Gamasutra has word that Microsoft has announced plans to introduce a Games for Windows marketplace similar to the Xbox LIVE marketplace. They also announce plans to offer a less console-centric Games for Windows LIVE service and confirm that they will be dropping the premium subscription fee the service carried for "Gold" multiplayer matchmaking that was a sticking point for so many. Here's a quote on the changes from Microsoft's Chris Satchell: "The first UI was good but it was too console-centric. It wasn't really what Windows gamers wanted. We have a new UI that's consistent with the way Windows gamers want to interact. It's free to you as a developer, and we're reducing the technical requirements. I believe, from hereon, Games for Windows Live is going to take off."