The move comes on the heels of a long period of flagging performance and support for Microsoft's Games for Windows, so this may be seen as a hire to prop up that initiative, or overhaul the company's PC games strategy in a more general sense.
"Yes, I have joined Microsoft where I will be focusing on making Windows a great platform for gaming and interactive entertainment... I think there is a lot of opportunity for Microsoft to deliver the games and entertainment customers want and to work with developers to make that happen, so I'm excited to be here."
Microsoft snaps up former Steam chief to shore up games on Windows
Valve alumnus Jason Holtman, an instrumental force behind Steam for eight years, has confirmed he has taken on a new position with Microsoft intending to revitalize its Windows games business.