Games for Microsoft Windows Logo Program Guide

Microsoft Corporation

July 2004

Introduction

Review requirements to qualify for the use of the Designed for Windows logo on a Windows game.

Contents:

• Overview
• How to Qualify

Overview

The Games for Windows (GFW) logo initiative has been created to help consumers better identify products that meet specific quality metrics to run on the Windows operating system. This program is designed to work in tandem with the Designed for Windows (DFW) logo program; however, it has been tailored to meet the needs of games developers and publishers, while continuing to provide the highest quality metrics necessary for consumers. Publishers will gain the rights to use the GFW logo instead of the DFW logo while taking advantage of the additional marketing exposure afforded DFW approved titles.

If you are a developer of a Windows game, the GFW logo is the most effective way for your customers to identify products that work well with Microsoft Windows operating systems. This includes:

• The product will be stable when running Windows.
• Related components can be easily installed or removed.
• Basic experiences with the product and the operating system will be the same or better after upgrading to future versions of Windows.

As a vendor, you can gain these benefits by earning the GFW logo:

• License to use the GFW logo on marketing materials.
• Identification with high quality of the GFW and DFW logos.
• Lower support costs and reduced product returns due to improved product compatibility.
• Product listing in the Windows Marketplace.
• Product listing in the Windows XP Game Advisor (Effective January 1, 2005, only GFW certified titles will be added to the game advisor).

How to Qualify

Developers and publishers of retail-based games running on the Windows operating system can apply for the right to use the logo. An agreement must be signed for each individual title applying for use of the logo because each title must meet the testing requirements set forth by the Windows Gaming and Graphics Team to ensure the highest compatibility testing possible.

The testing process is managed through a self-certification process based on the standards and guidelines listed in the GDW Logo Specification (see Games for Microsoft Windows Logo for Applications). Each publisher will be put through a random auditing program of no fewer than one title per calendar year. Titles that do not meet the quality bar will be required to make the necessary changes immediately or remove the logo from all materials within 60 days of notification.

In order for your products to qualify, contact getgfw@microsoft.com to receive the necessary paperwork. For questions regarding the GFW Logo specification, brand usage guidelines, or other issues, please contact gfwlogo@microsoft.com.