Microsoft is Indirectly Locking Out Xbox Dev Mode Users from Emulation

[Update 1/6] Microsoft has now confirmed that information technology has no plans to remove or disable Developer Mode on Xbox consoles. Unfortunately, diverse accounts were deactivated during scheduled maintenance. Those afflicted can contact Microsoft through ReportApp@microsoft.com to restore their account.

We are actively working on identifying and reenabling these accounts as soon every bit possible. Once an account has been reactivated, users volition be able to reenable Developer Mode on Xbox I and Xbox Series X|Due south consoles.

— Jason Ronald (@jronald) January 5, 2022

[Original story] From the looks of it, Microsoft is currently disabling 'inactive' Xbox Dev Mode accounts, thereby locking out about users from using emulators and homebrew.

Every bit covered earlier upon the release of Microsoft's adjacent-gen consoles last twelvemonth, the Xbox Series South shines when it comes to emulating older titles. Although non the most powerful slice of hardware, Microsoft'southward digital-just console is able to run various emulators in Developer manner, including RetroArch, DuckStation, and PCSX2. Selling for 'just' $299, this made the Series S quite the deal for those into emulation. Those interested in using the developer style on their console could sign upward for a programmer account for $19.99 USD and switch the console to developer way.

Unfortunately, Microsoft now appears to be disabling Xbox Developer Mode accounts for those who are not actively using the mode to upload and publish content on the Store. As such, those who only paid the fee to unlock Dev Mode on their console in gild to run homebrew or emulators will likely take their access to the mode disabled.

Microsoft disabling admission to Dev Mode was first brought up by a user on the GBATemp forums, subsequently which YouTuber "Modern Vintage Gamer" confirmed that his account has also indeed past disabled recently. Apparently, plenty of users with 'inactive' developer mode accounts received the following e-mail from Microsoft:

We have disabled the Windows and Xbox enrollment in your Microsoft Partner Center account considering it did not have an active presence in the Store. For reference, see the Developer Code of Conduct (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-usa/windows/uwp/publish/store-developer-code-of-conduct) which says that an agile presence in the Store must be maintained.

Quite a disappointment for a lot of users of Xbox Developer Manner, especially for those who bought an Xbox console solely for emulation and running homebrew.

What are your thoughts nigh this? Did yous receive the same email from Microsoft? Has your account been disabled every bit well? Striking the comments down below.