On the eve before the big update, gamers everywhere were deeply immersed, playing their Xbox consoles into the wee hours. Suddenly, without warning, a notification popped up on their screens—a new system update was ready for download. The surprise was a welcome one, bringing with it a host of fixes and exciting new features. Gamers quickly hit download and, before long, found themselves back in action, taking on in-game foes with renewed vigor.
Hey there, Insiders! Hang onto your controllers because we’ve got a brief, festive update for you straight from the community. Firstly, the team sends warm wishes for a fantastic holiday season and hopes everyone steps into the new year safely. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the cold and dreary weather, but alas, winter is in full swing. The early sunsets and dropping temperatures make for perfect sweater weather and a wonderful excuse to cozy up with some Xbox gaming indoors.
Just like in years past, we’ve hit pause on releasing preview builds on both consoles and PCs. This time-out ensures stability for everyone as we enjoy Xbox gaming over the holiday break. But worry not, we’re hard at work on future releases! We’re also constantly reviewing your feedback and ready to tackle any issues that come up. Keep checking the Insider Hub—new content will keep popping up throughout December and January!
From Our Team to You
We simply cannot express enough gratitude to all of you for making this community what it is. Being part of the Xbox Insider Program fills me with pride, and I know everyone here appreciates the support you’ve shown us. Before wrapping up, I got some of our team members to share how they’re spending their downtime this month—whether it’s gaming, chilling out, or something completely offbeat. Here’s their scoop:
Jon is aiming to complete "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" and the "Ode to Castlevania" DLC for Vampire Survivors.
Joshua can’t wait to dive into classic holiday movies (yet again) and thoroughly enjoy playing "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle."
Tim confesses to being a bit of a glutton for punishment with his playthrough of "Nine Sols." He’s also eager to catch up with family flying in for the holidays.
Donovan looks forward to grinding through "Path of Exile 2," spending quality time with loved ones, and, like many, binging on nostalgic Christmas movies to amp up the holiday mood.
Sally plans on munching on lots of cookies, indulging in cozy games, and keeping her fingers crossed for more PowerWash Simulator DLC. Plus, she’s excited to spend time with family and friends.
Leland has his own unique twist. All year, he collects story-driven games that catch his interest but puts them aside after initial immersion. By mid-December, he dedicates a full week to lose himself completely in just two of these games, offering uninterrupted, WiFi-backed solitude. It’s his cherished tradition, and he’s counting down the days.
For me, finishing the Black Ops 6 camo grind feels liberating, as if I can finally dig into the game! I’m also on a mission to complete achievements in "Aliens: Dark Descent" and will do battle with Jack Frost to keep my geese’s pond from turning icy, a struggle I know all too well from past winters.
But enough about us—what are you up to this month? We’d love to hear what games are keeping you busy or what holiday plans you have lined up. Join us on our subreddit under the December Community update post at the top. I’ll be around all month as ScantilyCloud to chat and tackle any questions. Share your 2024 game picks, too—there’s always room for more in our ever-growing backlogs!
