The demise of Microsoft Internet Backgammon

Last updated on October 30, 2022

It’s a sad day at Deluxe Backgammon as we heard that Microsoft intends to close down the Microsoft Internet Games service on some of the older versions of Windows. It was one of the original online backgammon programs. Although nothing beats sitting across a table and playing a real person on a quality backgammon set. Microsoft Internet Backgammon was an acceptable substitute. It was accessible and simple to use. As such, it was a great time filler and an escape from the working day. It made it easy to get your daily dose of quality backgammon when a human opponent wasn’t available.

Microsoft Internet Games will end soon on Windows XP, Windows ME and Windows 7.

On the 2nd July 2019, Microsoft announced its intention to close down the Microsoft Internet Games offering. The service first launched in the year 2000. It allowed gamers to play classic traditional games such as Backgammon and Checkers against online opponents. The service currently spans Windows XP, Windows ME and Windows 7. Although updates and support for the Windows XP and ME versions stopped some time ago, this announcement signifies the end of the entire service.

Official statement

As The Windows Gaming Team states on the official Microsoft website. “It is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision that the following games will no longer be supported”. The statement proceeds to list Internet Backgammon, Internet Spades, Internet Hearts, Internet Reversi and MSN Go as the games that will come to an end.

Final dates

As for when this will happen, we know that the service will shut down on Windows XP and Windows ME on 31st July 2019. On Windows 7, it will live on for a bit longer, before closing down on 22nd January 2020.

Official statement continues

“We truly appreciate all the time and passion you’ve put into Microsoft Internet Games, “The Windows Gaming Team adds. “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. “Microsoft also states that current players on the internet games will continue to have access to the games and be able to play until the gaming services cease.

The statement continues: “Current players may enjoy the games until the dates above when game services will cease, and the games listed will no longer be playable. While we’re saddened to leave this chapter behind, we continue to be committed to delivering engaging, delightful gaming experiences. We hope you’ll come with us on this journey and join the community of any of the other Microsoft casual games”.

Updates recommended

While Windows XP and ME versions have been discontinued in most parts of the world. Windows 7 still remains as one of the most widely used Windows versions. However, the latter will no longer have security and technical updates from January 14, 2020, onward. Therefore, Microsoft is requesting its users to update their current versions to the latest Windows version available.

There are, of course, a multitude of other ways to play classic games like Backgammon online. If you are still playing Microsoft’s range of Internet Games on an older version of Windows, enjoy them while you can as support is ending in the very near future.