December 2024 Update: Xbox Insider Program Community Insights

‘Twas the night before the big update, and gamers everywhere were glued to their Xbox consoles, gaming late into the night. Suddenly, a surprising notification popped up on their screens—a brand new system update was ready for download. It promised a host of fixes and exciting new features, and soon after installation, players eagerly jumped back into battling in-game creatures.

Hello, Insiders! Get ready for a short but festive update that’ll light up your holiday spirits. First off, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a safe, prosperous new year! While I’m not a cold-weather enthusiast, the short days and chilly nights are indeed upon us. But hey, it’s also the perfect excuse to cozy up with your Xbox.

As we do every year, we’ve hit pause on releasing preview builds for both consoles and PCs to ensure everything runs smoothly for you over the holidays. But rest assured, our team is tirelessly working on future updates. We’re also listening to your feedback, ready to tackle any issues you might encounter. Keep an eye on the Insider Hub for fresh content throughout December and January!

From Our Team to You

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every one of you who’ve helped make this community what it is. It’s truly an honor to be part of the Xbox Insider Program, and your support is deeply appreciated. Before I wrap up, I asked a few of our team members what they plan to enjoy during their downtime this month, whether gaming, chilling, or other activities. Here’s what they had to say:

• Jon is determined to finish Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, along with the Ode to Castlevania DLC for Vampire Survivors.
• Joshua looks forward to revisiting classic holiday films and diving into Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
• Tim, a lover of challenging games, is tackling Nine Sols and is eager to reunite with family visiting for the holidays.
• Donovan is excited about indulging in Path of Exile 2, cherishing family moments, and watching nostalgic Christmas movies to uplift his holiday mood.
• Sally plans to devour cookies, enjoy cozy games, and is hoping for some new PowerWash Simulator DLC. Friends and family are, of course, a key part of her holiday plans.
• Leland admits to a unique habit—when engrossed in a story game, he puts it aside for the year, then dedicates one week in mid-December to fully immerse himself, playing cover to cover. He finds it hard to suspend disbelief, but for this one week, he’s spellbound.

As for me, I’ve wrapped up the Black Ops 6 camo grind and I’m ready to dive back into playing. I’ll also be chasing the last achievements in Aliens: Dark Descent and battling Jack Frost to keep my geese’s pond from icing over, as it has so many times before.

What about your plans? We’d love to hear what you’re up to this month—your gaming adventures and holiday plans. Join the discussion on our subreddit under the December Community update post, pinned at the top. I’ll be present all month as ScantilyCloud to chat and answer any questions. Feel free to share any game recommendations for 2024 with us; our backlogs can always use more additions!