Microsoft have used the GDC 2009 event to announce a number of planned changes for the Games For Windows LIVE service. The first of these is increased Anti-piracy measures, which are designed to allow server-side authentication of games, preventing them from being played before official release.

In addition, support for specific 'in-game' Marketplace functionality will be added, along with the ability for gamers to save their account information online - meaning that even away from home, gamers will be able to access their settings and account on any Windows PC.

No date has been given for when the changes are expected to become active on the system.

While the Internet authentication that will be required by some titles may be frowned upon by some gamers, it, at the very least - doesn't require the installation of any intrusive software beyond the Games For Windows LIVE client itself.

The addition of an API that allows developers to create "unique in-game store fronts" will allow users to purchase additional game content with ease - promising gamers a "seamless gaming experience".

Of the planned changes, Ron Pessner General Manager of Games for Windows LIVE had the following to say:

This update and other features currently in development represent a tipping point in the evolution of Games for Windows – LIVE as a leading online PC gaming network. In the coming months, we will continue to deliver on our promise to provide gamers and publishers with the industry’s best connected gaming experiences through the LIVE service.

Support for Games For Windows LIVE titles is currently scarce, with the only major titles to make "full" use of the features currently being Fallout 3, Dawn of War II and Grand Theft Auto IV.

Using GDC 2009 as a platform, Microsoft hopes that more developers and publishers will incorporate Games for Windows LIVE in their new PC titles. While there is still work to be done to enhance the Games for Windows functionality (like, removal of unnecessary fades and interface animations, and more PC friendly features) - it is admirable that Microsoft's support of gaming doesn't end with the Xbox 360.