December 2024 Update for Xbox Insider Program Community

Twas the night just before the update, and everything felt just right. Gamers, undeterred by the late hour, were deep into their Xbox adventures when suddenly, a pop-up flashed on their screens—a new system update was ready, much to their delight. Packed with numerous fixes and exciting new features, the update ensured that after a brief download, players were back to conquering in-game challenges without a hitch.

Hey there, Insiders! Get ready for a brief yet cheerful update from our community. First off, our team sends you warm wishes for the holidays and hopes you usher in the new year safely. I’ll admit, the cold, gloomy weather isn’t my favorite, but it hasn’t stopped winter from making an appearance this year. Despite the early nights and the chilly air in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the ideal time to cozy up in snuggly sweaters and dive into some Xbox gaming.

As in years past, we’ve decided to pause the rollout of preview builds on both consoles and PCs during the holiday season to keep Xbox experiences as stable as possible. But fear not, we’re busily working on future releases. Rest assured, we’re still keeping an eye on your feedback and are committed to tackling any issues that crop up. Remember to keep an eye on the Insider Hub for fresh content throughout December and January!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every one of you for making this community truly special. Being part of the Xbox Insider Program fills me with pride, and I want to express our deep appreciation for your continued support this year.

Before I wrap up, I thought I’d share what some of our team members have planned for their downtime this month—whether it’s gaming, unwinding, or something else entirely! Here’s the scoop:

• Jon: I’m aiming to wrap up Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and can’t wait to dive into the Ode to Castlevania DLC for Vampire Survivors.

• Joshua: Looking forward to re-watching all my favorite holiday classics and sinking my teeth into Indiana Jones and the Great Circle again.

• Tim: I’m braving the challenge of Nine Sols and planning some family time as relatives are flying in for the holidays.

• Donovan: Eager to dive into Path of Exile 2 and spend quality moments with family. Of course, I’ll also indulge in a few nostalgic Christmas films to boost my festive spirit.

• Sally: My time will be spent gobbling up cookies, chilling with cozy games, and crossing my fingers for some new PowerWash Simulator DLC. Plus, I’m looking forward to spending time with loved ones.

• Leland: For me, every year involves starting a story-driven game. If it captivates me, it goes on my list, which only allows two games. If a new game comes along and both spots are taken, the existing games must battle it out—through cooperation or rivalry—to decide who stays. I then dedicate a week in mid-December to fully immerse myself in these story-games. It’s an experience I eagerly anticipate, as true immersion is rare for me. This week is just around the corner, and I can hardly wait to be completely enthralled.

As for myself, I’ve finally completed the Black Ops 6 camo grind, so I feel like I’m ready to really enjoy the game. I’m also planning to wrap up the achievements for Aliens: Dark Descent, and I’ll even be taking on Jack Frost to ensure my geese’s pond doesn’t freeze over again like it’s done in the past.

So, what about you? We’d love to hear what you’re up to this month, whether it’s games you’re playing or holiday plans. Feel free to join the conversation over on our subreddit under the December Community update post at the top. I’ll be stopping by throughout the month as ScantilyCloud to chat and answer any questions. Also, don’t hesitate to share any 2024 game recommendations with us—because honestly, our backlogs can never be too packed!