Games for Windows - LIVE
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Microsoft |
Windows |
May 29, 2007 |
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Key points
- Requires installation of the latest version to function on Windows 8 and later.
- The Marketplace was closed on August 25, 2013 for new purchases; existing purchases was supposed to still available to download,[1] although the service has been non-functional since 2018.[2][3][4][5]
- DRM varies; see the DRM section for details, or the list of games using GFWL. Some games have had it removed from certain versions, see the list of games formerly using GFWL. For a list of Steam games that use Games for Windows - LIVE, see The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam.
- Not to be confused with the simpler Games for Windows (no LIVE) certification[6]
- Uses the same Microsoft account and gamertag across other Xbox services.
- Only available in Xbox Live Countries and Regions; players outside these areas must use a local profile. Local profile support is listed beside the game when known. Most Steam games are region-locked; Latin America users cannot view or purchase these games.
Download
- Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable.
- Download and install the Games for Windows - LIVE software.
- Note that the included GFWL Marketplace is non-functional in 2022 and can be ignored after the installation.[7]
- Launch a GFWL title and sign in using the in-game overlay and login prompt that appears. Please note that the first sign-in for a game tend to take quite some time and the process might seem to be stuck for 5-10 minutes before completion.[8]
Games for Windows - LIVE
Creating a local profile
- Local profiles don't need internet access.
- Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable (many games can be patched manually; refer to the individual game pages for details).
- Local profiles can't be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. Age of Empires Online).
Create local profile[9]
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- While in any game sign out of your existing profile (if you are signed in), then choose Create New Profile.
- Choose Create New Profile again.
- At the Create Gamer Profile screen, scroll down and click the "create a local profile" blue link.
- Name your profile and click Submit.
- Customize the profile now if you want to, then click Done to save your profile.
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Backing up saves
Back up XLive folder[citation needed]
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- Back up the game's normal save folder.
- Back up the XLive folder:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive .
- Restore everything to the same locations.
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Moving saves between gamertags
- If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.[10]
Move saves to new gamertag
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- Log into the game with the new gamertag and save the game to make the new folder, then exit the game.
- Go to the game's save folder (e.g. for Fallout 3 this is
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\Saves ).
- Move everything from the old gamertag's folder to the new one, replacing all existing files.
- If it worked, the saves will now show up in-game under the new gamertag.
- Some games specifically block saves being moved between profiles so this may not work for all games.[11]
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Backing up installers
- Installation files are normally deleted after installation is complete; you can back them up to avoid having to download them again.
- Games reinstalled from backups will not show up as installed in the Marketplace client but will otherwise work normally.
- You may also want to keep a copy of your game keys, accessible from the Marketplace client by going to the item and then choosing View Game Keys.
Backing up installers for games purchased through the Marketplace[citation needed]
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- Download the game through the Marketplace client but do not install it yet.
- Go to the downloads folder, found in the following location by default:
- Vista and later:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads
- Windows XP:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads
- Copy the installation files somewhere else, then install the game normally.
- To reinstall the game from your backup extract the
.cab file(s) and run the .msi inside.
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Backing up patch update installers[citation needed]
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- Allow the game to download the update in-game when prompted.
- Cancel the UAC prompt or installer window when it appears.
- Go to the updates folder, found in the following location by default:
- Vista and later:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive\Updates
- Windows XP:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\XLive\Updates
- Copy the installation files somewhere else, then allow the game to retry the update installation.
- To reinstall the update from the backup, extract the
.cab file(s) and run the executablee (or .msi ).
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DRM
- List of games using Games for Windows - LIVE.
There are two types of GFWL activation, Server-Side Activation (SSA) and Legacy (Per-Title 5x5). Both can also utilize Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) to prevent access to games before the release date. ZDPP protected titles are marked as such.
Server-Side Activation (SSA)
- Server-Side Activation (SSA) include a unique product key with the game. The key is permanently bound to the Microsoft account, similar to Steam. These games have no activation limits.
- If an SSA product key is bound to an account that is not in a supported region the key will be lost (and, consequently, access to the game).
- SSA implementations are flexible and it is up to game developers how much of the product should be restricted behind the activation.[Note 1]
Legacy (Per-Title 5x5)
- Simple product key check; requires internet access for online profile but does not attach the key to the Microsoft account.
- Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles. Then, the game must be purchased again.
Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP)
Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) was an additional DRM check used to prevent pre-release access to games through their retail copies. It relied on an online service to decrypt critical AES-128 encrypted game files that were stored on the disc. When the user tried to launch the game after its installation had completed the Zero Day Piracy Protection Tool would be launched instead. This tool connected and transmitted the ID of the protected game to Microsoft's online ZDP service hosted here. The online service would then look up the release date for the requested game ID and validate if the date have passed. Upon confirming the release date as passed, the service would respond with the decryption keys for the relevant files which allowed the local tool to decrypt them and grant user access to the game.
The online service stopped working sometime between 2018 and 2020,[13] meaning retail discs of ZDPP protected games will not longer work after installation unless the decrypted files are retrieved through another means. A common method is by manually installing the patches released for the game as they usually come with a decrypted copy of the game executable.
Module Authentication (MA)
Module Authentication (MA) is an protection measure meant to prevent debugging and/or cheats by verifying protected executable files.[Note 2]
Issues unresolved
- If you still have any issues with GFWL, use XLiveLess
Issues fixed
Crashes, errors, impossible to log-in
Reinstall updated client[citation needed]
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- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
- Reinstall latest version.
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Games not saving under Windows 8 and newer
Reinstall client in Windows 7 compatibility mode and as administrator[16]
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- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
- Reboot Windows.
- Download the latest version of the Games for Windows Marketplace Client installer.
- Run the installer in compatibility mode for Windows 7 and as administrator.
- Run a GFWL game and retrieve the gamertag profile if necessary.
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Sign-in problems
In-game interface does not open
Log in the desktop client at least once[citation needed]
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- Open start menu/screen
- Search for Games for Windows
- Open the client and log in there
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Install the Sign-in Assistant[citation needed]
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- These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
- Install the Sign-in Assistant:
- Launch the game again and the interface should now open normally.
Notes
- Fails to install if Windows Update service is disabled[citation needed]
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Ensure Sign-in Assistant service is running[citation needed]
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- If the Sign-in Assistant is installed but not working, the service might not be running.
- These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
- Go to Services:
- Vista and 7: open the Start screen/Start menu, type
services.msc and press ↵ Enter.
- Windows XP: press ⊞ Win+R, type
services.msc and press ↵ Enter.
- Open the Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant entry on the list.
- Ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.
- If the service is Stopped, click Start and wait until the Service status says Started.
- Close the Services windows and try again.
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Code: 8015403A error
Try to log in website[citation needed]
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Code: 80048821 error
Try "Sign in with a different gamertag" in the Windows Live ID dropdown menu[citation needed]
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Password contains special characters
- Passwords need to be under 16 ASCII characters[18][19]
Change incompatible password[citation needed]
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- Go to the password change form.
- Set a new password that is 16 characters or less and has only ASCII characters.
- Try signing in with the new password.
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Cannot connect in-game
The Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.
Attempt workarounds[citation needed]
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- "Sign in as a different user", then re-enter the same account credentials.
- Open an administrator level command prompt.
- Enter
netsh.exe interface ipv4 show interfaces and note the number it returns.
- Identify the used Local Area Connection, then type in
netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface 10 mtu=1492 store=persistent Replace "10" with the value for the Local Area Connection from the first command's results. This may need to be run every time the game is started.
- This problem arises because GFWL tries to alter the network connection's MTU before using it.
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DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers
- "Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers."
Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers[20]
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Flush the DNS entries from your DNS cache
- Run the command prompt as administrator.
- Type the following:
ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter.
- Exit the command prompt.
Change the DNS servers to OpenDNS servers
- Open the Control Panel.
- Under the 'Network and Internet' header click 'View network status and tasks'.
- Select the current network used for teh used Internet connection, right-click on it and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
- Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' from the 'This connection uses the following items' box. Click 'Properties' button.
- Click the checkbox labelled 'Use the following DNS server addresses:'
- In the 'Preferred DNS server:' box, enter
208.67.222.222 .
- In the 'Alternative DNS server:' box enter
208.67.220.220 .
- Click 'OK' and then click 'Close' for Internet connection's Properties window.
- Sign out of the Windows account or restart the computer for changes to take affect.
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List of games using Games for Windows - LIVE
Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Game |
Developer |
Publisher |
First release |
Local profile |
ZDPP |
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition |
Project Aces |
Bandai Namco Entertainment |
2013-01-25 |
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Age of Empires Online |
Robot Entertainment, Gas Powered Games |
Microsoft Studios |
2011-08-16 |
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Batman: Arkham City |
Rocksteady Studios |
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Feral Interactive, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-11-22 |
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Battle vs. Chess |
Targem Games |
TopWare Interactive |
2011-05-17 |
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Blacklight: Tango Down |
Zombie Studios |
Ignition Entertainment |
2010-07-14 |
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Bulletstorm |
People Can Fly, Epic Games |
Electronic Arts |
2011-02-22 |
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CarneyVale: Showtime |
Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab |
Microsoft Game Studios |
2010-11-11 |
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Colin McRae: DiRT 2 |
Codemasters |
Codemasters, Feral Interactive |
2009-12-04 |
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Crash Time 4: The Syndicate |
Synetic |
DTP Entertainment, city Interactive, Ubisoft |
2010-12-23 |
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Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition |
FromSoftware |
Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware |
2012-08-23 |
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Dark Void |
Airtight Games |
Capcom |
2010-01-19 |
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Dead Rising 2 |
Blue Castle Games |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2010-09-28 |
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Dead Rising 2: Off the Record |
Capcom Vancouver |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-10-11 |
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DiRT 3 |
Codemasters |
Codemasters, Feral Interactive |
2011-05-24 |
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F1 2010 |
Codemasters Birmingham |
Codemasters |
2010-09-22 |
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F1 2011 |
Codemasters Birmingham |
Codemasters |
2011-09-20 |
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Fable III |
Lionhead Studios |
Microsoft Studios |
2011-05-17 |
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Game Room |
Krome Studios |
Microsoft Game Studios |
2010-03-24 |
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Gotham City Impostors |
Monolith Productions |
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
2012-02-07 |
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Iron Brigade |
Double Fine Productions |
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2012-08-13 |
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Lost Planet 2 |
Capcom |
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2010-10-12 |
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Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom |
Creat Studios |
TikGames, Big Fish Games |
2007-03-07 |
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Microsoft Flight |
Microsoft Studios Vancouver |
Microsoft Studios |
2012-02-29 |
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Ms. Splosion Man |
Twisted Pixel Games |
Microsoft Studios |
2013-04-03 |
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Operation Flashpoint: Red River |
Codemasters |
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2011-04-21 |
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Section 8 |
TimeGate Studios |
SouthPeak Interactive |
2009-09-04 |
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Section 8: Prejudice |
TimeGate Studios |
Atari |
2011-05-04 |
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Street Fighter X Tekken |
Dimps, Capcom |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2012-05-11 |
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Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
Capcom, Dimps |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-07-05 |
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Toy Soldiers |
Signal Studios |
Microsoft Studios |
2012-04-27 |
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Virtua Tennis 4 |
Sega AM2 |
Sega |
2011-06-24 |
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Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey |
Ludia |
Microsoft Game Studios, Ubisoft |
2009-09-22 |
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Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
No results
Only on the Games for Windows Marketplace
- These games only had Games for Windows - LIVE when purchased from the Games for Windows Marketplace.
- These versions were removed for purchase on August 25, 2013 following the Marketplace's closure,[1] and eventually removed for download in 2015.
Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles
Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles
List of games formerly using Games for Windows - LIVE
- These games have had Games for Windows - LIVE removed from certain versions in favour of Steam or other services.
Notes
- ↑ Four typical configurations are mentioned as examples in a presentation by Microsoft:[12]
- While offline: Singleplayer is accessible. While connected to LIVE: Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
- While offline: Nothing is accessible. Having connected once to LIVE: Singleplayer is accessible. While connected to LIVE: Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
- While offline: Nothing is accessible: While connected to LIVE: Singleplayer, Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
- While offline: Demo with only the first few levels are accessible. While connected to LIVE: Singleplayer, Multiplayer, achievements, DLCs are accessible.
- ↑ Not a lot of information is available on this module, but this presentation mentions it in context of anti-cheat measures.[14] Additionally, it is also mentioned in the EULA for the original version of Bulletstorm.[15]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wayback Machine: PC Marketplace closing | PC Marketplace - Xbox.com
- ↑ NeoGAF - Games for Windows Live purchases no longer downloadable from client [Edit: Fixed] - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Microsoft Community - GFWL keeps saying there was an error retrieving your purchase history. please sign out and try again later. - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Steam Community - There was an error retrieving your purchase history - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/i-will-continue-insisting-for-the-games-for/ae8a7b21-9243-4672-9c2b-8c8509c79b04?page=1
- ↑ For Publishers | Games for Windows
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-08-15
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-08-15
- This is something that have been the case the last few years — the first sign-in to a game on a system takes forever before it finishes, though subsequent sign-ins for that game takes the expected couple of seconds.
- ↑ Verified by User:SojerManLan on 2021-09-20
- Tested with a retail installation of Fable III. Once the GFWL overlay pop-up appeared, I was able to follow the instructions and create a local profile.
- ↑ PSA: If you change your Windows Live gamer tag name, all of your GFWL save games will disappear. - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Verified by User:SojerManLan on 2022-08-17
- This is the case for Fable III, at the very least. Opening the file and changing the gamertag within the game's save/following the above instructions both (separately or at the same time, doesn't matter) result in the game assuming the save is corrupt and forces to create a new save.
- ↑ Defense Against the Dark Arts of Game Piracy and Cheating - Gamefest 2010 presentation by Arka Ray on protecting PC games from piracy and cheating. - last accessed on 2022-03-20
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-09-15
- In February of 2018 was when I investigated Dark Souls, and at the time the online service worked.
- ↑ Verified by User:Aemony on 2022-03-20
- ↑ media.contentapi.ea.com - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ How to fix Games for Windows Live on Windows 8 Pro x64 (And Windows 10 too!) - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Games For Windows live marketplace Code: 80048821 - Microsoft Community - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Microsoft No Longer Accepts Long Passwords, Shortens Them For You | The Next Web
- ↑ security - Is it true that Microsoft doesn't allow more than 16 characters in their Hotmail password? - Web Applications Stack Exchange - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do? - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Important Batman Arkham Announcement - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Batman: Arkham City GOTY
- ↑ News - BioShock 2 Updated - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record now on Steam, on sale - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Dead Rising 2
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Steamworks Migration / Troubleshooting FAQ (Updated!) :: Dead Rising 2 General Discussions
- ↑ DiRT 3 Complete Edition - Now Available With 100% Less GFWL
- ↑ Fallout 3: Game of the Year - Update 1.7.0.4
- ↑ Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2020-03-25
- "As a result of this update the following services will no longer be available in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition - Games for Windows Live, Multiplayer mode, Leaderboards"
- ↑ Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Goes GFWL-Free with New Indie Bundle - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Update: GFWL Gone, progress wiped :: Iron Brigade General Discussions - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Steamworks update! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Ms. Splosion Man - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/105420/discussions/0/522729358512938354/#c45350244936638030
- ↑ Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition LIVE - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Red Faction: Guerrilla Steam Edition
- ↑ "Gold Edition" Content Now Available! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Resident Evil 5 / Biohazard 5 - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Just Updated with Steamworks - Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition, 75% off! - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ News - Toy Soldiers Product Update - last accessed on 17 May 2023
- ↑ Dawn of War II Patch Notes and Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023
- ↑ Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising Patch Notes/Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II - Chaos Rising™ General Discussions - last accessed on 9 June 2023