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Xbox is winding down the Avatar Editor app, signaling the end of support for the updated characters that came to life in 2018 on consoles and PC.
In a quiet announcement over the weekend via its support site, Xbox revealed that as of January 9, 2025, the app will be disappearing from platforms. This decision means users won’t have access to Xbox Avatars or any items they might have purchased for them. However, there’s a silver lining: Xbox plans to issue refunds for any Avatar purchases made between November 1, 2023, and the termination date in 2025.
The company is specifically pulling the plug on the avatars rolled out during the 2018 Xbox Avatars Update. These avatars were hailed for being richer in detail and expressiveness compared to the older models from the Xbox 360 era. Yet, Xbox reassures fans that they aren’t abandoning avatars entirely. Support for the simplistic Xbox Original Avatars will persist, remaining functional in Xbox 360-supported games and accessible through the Xbox Original Avatars app.
It’s hard to ignore the diminishing significance of avatars in today’s gaming landscape. Xbox, in its FAQ, cited “low engagement” and a strategic “shift in focus” toward enhancing other player experiences as reasons for the change. They emphasized that players still have plenty of ways to customize their profiles, such as using dynamic backgrounds and profile colors.
While avatars may be taking a back seat, Xbox is looking to the road ahead, with plans that include developing a dedicated handheld device and pouring resources into creating the next-gen console.
In other news, Kat Bailey, IGN’s News Director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat, is your go-to for tips and insights. Feel free to reach out to her on Twitter at @the_katbot if you have any tips to share!
