Microsoft sent out a press release saying that Games for Windows LIVE will be getting an update to v1.2 sometime in November.

The Games for Windows – LIVE v1.2 update will continue to add numerous end-user benefits to the service, such as support for offline Achievements, so gamers can continue to rack up Gamerscore when not connected to the internet, the ability to see whether your friends are “joinable” in games, along with additional UI features.

Microsoft is pushing out updates on a good schedule here. I think the problem still is that only gamers with both an Xbox 360 and PC are going to pay for LIVE. Strict PC gamers aren’t going to start dropping $50 a year for something they can do for free anyway.

Here’s the full press release:

Games for Windows LIVE Update

LONDON - 9th October, 2007. Games for Windows – LIVE is receiving a v1.2 update in the November time frame.

In August 2007, Games for Windows – LIVE v1.1 added a lot of great features that enhanced the user experience, including support for five new languages (Russian, Polish, Czech, Norwegian and Dutch), the addition of 12 new gamer pics and a new Network Information Viewer to provide a simpler way to troubleshoot connectivity issues.

Games for Windows – LIVE v1.1 also included many backend upgrades to improve gamers’ experiences such as DirectX 10 and Windows XP support for future Games for Windows – LIVE titles, log on error reporting, improved error messaging, improved router interaction, improved security and reduced time to recover a gamer profile on new Windows PCs.

The Games for Windows – LIVE v1.2 update will continue to add numerous end-user benefits to the service, such as support for offline Achievements, so gamers can continue to rack up Gamerscore when not connected to the internet, the ability to see whether your friends are “joinable” in games, along with additional UI features.

Microsoft is rolling out two Games for Windows – LIVE updates in a matter of only four months, but we’re just getting started! Our goal is to deliver new and exciting experiences for Windows gamers, while maintaining the unique PC gaming environment we love. We’ve come a long way since announcing the vision of LIVE across multiple Microsoft platforms last year and are committed to continually refining and bringing future functionality to Games for Windows – LIVE.

Be sure to check out the first wave of titles to support the service which should hit shelves by Holiday:

• “The Club” (SEGA) – The Club - no rating as yet
• “Kane & Lynch: Dead Men” (Eidos) - 18 BBFC
• “Universe at War: Earth Assault” (SEGA) - no rating as yet
• “Gears of War” (Microsoft Game Studios) - 18 BBFC
• “Viva Piñata” (Microsoft Game Studios) - 3+