Microsoft has removed the option for users to buy movies and television shows on the Xbox Store, which has left many entertainment fans disappointed. Although Microsoft has launched several new high-quality games like South of Midnight and Doom: The Dark Ages, the brand has faced numerous challenges this year, including major layoffs and cancellations of popular games such as Everwild and Perfect Dark, as well as the closing of The Initiative, a studio founded by Xbox in 2018.

Entertainment has been an integral part of Xbox’s offerings since Xbox Video was introduced at the end of the Xbox 360 era in 2012. This service aimed to succeed Microsoft’s earlier Zune service and was a precursor to the more comprehensive entertainment focus of the Xbox One, which ultimately led to its decline as a competitor to PlayStation and Nintendo.

Currently, users can still access any movies or TV shows they have purchased through the Movies & TV app on Xbox. However, with the substantial rise of streaming platforms in recent years, this decision to eliminate broader entertainment options likely signals a shift towards prioritizing gaming over non-gaming entertainment on Xbox.

While past purchases will remain accessible for now, Movies Anywhere is a service that allows users to manage their digital entertainment collections across various platforms, including Xbox. Users are encouraged to utilize this service to ensure they retain access to their favorite films and shows.