Xbox revamped its Avatar creation app in 2018 to be an overhauled version of the Xbox 360 editor for next gen, but Tuesday, Microsoft has decided to drop it completely.
Xbox has announced on their specialized support website that their Avatar editor (not related to Pandora), introduced for the Xbox One console generation in 2018, will be shutting down on January 9, 2025. Interestingly enough, the previous avatar system introduced for the 360 generation of consoles will remain intact due to some games requiring that particular brand of avatar (such as Doritos Crash Course). The original Avatar app will still be accessible, and those games featuring the previous version of Avatar will still be fully playable.
Regarding the reasoning behind the shuttering of the new-form avatar editor, the posting explains: “Due to low engagement and our shift in focus towards delivering other player experiences, the Xbox Avatar Editor app will no longer be available starting on Jan. 9, 2025,” stating that the app will close because users aren’t using the feature. The editor will remain fully accessible for those who do use it until the closing date. Thankfully, Microsoft is issuing full refunds for those who have purchased microtransactions between November 2023 and January 2025, so consumers will get their money back.
It’s worth noting that the original avatar system from 2008 will remain fully intact, and fans will be able to tinker with their creations through that outlet. Consumers who enjoy the new form of the avatar editor will still be able to access the feature until the final closing date. Xbox has deployed a way for fans to keep their specialized gamer pic from the service. After the closing date in January, fans will need to access the Originals app. Then, they can press the menu button and select the “take a photo” option. From there, members can adjust the avatar’s animation and background. Finally, fans can press the view button and select “save as gamer pic.”
Fans looking for more information on the service closure can visit the official website.
