some great subscription features:
 * Matchmaking: You can join existing game sessions or create game sessions to play against other gamers of similar skill level. You can select specific game levels at which to play.
 * Community: Friends lists let you see when your friends are online and invite them to join you in a game session.
 * Voice communication: Strategize with friends through real-time voice communication.
 * Statistics: Real-time statistics of your performance in different games are available. Online posting and ranking are included.
 * Downloadable content: New levels, characters, and game items can be downloaded to enhance games.

Games for Windows LIVE Gold membership benefits
Matchmaking
 * Play in a dedicated server game that uses live matchmaking to pair players of similar skill levels.
 * Play in a non-dedicated server game.
 * Contribute to in-game voice communications.
 * Earn achievements for multiplayer games while online.
 * Play in a Gold membership game.
 * Invite other Gold membership players to join a dedicated server game.
 * Auto-download custom maps for some games.
 * Be a party leader or a member, when this feature is supported by the game.

List play
 * Play in a dedicated server game that does not use live matchmaking.
 * Play in a non-dedicated server game that does not use live matchmaking.
 * Select a game from a list.

Games for Windows LIVE Silver membership benefits
Matchmaking
 * This feature is not supported.

List play
 * Play in a dedicated server game that does not use live matchmaking.
 * Play in a non-dedicated server game that does not use live matchmaking.
 * Select a game from a list.

Benefits of Windows LIVE Gold and Silver memberships
System link
 * Play against players on the same network.
 * Download custom maps, without having to be a LIVE subscriber, when this feature is supported by the specific game.

For more support information about Games For Windows LIVE, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:

Games for Windows Web Support

http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Support/Pages/webSupport.aspx

Games for Windows LIVE

http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Live/Pages/AboutLive.aspx

For more support information about Xbox LIVE, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.xbox.com/support

Keywords: kbinfo kbpubtypekc kbxbox360pacrimportal kbxbox360americasportal kbxbox360europeportal kbxbox360ext KB937065

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