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Microsoft hires former Valve developer liaison to bolster Windows gaming
The future of Microsoft's digital game distribution systems just got brighter. Jason Holtman, who was heavily involved with the growth of Valve's Steam platform, has been hired by Redmond. According to a statement he gave Gamesindustry International, he'll work to flesh out Windows' native gaming and entertainment efforts. That isn't plausible without developer support though, and given his history as a liaison between devs and Valve, he'll be putting those skills to work to "make that happen" at his new gig. However, seeing that Microsoft's other gaming platform is taking the majority of the company's focus right now, we don't expect many new details about Holtman's duties to surface that soon.
Games for Windows Marketplace, Xbox.com becoming one big, game-obsessed family
Games for Windows Marketplace will no longer have to drift through life alone. Microsoft announced this week that the Steam competitor will be absorbed by Xbox.com -- a seemingly logical merger, given the site's association with Xbox Live. The move comes in spite of an attempt on Microsoft's part to completely revamp the service late last year. The Marketplace is set to move into its new digs on July 11th, so here's hoping it takes advantage of its last few days of freedom in style -- by sitting around in its underwear playing video games, naturally.
Microsoft says it's 'doubling down' on PC games
Well, it looks like the forthcoming launch of Microsoft's browser-based Games for Windows Marketplace could just be the beginning of a broader PC gaming push from the company. Speaking with Kotaku, Microsoft's Peter Orullian, group product manager for Windows PC and Mobile, said rather boldly that PC games "is a place where we are doubling down." Exactly what that means beyond the new Games for Windows Marketplace isn't clear, but Orullian did mention that Microsoft has a "healthy list of features we're going to start bringing out once the store launches" in response to a question about further integrating PC and Xbox 360 gaming (something the company is also exploring with the revised Xbox.com).
Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace relaunches in your browser on November 15
Microsoft just announced that its new Games for Windows Marketplace online PC games store will launch on November 15th. Think Steam, but not quite. The store offers online web access from anywhere and features fast purchase and download turnarounds to accelerate the time to game play; discounted games; and game search by title, genre or publisher. Games for Windows Marketplace is integrated with Microsoft's existing Xbox LIVE and Windows Live services and will launch with over 100 titles including "Fable: The Lost Chapters" and "Grand Theft Auto III." Anyone with a Windows Live ID can login. Check out the full press release after the break before heading over to Joystiq for more detailed coverage.%Gallery-105819%
