The Kinect feature for the Xbox platform has been a hit or miss, but definitely more of a success on the latest console. For some, the voice-controlled means to direct the Xbox interface was a glitchy mess that often caused more headache than it actually helped; for others, it worked just fine and was a fun little additional feature to feel more “tech-ey” when getting down on some of what the Xbox has to offer. Unfortunately, Microsoft has officially killed the Kinect.

First announced in 2010 for the Xbox 360, the motion controlled camera device was inspired by the Nintendo Wii and meant to take gaming to the next level. In 2013, the then lacking Kinect received some pretty major upgrades making the responsiveness much more effective, the camera more clear, and the spectrum of use much wider. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make the peripheral a hit and Microsoft has now made the decision to halt any future production of the console add-on.

The creator of Kinect, Alex Kipman, was joined with the GM of Xbox Devices to confirm the news of the production cease. Both Kipman and Matthew Lapsen made it clear that once retailers were out of stock, that would be it. For those that already own the Kinect, they assured fans that there would still be attentive support for the peripheral; it simply wouldn’t be available for sale from this point onward.

Originally when the Xbox One launched, the Kinect was included and seen as mandatory. Eventually, they offered a cheaper version of the latest console sans the camera and that marked the end of it being seen as an important part of the Xbox line. From there, it was a decline of usefulness and value on a market that’s technology is already growing at a rapid pace with more immersive additions such as Virtual Reality.

The full interview delves deeper into the origins of the Kinect, what went wrong, and the precise moment the team went “Oh, shit.” To read up on everything the duo had to say about the events leading up to the eventual cancellation of the Kinect, check out the full inside look here.

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With the focus on the much more elaborate Xbox One X system, it’s no wonder that the focus has shifted to “what matters”. What are your thoughts on the Kinect’s demise? Do you think they will come up with a replacement in the future? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below, and don’t forget to check out DFTG on Twitter for gaming and entertainment news live 24/7!