Microsoft cans games for Windows Live Marketplace

The Games for Windows Live marketplace will be taken down as part of Microsoft’s recent overhaul of its online strategy.

The company had previously announced it would be phasing out Microsoft Points in favor of local currency, and has now revealed that removing the Xbox.com PC Marketplace (GFWL Marketplace) is also part of the plan.

This follows the news that Valve’s former Steam head, Jason Holtman, would be taking a job at Microsoft in a role related to PC gaming and entertainment strategy.

All Games for Windows Live titles published by Microsoft will “no longer be available for purchase from any marketplace.”

The GFWL Marketplace will close on August 22, and Microsoft is urging customers to use their remaining Microsoft Points before the change.

Users will still be able to download games through the Games for Windows Live client, but won’t have access to the market.

Games for Windows Live launched with a mixed prior to the explosion of digital distribution, and never succeeded in winning over the mainstream PC gaming audience.