Microsoft is ending its Xbox One-era Avatars in January
Short summary:
Microsoft is shutting down the Xbox Avatar Editor due to low engagement, but the classic Xbox 360 avatars will remain available. Players will still be able to use and update those older avatars after the new editor is discontinued in 2025.
Microsoft is discontinuing the Xbox Avatar Editor app on January 9, 2025, due to low engagement and a shift in focus toward other player experiences. After this date, users will no longer have access to their Xbox Avatars or purchased items, although refunds will be issued for items bought since November 1, 2023. The app, introduced in 2018, allowed players to create more diverse and detailed avatars compared to the older Xbox 360 avatars.
Despite the shutdown, players can still use and edit Xbox Original Avatars, which remain available through the Xbox Original Avatars app. To update gamer pics featuring these avatars, users will need to switch to the older app and follow specific steps to save new images. This ensures some continuity for fans of the avatar feature while marking the end of support for the newer editor.
Players are encouraged to capture screenshots of their current Xbox Avatars before the service ends. This decision reflects Microsoft’s evolving priorities and the diminishing role of avatar customization in its broader gaming ecosystem.