Games for Windows Marketplace Merges with Xbox Website

Microsoft is set to merge its Games for Windows Marketplace into the Xbox.com portal, in order to bring together all of its entertainment offers, for both the Windows-based PC or the Xbox 360, in one single website.

Microsoft is making lots of money with its Xbox 360 console as well as with the Kinect sensor, beating all of its rivals, but its Games for Windows initiative for the PC platform hasn't exactly been the success it had hoped for.

With the recent release of a dedicated Marketplace, where users could buy games, things were getting better, but it seems that Microsoft has had another change of heart.

The company has announced that the Games for Windows Marketplace is going to be merged with the Xbox.com website, in order to provide a coherent entertainment hub, no matter the platform.

"Games for Windows Marketplace will fully transition over to Xbox.com," Microsoft revealed on the Games for Windows web page. "Now you can get all of your gaming needs in one place. It’s convenient, it’s concentrated, and it’s a whole lot of great games."

The North American company acknowledged that its Games for Windows initiative hasn't been doing so well, but emphasized that, with the help of more partners in the industry, both developers and publishers, the service could become as essential to Windows gaming as is Xbox Live to Xbox 360 gamers.

Now, it seems that Microsoft is keen on following its one single entertainment brand strategy, revealed shortly before last month's E3 2011 conference, and making the Xbox one synonymous with all of its efforts, even if they're not even for the Xbox consoles.

No word yet on how this merger will affect the Games for Windows Marketplace, so expect Microsoft to issue more explanations and details in the following weeks, before the move is complete.