Reports of the demise of Games for Windows Live have been greatly exaggerated according to Microsoft.
In a statement issued to Game Informer, a Microsoft spokesperson said that its much maligned PC digital distribution service Games for Windows Live will not be taken offline in July as had previously been rumoured.
’We remain committed to investing in PC gaming in the years ahead and look forward to sharing more in the future,’ said the spokesperson. ’We are continuing to support the Games for Windows Live service.’
Last year, the notion that Games for WIndows Live would shutter its doors was started by a support page for Age of Empires ONline, which stated that the service would be stopped on July 1 2014. The post was swiftly deleted after a few hours.
The marketplace section of Games for Windows Live however did shut down last August and a more recent statement from Xbox division head Phil Spencer that Microsoft is not looking to go head-to-head with Valve’s Steam makes it unlikely that the marketplace will re-open.
As well as the marketplace closing its doors, many publishers have moved away from requiring Games for Windows Live authentication. Anything historically purchased through the platform can still however be run.
More details on the future of Games for Windows Live are expected to be announced later this year.
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