If you’re a casual gamer, this will make you sad as Microsoft is no longer supporting Internet Games suite. Games Services for Windows XP and ME is going to end this month while Windows 7 will end this coming January. The company expressed its appreciation and thanked the community for being with them for the last 19 years. The team closes out the goodbye saying, “While we’re saddened to leave this chapter behind, we continue to be committed to delivering engaging, delightful gaming experiences.”

Key Takeaways:

1. It has been reported that Windows 7 holds more or less 38% of the market share, Windows 10 about 41% and 3% for Windows XP.

2. Microsoft may include an upgraded Internet Games package with their new versions of Windows.

3. The lists of casualties areBackgammon, Checkers, Spades, Hearts, and Reversi.

Quote: “That’s not to say we’ll never see checkers or backgammon on Windows again. The team closes out the goodbye with, “While we’re saddened to leave this chapter behind, we continue to be committed to delivering engaging, delightful gaming experiences.” That makes me wonder if some variation on these casual games will make a comeback later — perhaps Microsoft will include an upgraded Internet Games package with whatever the next version of Windows is.” (Kaser, 2019)

Link to article: https://thenextweb.com/gaming/2019/07/11/microsoft-internet-games-service-shut-down/