Previously rumored and now confirmed, there will be full integration of the Xbox Live service in devices using Windows 8. Microsoft has officially confirmed that the popular gaming service will be hitting PCs next year in time for the Windows 8 launch.
"Bringing Xbox Live to Windows 8 is part of our vision to bring you all the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, made easy," said Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb. "At BUILD we are showing that it is easy for developers to create games for Windows 8 that take advantage of the power of Xbox Live. We have much more detail to share about the capabilities of Xbox Live on Windows and look forward to the opportunity to do so in the near future."
Still though, consumers will have to wonder just how much integration will be had over PC and tablets. Given the fact that Windows Phone 7 showed that it was possible, the version displayed was not in line with what gamers are used to over the Xbox 360. Current rumors are far-flung, with many suggesting that Xbox 360 titles will be playable on PC. Other rumors persist that downloading queues can be accessed over PC, or that chat and avatar customization functions will be available.
