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The company previously charged a monthly fee of $US7.99. But since a number of online gaming sites have gone free, Microsoft was forced to drop their monthly charge.

Games For Windows Live allows players to have an online identity or "gamertag," that shows up their scores, profiles and other user data compiled from online play.

Being cross compatible with Microsoft's Xbox Live network, Xbox 360 owners can play games against each other online, with scores achieved in Games For Windows Live being transferred to players' Xbox Live accounts.

Games For Windows Live claims more than 12 million members, according to the company, which introduced the program in 2007 in an attempt to bring console-like dependability to the thriving PC gaming market.