Microsoft Delisting Games from Xbox 360 Marketplace

Xbox 360 gamers were surprised by an announcement that Microsoft would delist a number of game titles and associated add-ons from the Xbox 360 Marketplace on February 7. This news caused concern that the Xbox 360 Marketplace would be shutting down for good, possibly as soon as May. However, Microsoft has since clarified that it will not be closing down the Xbox 360 Marketplace, despite text on an official Xbox support page suggesting otherwise.

Starting on February 7, over 40 games will be removed from the old Xbox 360 Marketplace. Microsoft has provided a list of the titles being removed, which includes several popular games such as Blue Dragon, Assassin's Creed, Far Cry 2, and Mass Effect 2. The list varies by country, but gamers will have until May 2023 to purchase any of the affected games or DLC.

While the removal of these games may be disappointing, it's important to note that Microsoft is not shutting down the Xbox 360 Marketplace entirely. The company continues to support the platform and has no plans to discontinue it anytime soon. In fact, Microsoft recently added enhanced backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games on Xbox Series X|S consoles.

As for the games being delisted, Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for their removal. However, it's likely due to licensing agreements that have expired. This is a common issue in the gaming industry, as licensing agreements for music, characters, and other content can be expensive and time-limited.

It's worth noting that Xbox 360 games can still be purchased on the Xbox One console through backward compatibility. Additionally, many of the games being delisted may still be available on other platforms or through physical copies.

For those still playing on the Xbox 360, it's important to take advantage of the time left to purchase any affected games or DLC. Microsoft has provided a list of the titles being removed on its support page, so gamers can check if any of their favorites are on the list.

Overall, while it's disappointing to see some games being removed from the Xbox 360 Marketplace, it's important to remember that the platform is still being supported by Microsoft. Gamers can continue to enjoy their favorite titles and look forward to enhanced backwards compatibility on newer consoles.