Microsoft announced today that it is sunsetting its simple and powerful game creation tool, Project Spark.
Starting today, Project Spark will no longer be available for download on the Xbox Marketplace or Windows Store. Online services will continue for existing users until August 12th, 2016. After which, players will no longer be able to download user-generated content or upload their own creations.
Project Spark is designed as a game that can be used to create games, movies and other "experiences". A player can download other user-generated content, remix that content or create content of their own. A player can use the Xbox controller, keyboard and mouse, touch devices and Kinect to build experiences.
This was an extremely difficult decision for our team that we do not take lightly," said Microsoft. "When Project Spark transitioned away from active development last fall, many of our team members moved to other projects within Microsoft Studios. While this means there have been no layoffs at Microsoft, it also means it’s simply no longer feasible to continue the behind-the-scenes work involved with keeping "Project Spark" up and running with meaningful updates and bug fixes, so we have come to this hard decision."
During its slightly over 2 years lifespan, Project Spark received 46 content packs, thousands of assets and 16 updates from Microsoft and hundreds of thousands experiences from fans.
Players who purchased and redeemed the Project Spark Starter Kit sold in retail outlets will receive a credit to their Microsoft account.
