This is for anyone who doesn't know about Xfire or is reluctant to try it.
Xfire is an instant messenger which gives the user the ability to display and manage their games. Game patches can automatically be downloaded based on what the program detects. It offers the ability to join servers from your friends or monitor the scoreboard. Chatroom with or without Voice is also available. If someone sends you a message while you are playing a game, a notification noise will sound and you will have the opportunity to respond by pressing Scroll Lock + X (or other hotkey) without Alt-Tabbing. Any deduction to game performance is unnoticeable.
Other skins are available as well.