Games for windows does NOT specify a contract with MS.
Games for Windows is a certification program started by Microsoft in their whole "Windows" branding/marketing campaign. It is similar to Certified to work with Vista, and Certified For Vista branding campaigns.
The MS rational for this is:
The Windows Vista Games Explorer (GE) is similar in concept to the Windows XP folders "My Documents" or "My Pictures." The idea behind all three of these is to centralize similar content in one place and allow for easier organization and context-sensitive activities. The GE extends the My Documents or My Pictures concept by allowing richer organization and control over games. The GE allows gamers to view, organize, modify and interact with all the games installed on their system. It also offers the opportunity to game publishers to communicate important game information more effectively. The system is completely data-driven, so it is very easy for a game publisher to update game information over time. In this way, the Games Explorer enables gamers to keep up to date with game communities, tips & tricks, etc.
It contains several good steps that will bring the PC closer to the console in terms of ease of gaming.
Quoting from Wikipedia:
An "Easy Install" option that installs the title on your PC in the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks
Compatibility with the Windows Vista Games Explorer (see below)
Compatibility with the Xbox 360 controller (where applicable)
Installs and runs properly on x64 versions of Windows Vista and is compatible with 64-bit processors (though the game itself can be 32-bit)
Supports normal and widescreen resolutions, such as 4:3 aspect ratio (800 x 600), 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720), and 16:10 aspect ratio (1152 x 720)
Launching from Media Center (Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate have Media Center)
The Vista Game Explorer is an issue, covered by several developer blogs. In a nutshell, it forces them in how to display certain things, like ESRB information and settings, not inherently bad, just limiting.
The other possible issue is covered by Rahul Sood(VoodooPC CEO, good blogger)
here.
Microsoft is working to create a community experience similar to Xbox Live called Windows Live, where people can chat, set up games, and play. In the future, PC and Xbox 360 gamers will even be able to play with and against each other, a cross-platform experience that sounds really cool to me. My concern is that Microsoft will charge a membership fee to those who want to be part of this. So long the fee is $50 per year or less, it’ll probably be a good deal for users, but game developers that support the GFW cause may have to give up their recurring revenues to Microsoft.
More detail, skip this if you got bored.
Regarding throwing shortcuts and files all over the place:
The game must be visible within the Games Explorer on Windows Vista.
The game must not create shortcuts on the desktop, in the Start menu, or in any other location to launch the game. Instead, this functionality should be exposed through the Games Explorer through the game’s icon and associated tasks list.
Tasks and shortcuts for uninstall must not be created. Users should be able to remove the game using the Programs control panel (known as Add/Remove Programs on Windows XP and previous versions).
ESRB controls, not that anyone cares. With a tidbit regarding gamers being forced to use admin mode.
All games must execute within the context of a Standard User in order to allow Windows Vista Parental Controls-enabled accounts to play the game. Installation, patching, and removal may require elevated rights, subject to the requirements in section
This also forces intergration with Xbox360 controller, which can only be a good thing, and Live, which again, is not bad.
Quite abit of information regarding 64-bit and security, summed up in:
Every executable file (.EXE extension) must have an embedded manifest that defines its execution level.
To maintain compatibility with x64 versions of Windows:
Titles and title installers must not contain any 16-bit code or rely on any 16-bit component.
If the game is dependent on kernel-mode drivers for operation, x64 versions of these drivers must be available. The game setup must detect and install the proper drivers and components for the 64-bit Windows OS.
All executable code files (e.g., .EXE and .DLL extensions) must be signed with an Authenticode certificate.
Ease of installation:
Games with a traditional installation must provide a simplified path in their setup user interface:
Display a maximum of one EULA
Provide default and custom installation options. The default option must bypass all selections for the install (such as installation folder, component selections, etc.), assume the default selections and then run the game or launcher upon successful install without addition prompts.
Install any required OS components (such as the DirectX and Visual C runtimes) silently without prompting or guarded by component version checks using the correct Microsoft redistribution package(s).
Provide removal only via the Programs control panel for both the game application as well as user-generated game files. This must ensure all installed files are removed and all settings (firewall, registry, etc.) are cleared. Redistributed OS components must not be removed.
Generally however, it can only be a good thing, if it makes releases stabler, enforces proper interaction standards with the OS, etc. etc.
I can post more information if anyone is not sick of the MS Developer Language overload.
