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Microsoft will shut down its Games for Windows Live marketplace next week on Aug. 22, according to a post on the Xbox.com support page. The closure of the Xbox.com PC marketplace comes alongside the switch from Microsoft Points to local currency and a new Xbox 360 system update, Microsoft explains.
"As part of the recent Xbox 360 system update, Microsoft Points will be retired and the Xbox.com PC Marketplace will be closed as of August 22, 2013," the support notice reads. "We encourage you to spend your Microsoft Points balance prior to this change. Although you will not be able to purchase new games, you can continue to enjoy previously purchased content by downloading it through the Games for Windows Live client software as usual."
The change doesn't mean that Games for Windows Live is going away, just the ability to purchase them through Microsoft's store. The Games for Windows Live service will continue to operate as usual, Microsoft says.
Additional details about the change are available in a brief FAQ on Xbox.com.
