Xbox is set to discontinue the Avatar Editor app on consoles and PC, with the final day of support scheduled for January 9, 2025. This decision comes in light of low user engagement with the revamped Xbox Avatars, first introduced in 2018, which offered higher detail and expressiveness compared to their predecessors from Xbox 360. Users will be unable to access their avatars and any purchased items post-closure, but Xbox will refund all Avatar purchases made between November 1, 2023, and January 9, 2025. Although the detailed Avatars will no longer be available, the original, simpler avatars will continue existing in some capacity.
Why is Xbox shutting down the Avatar Editor app?Xbox is discontinuing the Avatar Editor app due to low engagement and a shift in focus towards other player experiences, indicating that they are prioritizing future developments over avatar personalization.
The Xbox Avatar system was an effort to modernize player representation in the gaming community, allowing users to create more personalized and expressive characters than ever before. The original Xbox Avatars, simpler in design, will still be usable in supported games, ensuring that some level of player personalization remains even as the more advanced versions are phased out. The announcement suggests that Xbox aims to refocus resources on new initiatives, including an upcoming handheld console and next-gen development.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
It’s interesting to see Xbox pivoting away from the Avatar Editor; it feels like a sign of their commitment to focusing on more impactful gaming experiences. While it’s a bummer for those who loved personalizing their avatars, I’m curious to see what fresh innovations they’ll bring us next
It's a bummer to see the Avatar Editor get the axe, especially after all the effort Xbox put into making those characters more expressive. But it sounds like they're making room for some exciting future developments, so here's hoping whatever takes its place is even more engaging
It's a bummer to see the Avatar Editor app going away, especially since it was a cool way for players to express themselves in a more vibrant way. But I get it—Xbox seems to be pivoting towards fresh experiences for gamers, so maybe we’ll see some exciting new features down the line