Microsoft has announced it's ending the Xbox Ambassadors program after 13 years. It will wrap up on October 15th.
The Verge's senior editor Tom Warren shared the update about this change, with Xbox noting how it's "evolved over the last decade" and community values are now provided through programs like FanFest, the Xbox Insider Program and Microsoft Rewards.
It goes on to thank the work of this group and reiterates how "now is the right moment to bring the learnings and values of the Ambassador community" into all of its player engagement programs.
"Today we are announcing the final season of the Xbox Ambassadors program as we continue to integrate its values across our platform and focus on creating more ways for you to directly influence and impact Xbox for all."
According to the Xbox website, Xbox Ambassadors were on a quest to make gaming fun for everyone by participating in meaningful activities and creating a welcoming environment through inclusivity, safety and fun.
This next phase will also see Xbox Ambassador Champions evolve into "Xbox Community Champions". Here's what else to expect ahead of the end date and you can find out more on the Xbox blog:
- As part of this evolution, the Xbox Ambassadors website will go offline on October 15th, and all Xbox Ambassadors will have until this date to claim any outstanding codes or rewards.
- All Ambassadors who have been active this season have received a special thank you, so please check your rewards page for details.
- Leading up to October 15th, we will run weekly sweepstakes to help you to use up your tickets balance.
- While Ambassador Quests will be deactivated, the Accessibility Explorer Path will remain open. We’d like to invite those who have not yet unlocked the Accessibility Ally badge to do so, though XP will no longer be awarded.
- We understand the role and importance of Discord communities, and as part of our work ahead, we will be helping to identify new channels for players to join and find connections among common gaming interests.
- Your Xbox Ambassadors badge will be updated with a special legacy design.
If we hear any other updates, we'll let you know.
[source x.com]
Comments 16
The Series SX Generation has been full of surprises, saw this yesterday and thought it was just so Microsoft can save a few bucks from having 2-3 people getting paid to manage this. Now they have a new Community Champion role, think I'm kind of done supporting them in any regard until they make up their mind on what the Xbox strategy really is.
More layoffs? 😂
More services lost as prices increase.
But don't call it a death spiral!
Check your rewards section in the ambassador profile if you have been part of the program, chances are there's one month of GPU waiting for you. I gave it a try after seeing the symbol in an Xbox profile, I was curious but quickly abandoned it, the sweepstake thing felt too arbitrary. I got the code though!
Next announcement is Xbox is going to kick everyone between the legs but they will double the cost of gamepass so they can provide the kick with the quality of service we expect (and you are expected to give said kick a 5* review on receipt.)
Who will meet with Charles Martinett, the Nintendo ambassador, and attend functions of state?!? This move is fraught with political peril
You could be forgiven for thinking this is just another thing that Microsoft is giving up on...
Who will staff the embassies?
@RentedPanda ouch just realised you did my joke, but better, and first.
Shame. In realist terms, I bet this program cost chump change.
Got to appreciate all those that did this work though..
This program didnt really cost anything to run though. Ive been an ambassador since 2021, but never really did anything. (Still a level 1) It always felt like a meh rewards program, so not really concerned its going away.
@avoidercat AI
Honestly it was a joke and treated many, many, unfairly. No loss to see it go.
I had never heard of the Xbox Ambassador program until this very moment. What was it? This article reads like it assumes we all know.
Sad to see it go - I've been a member for the past few years or so and reached Diamond in every season - never Won in the Sweepstakes though...
How are they gonna do tech support without relying on their nerdiest customers to do it for free?
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...