December 2024 Xbox Insider Program Community News

The night before the big update was buzzing with excitement, as gamers found themselves glued to their Xbox consoles deep into the evening. Imagine their delight when a popup suddenly appeared, announcing a brand-new system update. What a pleasant surprise this was! Packed with numerous fixes and exciting new features, it didn’t take long for players to jump back into their games, battling virtual foes with renewed enthusiasm.

Attention, Insiders! Grab your holiday spirit and prepare for a merry community update. We want to extend our warmest holiday wishes to everyone and hope you enjoy a safe and joyful New Year! Personally, the chill and darkness of this season aren’t my favorites, but they’ve arrived nonetheless. However, these early nights and cool temperatures are perfect for donning charming sweaters and cozying up with some quality Xbox time.

Just like in previous years, we’ve hit the pause button on releasing new preview builds for both console and PC during the holiday season. This ensures you all get the most stable experience while gaming on Xbox over the holidays. But worry not; our team is hard at work on future updates, continually reviewing feedback and addressing any issues that might come up. Be sure to keep an eye on the Insider Hub for fresh content throughout December and January!

A Note from Our Team

A heartfelt thank you goes out to each of you for making this community exceptional. I’m immensely proud to be part of the Xbox Insider Program, and we truly appreciate the support and enthusiasm you’ve shown. Before I sign off, I checked in with some team members to see what they’re up to this month outside of work—whether gaming, relaxing, or just having fun! Here’s what they shared:

Jon: My aim is to finish "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" and tackle the "Ode to Castlevania" DLC for "Vampire Survivors."

Joshua: I’m thrilled about re-watching all the classic holiday movies (again) and diving deep into "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle."

Tim: I’m something of a glutton for punishment, so I’ve been playing through "Nine Sols." Plus, I’m eagerly awaiting some family time with a few relatives flying in for the holidays.

Donovan: This month, I can’t wait to get into "Path of Exile 2," enjoy quality family time, and, of course, indulge in nostalgic holiday films.

Sally: Baking cookies, playing cozy games, hoping for new "PowerWash Simulator" DLC, and cherishing time with family and friends.

Leland: Each year, I start story-driven games and put them on a special list if they grip me. This December, I allow myself a week in isolation—complete with excellent WiFi—to fully immerse in two chosen games. It’s my top tradition, and it’s almost here!

As for me, I’ve completed the camo grind in "Black Ops 6," so now I can actually enjoy the game! I’m also excited to finish off achievements in "Aliens: Dark Descent" while battling Jack Frost to keep my geese’s pond from freezing over yet again.

What about your plans this month? We’d love to hear what games you’re enjoying or your holiday plans. Join the discussion on our subreddit under the December Community update post pinned right at the top. Look for me as ScantilyCloud, and let’s chat—I’ll be around all month to answer questions. Don’t forget to share any game recommendations from 2024 too; after all, our backlogs always have room for more!