Windows and Xbox 360 platform holder Microsoft has announced that former Entertainment and Devices Division general manager Ron Pessner is to become the new boss of Games for Windows.

The appointment, reported by Gamasutra, follows the news last week that former boss Chris Early has left the firm.

Also heading over to Games for Windows is Dave Leuhmann, formerly of Microsoft Game Studios.

Microsoft coupled the announcement with a renewed pledge to back the struggling service, which was originally dubbed as Xbox Live for PC but has in recent times come under criticism from users of the service.

A statement reads: “Moving ahead, Microsoft will continue to invest in Windows as a first-class gaming platform through great Windows out of box experiences, our online gaming services including Games for Windows – LIVE, MSN Games, and Messenger games, and through new games for Windows developed by Microsoft Games Studios.”