Request Media Kit

Jason Holtman Leaves Microsoft After Only Six Months

Microsoft and PC gamers aren’t the pals they once were. With the introduction of Games for Windows Live, Microsoft ensured that pretty much every PC gamer on the planet went to rival platforms, ...
Jason Holtman Leaves Microsoft After Only Six Months
Written by
  • Microsoft and PC gamers aren’t the pals they once were. With the introduction of Games for Windows Live, Microsoft ensured that pretty much every PC gamer on the planet went to rival platforms, like Steam or Origin. It seemed like Microsoft intended to win back those PC gamers last year by hiring Steam’s content licensing boss Jason Holtman, but now he’s gone too.

    Gamasutra reports that Holtman has left Microsoft after only six months with the company. He was originally hired to revitalize Microsoft’s PC gaming efforts. His experience in obtaining content for Steam would have been super useful in obtaining content for Microsoft’s own PC gaming efforts.

    So, why did he leave? There’s no official reason, but Microsoft did provide the following comment to Gamasutra:

    “We can confirm that Jason has left Microsoft and we’re grateful for his time at the company. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

    With only six months at Microsoft, did Holtman actually achieve anything? On the surface, it looks unlikely. The Windows store is still devoid of almost every major PC game as publishers look to Steam, Origin and uPlay as the place to be. It doesn’t help that Microsoft is seemingly so invested in its Xbox business that PC gaming looks to almost be an afterthought at this point.

    It will be interesting to see if Microsoft hires a replacement going forward. It could be that Microsoft is content to let others rule the PC gaming roost. After all, it’s been years since Microsoft was seen as a major PC game publisher. At this point, it’s better off just publishing PC ports of its Xbox Live Arcade titles on Steam.

    Image via Facebook

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit