After a lot of talk by Microsoft, a Games for Windows Live standalone client has been released.  The client is available for download here.  While this was big news for me initially, it ended up being a downer as you find out that there is almost no functionality in the client at this time.

There is a marketplace, but there is nothing on there, with the exception of some trailers and a demo for Viva Pinata.  Also, items like voice chat, messages or even checking your achievements are not in this release.  Yep, you can see my gamerscore in this picture, but you cannot look at the games I am playing, or even try to send another person a message.

All this said, it is a starting point for Microsoft, and it does show a renewed commitment to the Games for Windows Live branding.  Now lets hope that we don’t have to wait three months for an updated client.