Why I hate Games for Windows Live

[Kevlar Eater]

I have read nothing short of horror stories about this particular service (probably because that's all I've been looking for, while those who say they have yet to have a problem are obviously boasting). I ask this because I have seen some good, tantalizing titles I really want to play, but I don't want to get them on the console, or already have them on the 360 (because my current TV is crappy, and I've gotten used to the 1920x1080 resolution on my monitor and anything lower is dirt, in my opinion). I would gladly buy Fallout 3: GoTY edition again if GfWL was not stuck on. I would also love to buy Bulletstorm, Batman: AA and AC once the latter comes out, but because of GfWL, I can't bring myself to get them. It's as painful as eating Arby's, and to those who don't know of the fast food restaurant, think of diseased roast beef served on stale buns. Cheez flavored grease optional.

To make matters worse, this [http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/03/09/on-the-rocks-games-for-windows-live/] article confirms my fear of the service. Yes, I know Steam is even more draconian with the way they ban people if banks or Paypal screw up and how no one without top-tier military, political, or corporate connections can get their accounts back (Swifty is a good example of this, but that's a WoW-related case, but his connections at Razer got him his account back). But aside from the occasional hiccup, the EA/Steam debacle and the part that Steam games don't work for me when I'm offline (but the offline part works when I'm online), the service has gone swimmingly well.

Can anyone tell me anything good about GfWL (and please, don't mention the "friends" part, as I neither have nor want them).

 

[Euhan01]

Its not Playstation Network? I've played a few games with GfWL and its at worse a minor pain. Its not a deal breaker but its not useful in any way.

 

[aegix drakan_v1legacy]

...and how no one without top-tier military, political, or corporate connections can get their accounts back

I got mine back. My Validation Email got hacked (at least, I think it did. I just can't get in anymore), and Steam just asked me for some information that I normally enter when buyng a game (no credit info though), and I did, and then BAM, account back. And they were very nice the whole way through.

Microsoft on the other hand refused to give me back my email. I gave them TOOONS of info, and they still refused. Fortunately, I didn't really use that email much anymore, aside form Steam validation.

 

[AJax_21]

I'm beginning to understand why people hate GFWL so much. I just bought Bioshock 2 a couple of weeks ago on PC. Played for it 30 minutes and never touched it again. Why? Well, there is nothing wrong with the game itself. It's just that you have to have a GFWL account to freakin' save your game and that's bullshit. I've already got enough programs installed already, why should I sign up for a service I have no interest in. Dick move Microsoft.

 

[Fishyash]

(Swifty is a good example of this, but that's a WoW-related case, but his connections at Razer got him his account back)

Really? Where did you find that out?

Okay okay... i'll respond properly now.

Yes, you are right it is rather silly to deal with. I personally don't feel GFWL to be a reason to not buy a game, however, if it clashes with how you play your games (like if you aren't connected to the internet properly), I can see your problem.

It is unbelievably stupid that you buy a game and then some retarded DRM-like program prevents you from playing it even though you bought the game.

 

[Twilight_guy]

I didn't have a problem with it. I can't say anything positive or negative about it really. Its a very young system still though and like Steam if its going to succeed it needs time. Lots of people are going to complain and move to better services like Steam but nobody seems to realize that Steam is sitting on a big monopoly and any day they could shut down their servers, have you loss access to all your games and get away with all your money and you could do nothing about it. Or worst, start charging a service fee and monthly account fee and you could do nothing about it. Maybe GFWL sucks, I dunno but I think everyone dismissing everything immediately just because its not as good as what's already there is short sighted. (Suddenly I'm thinking of the Turian ambassador).

 

[oplinger]

I've never had a problem with GFWL.

Solve all your problems, make an offline account. No need for an internet connection, or friends, it's all local. Even your saves and such. Only difference is no achievements. ...Darn.

Do people just not know you can make an offline profile? The most annoying thing I can think of for GFWL is logging in when for some reason auto-login isn't set up.

That's it. ..I've never had any issues with it.

 

[Super Toast]

snip

Check this out: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1086

OT: I agree. To say GFWL needs an overhaul is a big understatement.

 

[Canid117]

I hate it because its annoying.

 

[Cenequus]

Yes you can have an offlne acc with GFWL but you don't get the achievements(I know people go mad for stuff like this).So if you don't care about achievements you can play the game with no other problem(like running steam to play the game).

But if you have a steady,safe and stable internet connection you will never care about GFWL since you only need to be logged.

Never got keylogged(hope I don't jinx it ) so I don't know/care how they behave or other services either. So if you're used with Steam I don't see why this should be a problem.