RIP Backgammon — Microsoft to shutter its Internet Games service

Pour one out for one more gaming legend we’re dropping. Microsoft revealed final week it’s now not supporting its suite of Internet Games which were a staple of Windows for 19 years.

Games Services for Windows XP and ME will finish later this month, whereas the identical service for Windows 7 will finish subsequent January. A press release from a spokesperson lists the casualties as Backgammon, Checkers, Spades, Hearts, and Reversi. The firm thanks the “great community” that existed for these video games, however says:

However, the time has come for us, together with our {hardware} and software program companions, to make investments our sources in direction of more moderen applied sciences in order that we are able to proceed to ship nice new experiences. Current gamers could benefit from the video games till the dates above, when sport companies will stop, and the video games listed will now not be playable.

I’m certain that is most certainly to impact these working Windows 7, which continues to be a reasonably standard OS. Windows 10 solely edged it out in market share earlier this 12 months. As of Net Applications’ newest report, Windows 7 holds about 38 % of the market share, and Windows 10 about 41 %. Windows XP, in the meantime, holds simply over three %. I couldn’t discover any knowledge on how many individuals nonetheless use Windows ME, however I’m going to guess it’s fewer than that.

It’s sort of unhappy to see such a staple of the gaming world — a considerably understated, informal staple, however a staple nonetheless — get shut down. For many, this was the unique informal gaming expertise, the non-threatening addictive sport pre-Candy Crush. But it’s comprehensible — all issues come to an finish, and a 19-year run is nothing to sneeze at.

That’s not to say we’ll by no means see checkers or backgammon on Windows once more. The crew closes out the goodbye with, “While we’re saddened to go away this chapter behind, we proceed to be dedicated to delivering partaking, pleasant gaming experiences.” That makes me surprise if some variation on these informal video games will make a comeback later — maybe Microsoft will embrace an upgraded Internet Games bundle with regardless of the subsequent model of Windows is.

If nothing else, we’ll at all times have our outdated good friend, Arkadium’s Solitaire. Out of each sport I’ve performed, I’ll put cash on that one being round ceaselessly.

Farewell to Microsoft Internet Games on Windows XP, Windows ME, and Windows 7
on Microsoft