I hate to ask, but why? As far as I can tell, Microsoft's entire objective with windows 8 is to extort game developers and make the PC a permanently closed system.

I'm not saying there aren't people out there who won't appreciate the work you've done, but for many of us, there's quite a few issues Windows 8 even existing is already causing us as gamers not the least of which is that unless Microsoft changes their mind and does some really extensive patching, just shy of 97% of the games released for the PC, including many released this year. And Microsoft has designed this new OS to allow them to shut down third party software at will. If they want, they with a simple patch can make it so no game you sell can even be operable on a Windows 8 system, and have already threatened to do just that to many major game developers.

Why are you putting forth the effort when all evidence suggests they plan on going out of their way to screw you?

Link for this claim?

Hopefully this means Age of Mythology will show up on GOG

Pretty neat.
Although having used Windows 8 for some time now I haven't witnessed any compatibility issues yet.
8 functions very similarly to 7 in many regards.
Still having it be officially supported is reassuring and just because I haven't personally run into any issues doesn't mean someone else won't.

Thanks for that! Looks like none of mine were touched so far, hopefully that means the ones I have work as is :D

How about the fact that they've done it before? Clear way, way back on Windows XP, service pack 1 Microsoft forced an alleged security update which in essence, broke every piece of non certified software for about 6 months. What's the Microsoft certification process, you ask?

You as a developer pay them money to a review to determine compatability, and in exchange you also agree to certain arbitrary standards of distribution, exclusivity agreements, and even your release date can be picked by Microsoft. If you don't comply, you find your product removed from the Windows market place, and in many cases, having to fight a long and hard legal battle simply to sell it elsewhere.

Windows 8 serves to attempt to turn the PC into a closed system. It specifically is designed to have the Windows marketplace take the place of services like steam, Desura, and many others likely including the gog downloader. You need to realize, 90% or more of indie games never seek certification, and many older games, the rights holders don't seen new certifications either, in many cases because they can't afford it.

But hey don't take my word about it. Ask Gabe Newell. Robin Walker. Cliff Blezinski. Richard Garriot. Sid Meier. Or Markus "Notch" Persson, for that matter. How hey about about you ask Adrian Carmack while you're at it?

There's quite a list of people saying outright why this isn't good for the PC, and hate to point this out, but Microsoft has a long history of exactly that sort of extortion.

Would rather have linux support, but baby steps I guess.

I think he's referring to microsoft's ability to moderate what apps are available on the windows store.
So far there hasn't been any move to close off the OS to certain online stores or competing distributors and their software.
I doubt they'd make such a move either, they want to promote OS adoption, closing out services like GOG and steam for example would seriously cripple sales and would spark huge outrage.
Even if they do go through with that, there's no reason why GOG shouldn't work towards Windows 8 compatibility now.
Worst case scenario, Microsoft patches out people's ability to use GOG games and then users will either refuse the patch or go back to Windows 7, Vista, xp or switch to a Linux distro to play GOG titles.

Uh no, not at all. I'm talking about the fact that Microsoft has said outright they're going to *require* any game or other program to run on the OS to first be certified by Microsoft at absurd expense to the developer or rights holder (and multiple recertifications, most likely) and the fact that Steve Ballmer himself, Microsoft's current CEO has stated point blank that if it's not sold through the Windows store and certified, it will not be allowed to run on the OS. That's been seen in Wired, the Huffington Post, there's even video of him reiterating it.

Why does it it make sense to try and provide compatability for an OS intended to force GOG out of business or to have Microsoft act as their intermediary for every sale?

As I recall, this is for Metro apps only, not for x86 or x64 software, and you can still compile the code yourself for Metro apps.
Also, since I can't look for them atm, can you link me the articles?

Hi Team, any support for Windows RT ?

My official support for Win 8 is still pending, decision delayed for indefinite time.

Because currently it is not a disservice to GOG.
More people can use their products which is a good thing.
I agree, those claims are frightening and I disagree with what they're doing with Windows but currently there is no reason for GOG to not improve their service in this way.
When push comes to shove and Microsoft start making this moves, that is where people will have to make the choice of whether to switch back and for GOG to decide whether to pull support from Windows 8.
For now, it's just an initiative by GOG to help improve support.

Microsoft is releasing a new OS every 3 years. What a headache!

I heard Windows 8 poisoned the well in our village!