It’s easy to forget that the Windows 8 consumer preview is going to be more than just a beta. Microsoft even has some games on tap to be available day one when the “beta” goes live.
The Verge got the scoop on the games that will be available to buy for those who want to take part in the Windows 8 consume preview. The list of games are Hydro Thunder, Toy Soldiers, Reckless Racing, Angry Birds, Ilomilo, Rocket Riot, Full House Poker, Tentacles, Crash Course, Ms. Splosion Man and Wordament.
As is obvious by the list, a lot of those games are also available on Xbox Live Arcade. It remains to be seen if Microsoft will be releasing Xbox Live Arcade games on Windows 8 on a regular basis.
Classic Windows staples Pinball and Solitaire will come pre-installed with the consumer preview build. It remains to be seen if the best Windows pre-installed game, Mahjong, will be coming to Windows 8.
Microsoft’s Windows Store will allow developers to submit free apps and games, but they can also charge anywhere between $1.49 and $999. Microsoft takes 30 percent of proceeds at first, but reduces it to 20 percent after an app reaches $25,000 in sales.
Microsoft will launch the preview version of its Windows Store in late February, alongside the Windows 8 consumer preview.
With this news, I know what everybody is wondering. Is Hydro Thunder going to be the great original arcade game or the decent Xbox Live Arcade sequel? We don’t know, but it’s an awesome choice either way. Here’s a video to reacquaint yourself with what may be the greatest arcade racer ever made in anticipation of its hopeful return to the Windows 8 store: