Sven said:

In order to create an identical level of services as weve provided on the console, weve selected Games for Windows Live as the online services layer within SSFIV:AE. So the replay channels, achievements, friends lists, messaging, etc. are exactly the same as they are on Xbox Live. Before it gets asked though, no there is no cross platform matching/play.





Now, on the security side of things, SFIV unfortunately was plagued by pirates and hackers that messed up leaderboards. To hopefully remedy that, SSFIV:AE will be making use of what is called SSA technology (similar to what we used in Dead Rising 2). Like Xbox Live, players will sign in when they launch the game. You must have a Games for Windows Live account (which is free) in order to get full access to the title. If you already have an Xbox Live silver or gold account, those would work too and your achievements would be added/displayed in your usual gamescore.



Inevitably the question is: if you happen to temporarily lose your connection in the middle of your session (lets say youre working on combos in the training room or working on challenges), no problem. Youll be able to keep doing what youre doing until you come to a logical break point, like exiting to a menu, at which point youll be asked to sign back in. Assuming your PC is back online, everything will continue as it should, just like on Xbox 360.



If you arent signed in to an online GFWL profile, the offline mode has limited functionality. Obviously theres no online play, access to replay channels or other online-centric features (and this is the part that keeps the online play secure from hackers or pirates). Additionally, you wont be able to save any progress in challenges or settings, wont have access to any DLC youve purchased and all local play will be restricted to 15 of the 39 characters.