Microsoft Discontinues Xbox Avatar Editor

Microsoft has decided to remove the Avatar editing software from Xbox, a move that may surprise video game enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their virtual characters.

End of an Era: Microsoft Discontinues Xbox Avatar Editor

Microsoft has quietly announced the end of an era with the upcoming discontinuation of the Xbox Avatar Editor. “Due to low engagement and our shifting focus towards providing other experiences for gamers, the Xbox Avatar Editor app will no longer be available starting January 9, 2025,” the company stated in its FAQ on the feature.

Avatar Customization: An Experience from 2018 to 2025

Introduced in 2018, the latest avatar customization allowed players to create cartoon versions of themselves using a library of both free and paid cosmetic items. These options provided extensive opportunities for diversity and personal expression, enabling users to either closely resemble themselves or embody the persona they wished to present to the Xbox community. Microsoft announced that it will issue refunds for purchases made between November 1, 2023, and the app’s end date.

Original Xbox Avatars Remain Untouched

Microsoft introduced avatars into player accounts during the Xbox 360 era. These Original Xbox Avatars will not be affected by the discontinuation of the avatar editor; they will continue to be available for players using these older generation images, as well as on Xbox 360 hardware.

Preserve Your Avatar: Action to Take Before the Deadline

If you’ve created an avatar that you wish to keep as your profile picture on Xbox in the future, you can use the Avatar Editor app until the closure date to save an image to your account. The Xbox support forums provide a complete explanation on how to create or upload your profile picture.