Xfire: IM for Gamers

Many PC gamers are torn between their love of games and their love of Instant Messaging (IM). Xfire is a program designed specifically for gamers to bridge that gap. Xfire is perfect for gamers because it connects them to fellow gamers, as well as allowing them to chat with friends.

One of the most innovative features of Xfire is the Xfire in-game messenger. Using the in-game messenger users can send IM's without minimizing their game. Xfire in-game messenger is also useful even when not playing a game, because it allows you to send messages to friends who are playing a game. Configuring Xfire in-game chat is simple, all you have to do is select a key combination to open the chat box, and you are ready to chat. Simple click your set key combination and the chat window will appear.

Another useful feature built into Xfire is the Screenshot Feature. This feature allows you to take screenshots of the game you are playing and automatically save them. After closing the game you can decide if you want to upload them to your Xfire user page, or if you simply want to keep them saved on your hard drive. The Screenshot feature is also very simple to configure, simply select another key combination and the next time you push that combination a screenshot will be taken.

One of the most important features of Xfire is the game status. Xfire automatically detects what games you have installed on your computer, and when you begin playing a game Xfire displays that information to all your friends. Xfire will show what game you are playing, as well as stats. Commonly Xfire shows the map you are playing, as well as each players ping and score, certain games have more stats available than others. More importantly than displaying that you are playing a game, Xfire makes it simple for your friends to join the game. By clicking on your name a "Join Game" button will appear for your friends. By clicking "Join Game" the game will launch, and automatically connect to the server you are playing on.

Registering for Xfire is an easy process. All you have to do is click "Join Xfire" on the Xfire website, and fill in the required information. Then download the program from the Xfire Download Page. After that simple tell your friends what your username is and they can add you as a friend. If you decide to change what you want your name to be, you don't need to re-register with Xfire, simply change your Nickname under Xfire Settings, and all your friends will see what your new name is.

Along with all those feature are some less noticeable yet more important features. The automatic update tool for example sometimes isn't noticed but it is very useful. This feature automatically detects when there is an update to one of the games you have installed, and automatically downloads and installs that update. Along with automatic updates, you can also find other downloads at the Xfire Files page. Another rarely used feature is the Xfire Voice Chat. Using Voice Chat you can talk with friends using a microphone, without any extra software. The voice quality isn't great, but it works fairly well. Xfire also has a built-in server browser. You can use the server browser to find where you want to play, or even to save favorites. Xfire automatically keeps a list of recently played servers so if you forget what server you were on, you still know where you played. Last but not least, Xfire tracks your gaming time. On your Xfire user page the amount of time you have played of each game is displayed. Game time is displayed as "Past 7 Days" and "Total Time". Xfire users can also make a "Miniprofile" which displays your name, if you are playing a game and where, as well as your playtimes. The Xfire Miniprofile can be customized, and is commonly used as a forum signature.

Overall Xfire is a very useful program for gamers to have. Most features of Xfire are useful, and are specific to Xfire. No other instant message system has ever catered to the PC Gamer in the past, and Xfire has done quite well in this task. Xfire is a great program, and is well worth the download!