As of July 18, Microsoft has stopped selling and renting TV shows and movies on both Xbox and Windows devices.
An update to both the Xbox and Windows websites confirms “Microsoft has stopped selling new movie and TV content.” Microsoft did not provide a reason for the withdrawal of service, but did assure customers that existing paid content will remain available for the foreseeable future.
“Existing customers can continue to access their previously purchased content on Windows and Xbox devices,” the FAQ added, “[and] players can continue to play personal videos on Xbox devices. Windows customers can continue to have access to playback and the download functionality.”
In a FAQ that asks what other options players may have going forward, Microsoft suggests they make use of third-party entertainment apps like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Xbox commenced its entertainment offerings in 2006, offering an initial lineup of TV shows and movies to gamers in the U.S. via Xbox Live on the one-year anniversary of its Xbox 360 console. It was the first gaming console to offer standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution and formed part of Xbox’s then lofty aspiration to be a comprehensive unified online entertainment network on its systems.
Microsoft began making layoffs across its gaming division earlier this month, just days after multiple rumors and reports started to swirl. Over 9,000 employees are thought to have been affected.