In an unexpected turn of events, Microsoft has decided to shut down its digital store for PC games. On August 22, 2013, at the same time as Microsoft Points will be discounted, the Xbox.com PC Marketplace will be closed. The Games for Windows Live service itself will still be operational and already purchased games will remain available for download. GfWL games purchased in other stores will still activate and work as usual. However, Xbox.com PC Marketplace was the only DD way to get games published by Microsoft and those will become unavailable to purchase digitally after the closure. It is recommended to spend any remaining MS Points before the next week as they will be lost afterwards.

Currently it is unknown if Microsoft plans to replace its digital PC Marketplace with anything else in the future. Another unknown is if there is any relation to the hiring of a former Steam manager. While these events might be related, it seems too soon to affect such a big move. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft gives any further attention to PC gaming. Even more curious is that this coincides with the announcement that the Age of Empires II HD Forgotten Expansion is officially in development and will be coming to Steam.