Games for Windows Live marketplace to close

Along with the retirement of Microsoft Points, the upcoming Xbox 360 update will retire the PC games marketplace on Xbox.com, and Games for Windows Live-published games will be withdrawn from sale.

"As part of the upcoming Xbox 360 system update, Microsoft Points will be retired, and the Xbox.com PC marketplace will be closed as of August 22, 2013," Microsoft wrote on the Games for Windows Live Facebook page.

"We encourage you to spend your Microsoft Points balance prior to this change. Although you will not be able to purchase new games, you can continue to enjoy previously purchased content by downloading them through the Games for Windows LIVE client software as usual."

In an FAQ, the platform holder confirmed that there will be no option for buying PC games on Xbox.com for immediate future, but that some titles may still offer DLC.

"Games for Windows Live titles published by Microsoft are no longer available for purchase from any marketplace," the company added.

Note that titles which use Games for Windows Live DRM, like Batman: Arkham City and Dark Souls, will remain available for purchase; the statement refers to games published exclusively through the GFWL channel. In a statement issued to Eurogamer, Microsoft said it "continues to support the Games for Windows Live platform".

"Although purchase functionality will be discontinued through this marketplace, the Games for Windows Live service will continue to operate as usual," a Microsoft representative said.

Microsoft may be preparing some sort of successor to the GFWL marketplace, as long-time Steam champion Jason Holtman recently jumped ship from Valve with the intent to turn Windows into a "a great platform for gaming and interactive entertainment".

Thanks, ShackNews.