In a significant shift for gamers, Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of the Instant Games feature within the Microsoft Store. This change, effective from November 14, 2024, marks the end of the Arcade section that allowed players to dive into approximately 70 games without the need for downloads or installations.
The Instant Games experience, which was launched earlier this year, aimed to provide a seamless gaming experience, enabling users to engage with smaller titles, including puzzle and basic racing games, instantly. However, Microsoft has clarified that while these games will still be accessible through the Microsoft Store, the convenience of instant play will no longer be available.
Windows Latest reported on this development, highlighting that the Arcade section will be removed entirely. Users can continue to download their favorite games, but the ease of immediate access will be lost. This decision comes less than a year after the feature was first introduced, a rollout that itself faced delays. Initially announced in September 2023, the Instant Games experience began to appear in the store in February 2024, eventually reaching a broader audience over the following months.
As the gaming landscape evolves, this transition reflects Microsoft’s ongoing adjustments to its digital offerings, aiming to refine user experience while navigating the complexities of game distribution and accessibility.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
