When Jason Holtman joined Microsoft to work on the company's Windows gaming strategy, it sounded like a match made in heaven. Microsoft was in the process of dismantling its oft-reviled Games for Windows Live program, and Holtman had just spent eight years turning Steam into a comparatively beloved platform for digital game sales. Apparently, it was not to be: after just six months, Holtman has left the company.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed his departure to The Verge, adding that the company wishes him the best in his future endeavors. According to Holtman's LinkedIn page, originally discovered by Neowin, he left Microsoft in January. According to a PC Gamer source, Holtman also confirmed the departure on Facebook with a message that suggests he didn't have a particular destination in mind when he left. "Last week I left Microsoft and said goodbye to my friends there. Now looking around for something interesting and fun-no end of that in video games!" the message allegedly read.

Microsoft hints PC plans may take time

What does Holtman's departure mean for Windows PC gaming? That's not clear. Microsoft is in a bit of an upheaval right now, with a brand-new CEO, two struggling operating systems, and a promising but unproven next-gen game console. With all that on its plate, the company might be forgiven for taking PC gaming in stride. In an seemingly coincidental interview with Rock Paper Shotgun yesterday, Microsoft game guru Ken Lobb said that the company is absolutely committed and dedicated to PC gaming, but suggested that current plans might take time. "Please let us continue to do that over a five-year period so we can have real impact. That's how it feels right now," he told the publication.