PC Gears to require Windows Live account

In much the same way that PC gamers hoping to indulge in a spot of Halo 2 and Shadowrun were forced to upgrade to Windows Vista, Microsoft has stated to CVG that those hoping to play the PC version of Epic’s Gears of War online will have to sign up for a Windows Live account.

However, Microsoft has also confirmed that the game will not be a Windows Vista exclusive – meaning XP owners will also be able to join in the fun.

In addition, Windows Live, which is built around Microsoft’s hugely successful Xbox Live network, is to be made available to Windows XP users in the future.