Press F: Microsoft Internet Games are Shutting Down

Windows XP, ME, and 7 are still being used by people, and while I can honestly respect the urge to avoid Windows 10, it’s kind of reaching a point where it’s downright dangerous to run these super old operating systems: they get updated less (if at all), they have a plethora of security risks, and of course there just aren’t that many games being made for Windows XP these days, and what’s the point of having a PC if not for the games?

None. There’s no point. Which is why this news, if nothing else, should motivate people to finally upgrade their operating system: Microsoft has announced that by the end of the month, they’re going to shut down the servers for Microsoft Internet Games on XP and ME, and will do the same for Windows 7 by January 22, 2020.

"We truly appreciate all the time and passion you’ve put into Microsoft Internet Games. This has been a great community. However, the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources towards more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences."

The games impacted include a plethora of online games that came automatically with the operating system: Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers, Internet Spades, Internet Hearts, Internet Reversi, and of course MSN Go. Since they were all based on playing with other people over the internet, once the servers go down, there won’t be any way to play them again: they’ll functionally stop working.

That said, if you wanted to get a few more rounds in with a total stranger before the shutdown, you’ve still got a few days to dust off your Windows XP laptop and give it a go. Because once you hit the deadline, the only way to play Checkers online will be…

…Well, there will still be a lot of ways to do it, but still.