Microsoft Arcade Gameroom: CES 2010

Microsoft has announced a new service: GameRoom for Windows LIVE and XBOX LIVE Clients. But what is it? It’s basically a service that allows PC-players and XBOX players to connect with each other and play arcade games in virtual 3D arcade rooms.

Microsoft will be adding more than 1000 games for their service “Gameroom”.

About Gameroom

It looks a lot like it’s going to be similar to “SecondLife”. The software “Gameroom” will be available for free and allows you to create your very own virtual arcade room and invite friends to it, but you have to purchase the games, which you can then play on XBOX and PC systems. Of course, you have to buy the games with Microsoft/XBOX points.

Customize your Arcade GameRoom

You can customize your own room. Arcade cabinets will be available for for 400 Microsoft Points (240 for XBOX-only).

GameRoom Prices

You will have 3 options here:

1. Step You pay 400 Microsoft Points and you can play the game on both your XBOX and your PC
2. Step You pay 240 Microsoft Points and you can play the game on your XBOX
3. Step You pay 40 Microsoft Points and you can play the game for two quarters

Sidenote: You will be able to visit the rooms of your friends and try their games for free.

Ok, considering that you can buy 1600 points for $20 you will get about 4 arcade games for $20, that’s a lot of money.
You can probably get a couple great DLC’s for your favorite game instead for that amount.
But maybe Microsoft is going to lower the prices. If they don’t, keep in mind that we will soon give away a lot of free Microsoft points.

List of Arcade Games for Gameroom

Many ATARI games will be available when they launch the service in Spring 2010.

• Centipede (arcade)
• Asteroids Deluxe (arcade)
• Tempest (arcade)
• Crystal Castles (arcade)
• Lunar Lander (arcade)
• Jungler (arcade)
• Road Fighter (arcade)
• Scramble (arcade)
• Finalizer (arcade)
• Tutankham (arcade)
• Shao-Lin’s Road (arcade)
• Super Cobra (arcade)
• Red Baron (arcade)
• Gravitar (arcade)
• Battlantlis
• Astrosmash (Intellivision)
• Mountain Madness Super Pro Skiing (Intellivision)
• Armor Battle (Intellivision)
• Space Hawk (Intellivision)
• Sub Hunt (Intellivision)
• Sea Battle (Intellivision)
• Space Armada (Intellivision)
• Astrosmash (Intellivision)
• Star Raiders (Atari 2600)
• Outlaw (Atari 2600)
• Yar’s Revenge (Atari 2600)
• Millipede (Atari 2600)
• Football (Atari 2600)
• RealSports Tennis (Atari 2600)
• Combat (Atari 2600)

Games Room Trailer