Punxsutawney Phil says, “Six more weeks of winter!”

But the Games for Windows team isn’t worried. We have a solution for cabin fever:

The Great Indoors We’re taking it to the airwaves with TV personality, author and “indoors explorer”, Marilyn Kentz. Kentz -- who happens to be a fan of Windows gaming – has lots of ways to keep your kids entertained. If there’s fresh snow and you’re fresh out of ideas, keep your eye on the tube in the coming weeks and find out what she recommends in addition to some of her favorite games for Windows.

Love is a Game Maybe you always suspected it. But now there’s proof! Cupid is a first person shooter. A brand new national poll of 18-34 year-olds suggests that couples that play computer games together, stay together. The Games for Windows team, in an effort to help love blossom, put together a thoughtful list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas from a black leather mouse if you’re feeling naughty, to a Windows game that will unleash your inner tiger. (That should help with the cabin fever.)

You Throw, Girl Female gamers weren’t waiting for the end of winter to throw it down at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month. Games for Windows, ATI, AMD and Shuttle Computers, hosted a cocktail reception to introduce mainstream consumer and technology media alike to the world of professional gaming. Former professional female gamer Stevie Case endorsed Windows XP as the ultimate gaming platform. And pro-gaming celebrity Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendell wowed the crowd with his presence before thanking sponsors – including Games for Windows -- for the opportunity to compete in a high-stakes competition. Speaking of “wow,” back in the Microsoft booth, Games for Windows hooked up with Electronic Arts’ Maxis team to showcase a rare peek at “The Sims™ 2.” That led to us – and partners Alienware, Creative and Dell Computers – to get a little celebrity ourselves when a PBS crew filmed us for a segment of “High Tech Home.”

Windows XP Extras Forget waiting six weeks. There’s a new XP Extra every month. By the time you read this the “Need for Speed Underground” Windows Media Player skin will be speeding around the bend to make room for our next offering available exclusively for Windows XP users. Games for Windows and GameSpot are proud to provide a download for Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna, developed by Mad Doc Software and Gas Powered Games. This XP Extra adventure continues the story of "Legends of Aranna," as players are called upon to defend the village from an attack by the Hassat race of mutated groundhogs – er, great cats.

Punxsutawney Phil can go back to hibernating if he wants. Personally, we think that if shadows still scare you, you aren’t playing enough Windows games.

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