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Microsoft has officially stated it does not intend to shut down its much maligned Games for Windows Live PC games service – a reveal that flies in the face of several rumours, reports and at least one internal leak.
Last week, a Microsoft representative told Game Informer that the firm would continue supporting the service moving forward.
We are continuing to support the Games for Widows Live service. We remain committed to investing in PC gaming in the years ahead, and look forward to sharing more in the future,” the rep said.
"Although customers are unable to purchase new games from the marketplace or receive title updates, they can continue to enjoy previously purchased content by downloading them through the Games for Windows Live client as usual.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer danced around the notion that the service would be closed for good as the company renewed its focus on the PC platform.
"You will get a clear answer from us very soon," Spencer said. "We have a longer term plan for multiplayer gaming and marketplace on Windows. We understand what we have today in market … isn’t great. We do understand there’s some continuity of getting from where we are to where we want to be [and] that shutting the lights off [on Games for Windows Live] isn’t exactly the right thing to do.
"We’ve got to make sure we’ve got a thoughtful plan that supports the people that currently have games on Games for Windows Live. It’s a conversation we’re having."
Microsoft prematurely” confirmed that it was shutting down the Games for Windows Live service last August – an announcement that was subsequently pulled by the company.
The apparent demise of the service even had several developers – including Twisted Pixel, a Microsoft-owned studio – looking for alternative Windows support for their games, such as Valve’s Steam platform.
