Games for Windows Live joins Microsoft's marketplace overhaul

Microsoft has announced that it will be closing its Xbox.com PC Marketplace (effectively, Games for Windows Live) on August 22nd, halting further purchases on all Microsoft-published titles. The move is part of a general upheaval of Microsoft's online marketplace strategy. The company announced previously that it would be transitioning away from Microsoft Points to local currency. Meanwhile, yesterday we reported that Jason Holtman, formerly a key driver behind Valve's Steam service, had joined Microsoft with a commitment to "making Windows a great platform for gaming." Concerning the Games for Windows Live marketplace closure, Microsoft has specified in its FAQ that while no new purchases may be made through the store after August 22nd, previously purchased content may still be downloaded. Additionally, Microsoft says that purchases may still be possible for third-party publishers. The marketplace closure will have no effect on Games for Windows Live authentication or multiplayer servers for the time being.