Solitaire, Minesweeper get a redesign for Windows 8

Minesweeper, Solitaire Collection, and Mahjongg, three iconic games that have been a part of Microsoft Operating System for years, are getting a redesign. Game development studio Arkadium has announced that together with Microsoft Studios it has redesigned these three popular games.

The gameplay hasn't necessarily changed, but rather the way you can play the game has. Arkadium's new versions have been optimized for touch devices and offer customized content and new modes of play. Arkadium will also be launching a new 3D puzzle game, Taptiles.

“These are the first games we are releasing as part of the multi-year, multi-game partnership with Microsoft Studios that we announced in January,” said Kenny Rosenblatt.  “We have taken strong evergreen titles and worked on transforming them into new experiences that make game play even more addictive and fun.  And just as the previous classics pioneered gaming for desktops, we’re excited to launch Taptiles, a new game destined to become a classic for next generation touch devices.”

Last week, Microsoft announced the first wave of Xbox games that will be arriving on Windows 8. The 29 titles from Microsoft Studios features "many of the games you already know and love" as well as some which are exclusive to Windows 8. Starting October 26, many of these games will become available.