What you need to know
- Microsoft launched an Instant Games section of the Microsoft Store earlier this year.
- The experience allowed people to play games right away without having to download or install the games.
- Now, Microsoft has announced the end of Instant games in the Microsoft Store.
- The games will still be available through the Microsoft Store, but you will have to download and install them.
As a long-time Windows user, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as I bid farewell to the Instant Games feature in the Microsoft Store. Just when I was getting used to playing games on the fly without having to download or install anything, Microsoft decides to pull the plug.
Effective November 14, 2024, the Arcade section and the Instant Games feature will no longer be available in the Windows 11 Microsoft Store. This means that as of today, you won’t be able to access roughly 70 games instantly without downloading or installing them.
Microsoft announced that starting on November 14, 2024, Arcade will no longer be offered in the Microsoft Store. You’ll still be able to download your games, but you won’t be able to instantly play them after this date.
The change was spotted by Windows Latest, who reported on the removal of Instant Games.
In simple terms, the Arcade section within the Microsoft Store provided users with an opportunity to quickly access and play approximately 70 games, sans any downloading or installation procedures required. These games primarily consisted of simpler titles, like puzzles or basic racing games.
Interestingly, despite being announced back in September 2023, the release of Microsoft’s Instant Games didn’t happen immediately. In fact, it wasn’t until several months later that the games finally became available on the Microsoft Store. According to Windows Latest, the rollout began as early as February 2024, but it took some time for everyone to gain access to this new feature.
Within just under a year since they were launched, Instant Games are no longer as instantaneous as before. Although you can still access all the games found in the Arcade section of the Microsoft Store, you now need to download and install them prior to playing.
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2024-11-14 20:38