It turns out that the Microsoft's Games for Windows label and backend may not be in jeopardy after all after the loss of Chris Early.  Just this week, Microsoft promoted former general manager Ron Pessner to take over the Games for Windows initiative. 

After announcing the promotion of Pessner, Microsoft once again extended its commitment to PC gaming, stating, "Moving ahead, Microsoft will continue to invest in Windows as a first–class gaming platform through great Windows out of box experiences, our online gaming services including Games for Windows – Live, MSN Games, and Messenger games, and through new games for Windows developed by Microsoft Games Studios."

The road thus far has been a relatively bumpy one for the service, with frequent complaints of difficult matchmaking, differences between the quality of service of gold and silver subscription levels, and general reliability of connectivity.  Recent titles which have supported the network have shown significant improvements however, with much improved matchmaking, UI, and more stat tracking support.  Microsoft also got rid of the gold and silver structure that is used on the Xbox 360 platform in favor of a more free and equal Live experience on the PC, perhaps ridding themselves of one of the biggest complaints regarding the service. 

To help kick off some momentum for the new leadership over the service, the real-time strategy powerhouse Relic Entertainment has pledged its support with its upcoming Dawn of War II title, which is currently in beta and is already operating directly with the service.  Previously, Relic had made use of middleware service providers such as GameSpy, Quazal and Demonware.