Misc

Microsoft Shuts Down Xbox Ambassadors Program After 13 Years

Microsoft has officially announced the closure of its Xbox Ambassadors program.

The winding down process begins immediately, with the program set to fully shut down on October 15, 2024. Until then, participants have the opportunity to claim any remaining rewards or codes before the program concludes.

What Was Xbox Ambassadors Program?

The Xbox Ambassadors program was created to encourage players to promote a positive environment within the Xbox community. This was done through several key activities:

Helping Other Gamers: assist fellow Xbox users with questions, troubleshooting, and game-related issues.
Promoting a Positive Gaming Environment: encouraging good sportsmanship, inclusivity, and respectful communication.
Game and Console Advocacy: promote Xbox products, features, and games, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm across different platforms.

To become an Ambassador, participants needed to meet specific criteria, such as having at least 1,500 XP and being 17 years of age or older.

Ambassadors participated in monthly challenges, community events, and gaming sessions, and by completing tasks they earned XP and other in-program rewards.

The rewards included exclusive digital and physical items, perks, badges, editorial features, and sometimes early access to games or new features.

New Directions for Xbox Community Engagement

Although the Xbox Ambassadors program is ending, Microsoft reassures fans that there are still plenty of ways to engage with its gaming community. Moving forward, Xbox plans to focus more on its Xbox Rewards and Xbox Research programs.

Additionally, Microsoft will place greater emphasis on initiatives like Xbox Fanfest and the Xbox Insider Program.

Microsoft believes these changes will continue to uphold the values of inclusivity and fun that the Ambassadors championed.

A Difficult Year for Microsoft Gaming

The decision to close the Xbox Ambassadors program comes during a challenging year for Microsoft’s gaming division.

The company, like many others in the industry, has faced several rounds of layoffs. In January 2024, 1,900 employees were let go, followed by more layoffs in May, which included the closure of studios such as Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. Most recently, another 650 staff members were laid off.

Furthermore, Microsoft has closed its Xbox Physical Games Department and shut down the Xbox 360 Marketplace last month.