Games for Windows Marketplace folding into Xbox.com

From the time Microsoft introduced its Games for Windows Live push, integration with Xbox Live has been a point of emphasis for the Windows maker. Now, the publisher is moving the two services even closer together, as it has announced the Games for Windows Marketplace will soon be folded into the existing online storefront at Xbox.com.

An announcement on the Games for Marketplace site informs visitors of the change but offered little in the way of specifics. According to the site, Games for Windows Marketplace "will fully transition" into Xbox.com. Microsoft has not indicated when the integration will take place or how much downtime users might face as a result. There is a Games for Windows link on Xbox.com at the moment, but it simply forwards users to the soon-to-be-integrated Marketplace.

Microsoft launched the PC-dedicated online storefront as a stand-alone operation in November. Prior to that, Microsoft's digital distribution solution was called Games on Demand. Much like Xbox.com, Games for Windows Marketplace allows users to sign in with their existing Windows Live ID and accommodates purchases in dollars and Microsoft points.