Microsoft has announced that it will soon phase out its Xbox Ambassadors program after 13 years of operations.
The company announced the news on its website today, saying that it will wind down the branch of its community efforts starting today. The Xbox Ambassador website will then shut down October 15, giving all current members of the service until then to claim any leftover codes and rewards.
Microsoft says Xbox Ambassadors “represent what a healthy gaming community is all about: Inclusivity, safety, and fun.” Participants accepted into the program to represent the Xbox umbrella by supporting the gamers under it, with the company’s goal being to use these knowledgeable players to maintain positivity among all its fans. Xbox Ambassadors are not employees but were required to meet a number of requirements in order join, including having at least 1,500 Gamerscore and being at least 17 years old. Standout members were rewarded with physical and digital goodies as well as editorial spotlights and sweepstakes opportunities.
Microsoft says it has “learned so much from this passionate group” but is choosing to shutter the program because of how the Xbox brand has evolved through the last decade. Seasonal Ambassador Quests will be phased out today, with the company promising to offer additional updates on how it plans to “expand” its Rewards with Xbox and Xbox Research offerings “soon.” The statement adds that players will soon have a “new, more global way to share feedback directly with” the company, teasing that select fans will have fresh ways to explore early access for new games and features.
“Players are finding more value in engaging with us in other ways that allow them to live our community values of making Xbox a place where everyone can have fun—including programs like Fanfest, Xbox Insider Program, and Rewards with Xbox,” today’s statement says. “Thanks to the work of this group, the chance for players to experience the joy of gaming is more global and inclusive than ever—and we believe that now is the right moment to bring the learnings and values of the Ambassador community into all of our player engagement programs.”
To help ease Xbox Ambassadors into a new era of Xbox, expect to see weekly sweepstakes for those looking to spend their tickets before the closure arrives mid-October. Ambassador badges will also be updated with “a special legacy design,” and those who remain active for this final season will receive “a special thank you” that will be detailed in the rewards page.
The phasing out of the Xbox Ambassadors program arrives amid a tumultuous year for Microsoft Gaming. The company, along with many others in the gaming industry, has been hit with wave after wave of layoffs. In January, Xbox cut 1,900 staff, with more shifting announced in May with the closure of studios Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. Another 650 staff were lost just last week.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
