Games For Windows Live (GFWL) stopped receiving support or even updates well before Microsoft stated the Marketplace service would be shutting down back in August 2013, and games that were on the service also stopped receiving updates entirely. Certain games had trouble connecting to the service to allow you to use your account.
One good example of this was that all of the games I had that were using GFWL, such as Batman Arkham Asylum, (initially) wouldn’t allow me to use my account until I had connected using a completely different game like Dirt 2. Which, while being quite annoying, was an issue that stemmed throughout the service with a large amount of games. Microsoft never bothered to fix the problem. And when I called up Microsoft or Xbox support, neither had any idea what GFWL was and what I was talking about.
I am glad GFWL is now dying out largely due to the lack of support and console inspired UI, not that I hate consoles but it felt like the UI was designed to be used with a controller and not a mouse which was my issue.
The “Capcom Customer Service” steam rep provided a large FAQ in regards to the games migration and what will be happening with DLC and save game transfers. Here’s what Capcom has to say on the matter:
“Hey BSAA agents,
With the launch of Resident Evil 5 and the Gold Edition content, we wanted to answer a couple of questions regarding the migration:Q: What’s included in the Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition as compared to the regular edition?
A: Gold Edition includes all the DLC for Resident Evil 5, including Versus Mode, two additional costumes each for Chris and Sheva, and Mercenaries Reunion, an alternate Mercenaries mode featuring eight new playable characters. Also included are two additional campaign episodes, “Lost in Nightmares” and “Desperate Escape.”Q: I have the game on Steam already. What do I need to do to upgrade to the Steamworks version?
A: If you purchased the game on Steam or purchased a Steam key through other online distributors selling Steam keys, simply allow Steam to download the latest patch, and you’ll be all set! No special action is required on your part.
Q: I already have the GFWL version of Resident Evil 5. Can I still get the Steamworks version?
A: If you purchased a retail package of the GFWL version, you can redeem your GFWL activation code using the process outlined here[www.fuzeqna.com] to redeem a free copy of the full, Steamworks-enabled version of Resident Evil 5. Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate a Steamworks transfer for those who purchased the game through the Games for Windows Marketplace, as no authentication option is available. However, the game will continue to support all of its features on GFWL.
Q: I purchased DLC for the GFWL version of the game. Will that carry over to Steam?
A:Unfortunately DLC purchased for the GFWL version of the game will not carry over to Steam. Additional DLC for the GFWL version of RE5 can still be enjoyed under the GFWL service.
Q: Will my save data be compatible with the Steamworks version of the game?
A: Yes – a save data and Achievements migration tool will be available at a later date. This tool allows you to transfer progress from GFWL to Steam. As part of this process, you’ll need to install and sign in to the GFWL client for the game to authenticate unlocked
Achievements recorded on the GFWL service. You can also skip this step entirely; the save / Achievement migration is completely optional. This tool will be available at a later date – once we have more information, we’ll update this FAQ. You’re still free to play the game normally without importing your old data, if you wish to do so.
Q: How can I access the “Lost in Nightmares” and “Desperate Escape” DLC episodes in Gold Edition?
A: These are unlocked by playing through the Campaign on any difficulty – completing Chapter 3-1 will unlock “Lost in Nightmares,” and completing the final chapter will unlock “Desperate Escape.”
Thanks for your continued support! We’ll update this FAQ with any new information as needed.
– Capcom Customer Service” – Stated on the Steam forums
I do appreciate that Capcom’s allowing all users that previously bought a boxed version/retail key of either the normal version or Gold Edition of the game, which required GFWL, the ability to use that code on Steam and unlock a Steam version without further cost. Although with that said, Capcom’s set the Golden Edition DLC. I have no idea why two episodes are worth $15 or why they would still be regarded as “new” for such an old game, but I’ll try to avoid having a migraine on that one.
Granted, this is good news that the game’s finally migrating to Steamworks – it was required that I downloaded 7.2GB of the total 8.6GB which to me is a little strange based on an online based migration…but I guess I can deal with it.
I’d like to point out to Capcom that the GFWL setup’s still in the games directory under the folder “redist” and still forcefully installs itself upon launching the game, so I believe this to be an oversight but is misleading nonetheless. I think you can just delete the redist folder and all will be well, that is until you verify the game of course because then it would redownload and try to install it again. Actually Capcom, please remove the unwanted file from the games directory. Much obliged.
Anyone that’s ever played a game on PC that required GFWL will understand how incredible this is, regardless of how long it took the developer to migrate to Steamworks this is still a great move. If it were up to me I’d migrate all games currently using GFWL over to Steamworks and provide both achievements as well as trading cards.
What games do you wish would get rid of GFWL? I’d like Dirt 2 to migrate myself; I don’t like dealing with the service especially when the latest games don’t use GFWL.