August 2^nd, 2006 (7:09pm) - Ziff Davis has announced an integrated media collaboration with Microsoft.

Ziff Davis will serve as the independent editorial voice for Microsoft’s Games for Windows initiative. As part of the strategic relationship, Ziff Davis is launching a new magazine called Games for Windows: The Official Magazine and a companion website on the 1UP Network. Microsoft will drive traffic and readership to the magazine and to the 1UP Network, and will promote the Games for Windows magazine as part of their Games for Windows marketing efforts. The magazine and integrated online components will launch in Fall 2006.

Ziff Davis’ online integration will include a Games for Windows website on the 1UP network. The website will host editorial features, social networking, and blogs, as well as game demos, patches, downloads, trailers and original video content from FileFront.com and GameVideos.com. In addition, Ziff Davis will collaborate with Microsoft in the area of online and interactive content for Games for Windows. Microsoft’s website, GamesForWindows.com, will also link to the 1UP Network for users who want additional content.

The collaboration with Ziff Davis Game Group represents a step in Microsoft’s larger marketing push for the Games for Windows brand: the magazine shares the same "Games for Windows" branding that will appear on game packaging and in leading retailers throughout the U.S. beginning this Fall.

To ensure clear market leadership position, Ziff Davis will transfer Computer Gaming World’s veteran editorial staff and mission to Games for Windows: The Official Magazine. The new magazine and web initiative will carry on the editorial, production and art staff of Computer Gaming World, incorporating CGW’s best-of-class style and tone while broadening the outlet’s reach, influence and editorial content to complement the coming renaissance in Windows gaming.