Microsoft Games have announced another win for their Games for Windows Live online gaming service - exclusivity for the online multiplayer component of the upcoming PC version Grand Theft Auto 4.

We’ve partnered with Rockstar Games to bring the PC version of "Grand Theft Auto IV" to Games for Windows and Games for Windows – LIVE. And it's coming with unique features for Windows gamers, like DirectX graphics, expanded online multiplayer and even in-game video recording.

Whether this means that the game won't feature an offline local network multiplayer component independent of Live has not been confirmed. It does however look like the pace is beginning to pick up with Games for Windows Live. Since the subscription requirements were removed earlier this year, several publishers have jumped on board and the lineup of upcoming games that will utilise the service includes other big hitters such as Fallout 3, Dawn of War 2, Call of Duty: World at War and Quantum of Solace.

is there any advantage to this 'alignment'? (for anyone other than microsoft?)

does that means the pings are real crap because because its USA or something???? i havent used windows live online gaming yet?

with unique features like direct X graphics I am definitely going to have to buy the pc version too.

lol nats, personally I'm more interested in the unique feature of keyboard and mouse!

with unique features like direct X graphics I am definitely going to have to buy the pc version too.

That was a quote from the GFW site, not an official press release, so perhaps he meant Direct X 10 graphics, in which case it could be looking a fair bit prettier than it's console cousins.