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Microsoft launch Play, a service for cross-platform Windows 8 games; it’s a bit sparse right now

microsoft-studios-play

“Xbox games on Windows” is the way Microsoft are pitching this, which is a bit silly. Go looking for Gears of War or Halo here and you’ll come up clutching Mahjong or Minesweeper. What is interesting about new online shop Play is that you’ll be able to play any of its games across multiple Windows 8 devices. Read on for more on what’s available.

The service’s launch titles are a strange mishmash of games already in the Windows App Store (Adera, 4 Elements) and games already announced for Windows 8 (Skulls of the Shogun, Gunstringer: Dead Man Running).

The confusing Microsoft announcement doesn’t exactly spell hope for the future, either:

“Although there are some XBLA titles available on Windows 8, we aren’t announcing anything specific about [the] migrating of all of them, so be sure to get your hands on some of our exciting new Windows 8 games like the highly rated adventure game, Adera!”

Right. So here’s your lot:

  • 4 Elements: Special Edition
  • Adera
  • Gunstringer: Dead Man Running
  • Hydro Thunder Hurricane
  • Ilomilo+
  • Microsoft Mahjong
  • Microsoft Minesweeper
  • Microsoft Solitaire Collection
  • Pinball FX2
  • Reckless Racing Ultimate
  • Rocket Riot 3D
  • Skulls of the Shogun (to be released on Jan. 30)
  • Taptiles
  • Toy Soldiers (not playable on Windows RT devices)
  • Wordament

All of them offer free trials, and Microsoft are keen to push their various leaderboards and multiplayer modes. Do you anticipate picking any of them up?

Thanks, Polygon.