Microsoft Hires Steam Exec Jason Holtman to Improve Windows Gaming Platform
Jason Holtman, the fellow who served as the Director of Business Development for Valve’s Steam business from 2005 until earlier this year when he was laid off along with a number of other high-profile employees, has landed a new gig at Microsoft.
Holtman’s Facebook page lists his title with Microsoft as simply “PC Gaming and Entertainment Strategy”, and he told GamesIndustry that he’ll be focusing on games. “Yes, I have joined Microsoft where I will be focusing on making Windows a great platform for gaming and interactive entertainment," he said. "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."
Valve apparently decided that it could do without his services, but Holtman reportedly has much to offer and was responsible for navigating Steam through uncharted waters. Microsoft has demonstrated some deficiencies in its gaming strategy, and it’s reasonable to believe that Holtman could be a cornerstone of the company’s strategy going forward, whether that’s developing the Steam-like cloud gaming capabilities or refocusing on PC gaming. Or perhaps Microsoft is simply acquiring a savvy businessman with loads of valuable industry connections.
Holtman’s Facebook page lists his title with Microsoft as simply “PC Gaming and Entertainment Strategy”, and he told GamesIndustry that he’ll be focusing on games. “Yes, I have joined Microsoft where I will be focusing on making Windows a great platform for gaming and interactive entertainment," he said. "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."
Valve apparently decided that it could do without his services, but Holtman reportedly has much to offer and was responsible for navigating Steam through uncharted waters. Microsoft has demonstrated some deficiencies in its gaming strategy, and it’s reasonable to believe that Holtman could be a cornerstone of the company’s strategy going forward, whether that’s developing the Steam-like cloud gaming capabilities or refocusing on PC gaming. Or perhaps Microsoft is simply acquiring a savvy businessman with loads of valuable industry connections.
