In a recent move, Xbox has decided to phase out the Avatar Editor app from both Xbox consoles and PCs, marking the end for the vibrant characters that made their debut back in 2018.
Over the weekend, without much fanfare, Xbox updated its support site to reveal that starting January 9, 2025, the app will no longer be available. This means users won’t have access to their Xbox Avatars or any items they purchased for them. However, for those who made purchases between November 1, 2023, and January 9, 2025, Xbox has promised refunds for all Avatar-related buys.
This decision specifically affects the Avatars that were part of the Xbox Avatars Update from 2018. These avatars were touted as an upgrade, offering more detail, expressiveness, and creativity compared to the simpler versions from the Xbox 360 days. Fortunately for fans of the older avatars, support for the original Xbox Avatars remains intact. They will still function in compatible Xbox 360 games and can be accessed via the Xbox Original Avatars app.
The relevance of Avatars seems to have waned over time. As Xbox explains in its FAQ section, the decision was driven by “low engagement” and a strategic “shift in focus toward delivering other player experiences.” They remind users that personalizing their gaming experience still remains possible with dynamic backgrounds, different profile colors, and a variety of other nifty options.
Looking forward, Xbox isn’t sitting idle. They have exciting projects in the pipeline, including the development of a dedicated handheld device and even delving into a next-generation successor to tackle the future head-on.
Kat Bailey, IGN’s News Director and a co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat, keeps her ear to the ground for such developments. Got a scoop? Feel free to DM her at @the_katbot.
