Microsoft will axe the Games for Windows Live service completely on July 1, 2014, according to an update posted on the Age of Empires Online support site.

　　NeoGAF poster Archie spotted the update, which reads "Games for Windows Live will be discontinued on July 1, 2014. Although it is available through Steam, Age of Empires Online requires features of the Games for Windows Live service. You can continue to enjoy all the features of Age of Empires Online as the service will remain 100% operational until July 1, 2014 when the server will shut down. Please visit the Age of Empires Online forums for additional details."

　　Microsoft has since removed the text from its Age of Empires Online support page.

　　Some of the most popular PC games to utilize Microsoft's Games for Windows Live service include Grand Theft Auto IV, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition, Batman: Arkham City, and DiRT 3.

　　Last week Microsoft pledged to continue supporting the Games for Windows Live service after announcing it would be switching off the Xbox.com PC Marketplace on August 22.

　　A Microsoft representative declined to comment when approached by GameSpot.