Microsoft has announced that they will be removing avatars from Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles next year. Avatars were first introduced during the Xbox 360 era in 2008, allowing users to customize their digital characters with clothes and accessories. However, with the release of the Xbox One in 2013, avatars began to fade into the background. After several updates, avatars are now difficult to find on the dashboard and will be completely removed on January 9, 2025.
The decision to remove avatars was made due to low engagement, according to Microsoft. Users who have made purchases for their avatars since November 1, 2023, will be refunded. The Xbox Avatar Editor app will also be discontinued along with the removal of avatars from profile pages. However, this change will not affect Xbox 360 avatars, also known as “Xbox Original Avatars,” which will still be available in games and apps that support them.
It’s interesting to see how the gaming landscape has evolved over the years, with digital avatars once being a popular feature now being phased out. This move by Microsoft reflects the changing preferences of gamers and the company’s focus on other aspects of the gaming experience. As technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see what new features and innovations will be introduced in the world of gaming.