Microsoft announced today it will discontinue its Inside Xbox service on Xbox LIVE in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Xbox LIVE in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is “currently looking at its operating model for Inside Xbox,” which “could potentially result in some changes.” Xbox LIVE in Japan and Mexico “will continue to produce first-party content for its members via other media outside of the Inside Xbox brand.”
Xbox LIVE boss Larry “Major Nelson” Hyrb issued an official appreciation letter on his blog.
“We want to express our sincere appreciation to all of our viewers and fans of Inside Xbox, and remain committed to providing our members with access to high-quality news and information via the console, social media channels and Xbox.com. We will be leveraging third-party news and video content available through a variety of existing and future partners, and supplementing this content with select first-party offerings. However, day-to-day news content and weekly programming currently offered though Inside Xbox will cease production in the United States. This includes shows like Major’s Minute, Featured Videos and Insider Moves packaged under the Inside Xbox brand.”
Specific reason for the brand’s cancellation was not announced.