Capcom is updating Games For Windows Live (GFWL) titles on Steam in order to once again make them available for purchase on the digital storefront.
Several years ago, the publisher had de-listed its Steam titles that relied on GFWL, a Microsoft established service that is no longer operational. At the time, it was said that the issue will be looked into, but nothing became of it up until now. According to the Steam Database for several GFWL games, Capcom is now submitting new versions of several of the affected games and also uploading higher quality images for their game logos, library banners, and store artwork on Steam. These games include Ultra Street Fighter IV, Street Fighter X Tekken, Lost Planet 2, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City.
Back in February, 2023, Capcom had made similar depot changes to Resident Evil 5 on Steam, which was also affected by GFWL issues at the time. Ultimately, this led to the complete removal of the service from the survival horror game, which means that it no longer requires users to download the GFWL client that no longer exists. With other GFWL titles getting similar depot changes, it looks like Capcom is finally looking to gradually bring back all affected titles to the Steam marketplace.
For the uninitiated, GFWL was an online gaming service for PC titles that allowed players to connect to Microsoft’s Live service. Each user had a unique Gamertag, originally introduced on Xbox Live, enabling them to play online, track friends’ activity, send and receive messages, earn Achievements, and monitor their Gamerscore. The service also supported voice chat across platforms and cross-platform play in certain games, like Shadowrun, which allowed Windows players to compete with Xbox 360 users. Third-party developers could use the service but were required to meet specific Technical Certification Requirements, such as game ratings, Gamerscore points, content standards, game profiles, and Live connectivity.
