After announcing the promotion of Ron Pessner to take over the Games for Windows initiative, Microsoft once again extended its commitment to PC gaming, stating, "Moving ahead, Microsoft will continue to invest in Windows as a first–class gaming platform through great Windows out of box experiences, our online gaming services including Games for Windows – Live, MSN Games, and Messenger games, and through new games for Windows developed by Microsoft Games Studios."

It’s been a relatively bumpy road for the service, with frequent complaints of difficult matchmaking, differences between the quality of service of gold and silver subscription levels, and general reliability of connectivity. However, recent titles which have supported the network have shown significant improvements, with much improved matchmaking, UI, and more stat tracking support.  Microsoft also got rid of the gold and silver structure that is used on the Xbox 360 platform in favor of a more free and equal Live experience on the PC, perhaps ridding themselves of one of the biggest complaints regarding the service.