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Games for Windows programme gets update

New tech requirements and self certification options added ahead of Windows 7 launch

Microsoft's Games for Windows programme has seen a revamp ahead of the retail launch of Windows 7, incorporating features such as self certification into the service.

The improved programme includes new technical guidelines, a self certification option and a set of 22 technical requirements designed to offer a range of new features, according to a post on the official GfW blog.

These requirements will create an easier game installation experience for users and support both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms and ratings and parental controls in Windows 7.

They also offer enhanced game update notifications and add stability, security and compatibility against commonly known issues, among other features.

The idea, according to the post, is to have more game developers participating with more game titles that pass a standardised set of technical requirements, in turn resulting in higher quality games for consumers.

"Over the past few years, we have worked to improve the quality of PC gaming in Windows for consumers through the Games for Windows. We hope that the revamp of the programme we are announcing today makes gaming in Windows and on a PC even better," commented Microsoft's Brandan LeBlanc.