Microsoft has been saying for quite some time that it intends to improve the visibility of gaming on Windows-based PCs now that them fancy-pants consoles are all the rage, and the "Games for Windows" brand was born out of this initiative. Fast forward to a few years later, and Microsoft claims it has made progress in restoring PC gaming's lustre at the "Games for Windows Presents: The Big Picture" showcase event in San Francisco. According to Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division's Kevin Unangst, the Big Picture for PC gaming is "unparalleled growth".  Unangst explains that "Windows continues to lead the gaming industry worldwide in both users and total revenue" and notes that DFC Intelligence has predicted a 73 percent growth for the PC gaming market beginning last year up to 2013.

The Games for Windows brand will be bolstered by sixteen new PC software titles throughout this year, including Call of Duty: World at War, and Crysis Warhead. And hey, LEGO Batman is part of the Big Picture too.  Meanwhile, Microsoft's Corporate VP of Live, Software and Services John Schappert stresses that PC gaming is stronger than ever despite the obvious challenges it faces, including piracy and mainstream prevalance of consoles.

The Windows-based PC is the most connected gaming platform on the planet. Microsoft's continued investments will enable game publishers to take advantage of that connectivity while delivering to consumers the kinds of gaming experiences they will love.