Microsoft giveth, and Microsoft taketh away. Recently, it was confirmed that the company has removed one of the most exciting features from its app store, which was especially valuable for gamers who prefer playing without downloading.
In case you didn’t know, the Microsoft Store once had a section called ‘Arcade,’ offering around 70 games that could be played instantly without the need to download or install them. This made it an excellent option for users looking for a quick and hassle-free gaming experience.
Microsoft eliminates the ‘Arcade’ section of the app store after 9 months of its launch
At the start of 2024, Microsoft delighted Windows 11 users with a new addition to the app store: the ‘Arcade’ section. This feature offered access to a curated collection of over 70 games, allowing users to play instantly without needing to install anything.
The games, while not overly complex, were diverse and provided a quick and enjoyable gaming experience. However, just nine months after its launch, Microsoft has removed the ‘Arcade’ section as of November 14, 2024, a change first reported by Windows Latest.
It’s disappointing news for those who enjoyed the convenience of playing games directly from the Microsoft Store. The feature was initially announced at the end of 2023 and went live only a few months later, making its removal surprising and unfortunate.
While the instant gaming experience is no longer available, the games from the ‘Arcade’ section can still be played—you’ll just need to download and install them first.
