<p>UPDATE: Microsoft has responded to our inquiry about Games for Windows Live's impending closure with a cryptic message about believing in PC gaming and having a long-term plan to grow.</p><p>The company's official statement is as follows:</p><p>"Yesterday, an Age of Empires support web page communicated that the free to play Age of Empires Online will be discontinued on July 1, 2014. We believe in Windows/PC gaming and have long-term plans to grow our support. We expect there to be transitions as we build out new investments, but we remain committed to bringing first party gaming services and games to Windows for years to come. We will share more details in the future."</p><p>Original Story: Games for Windows Live is shutting down next July, Microsoft let slip.</p><p><a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-20-games-for-windows-live-is-ending-for-good-in-july-2014">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/19/4637694/microsoft-games-for-windows-live-service-ending-july-2014">Microsoft: Games for Windows Live service ending July 2014</a> (Polygon)</p><p><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57599316-235/microsoft-to-kill-games-for-windows-live-in-july-2014-report/">Microsoft to kill Games for Windows Live in ...</a> (CNET)</p><p><a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/games-for-windows-live-shutting-down-july-1-2014/">Microsoft reportedly shutting down Games for Windows Live July 2014</a> (Digital Trends)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d2in6DYQjL6iLLMnXqkjSekFWILsM&ned=us">53 additional articles.</a></p>