The very exclusive Microsoft Gamefest conference is in full swing right now somewhere here in the Northwest, and they’ve dropped a couple of newsworthy items. First of all is the revision of the Games for Windows – LIVE system they’ve got going on. Starting today every multiplayer feature of LIVE is free on Windows: chat, shared friends lists with the 360, achievements, and so on. That’s nice; probably they needed more Windows folks to sign up. I personally don’t really enjoy the community aspect of gaming, but a lot of people do and this might make it a little more appealing.

More importantly, they’re giving Windows users some love by redesigning the interface and adding a LIVE marketplace (soon, anyway) which will serve up games, demos, and presumably DLC. Sounds good.