Microsoft has decided to discontinue the Xbox Avatar Editor due to insufficient interest in the service. Following the popularity of Mii avatars on the Wii, both Microsoft and Sony ventured into creating their own versions, with Microsoft’s Xbox Avatars, developed by Rare, enjoying moderate success. Unlike Sony, which has long since phased out its realistic avatars, Xbox Avatars have persisted. In an effort to revitalize this aspect of gaming, Microsoft launched the Xbox Avatar Editor in 2018.
This new tool enhanced avatar customization with more intricate designs and features like prosthetics, allowing users to craft a more accurate digital representation of themselves. However, it seems the updated avatars lost the unique appeal of their predecessors, leading to a lack of widespread acceptance and use. Reports indicate that Microsoft will be shutting down the Xbox Avatar Editor, with the decision driven by minimal user engagement. If you have made purchases related to your avatars since November 1, 2023, up until January 9, 2025, you will receive a refund to your original payment method once the Xbox Avatar Editor app is retired.
If you wish to create a new avatar using the current system and keep it for future use, such as a Gamerpic, it’s essential to do so before the January 9 cutoff. To create and save your new avatar, navigate to your profile, click on the “change gamerpic” button, and select “take a picture of my Avatar.” With the impending closure, capturing this moment may be worthwhile for nostalgic purposes. It’s important to note that the original Xbox avatars won’t be affected by this transition, allowing users to continue using that system for their virtual representations.