End of an era: Inside Xbox UK to be discontinued

Nelson's confirmed the UK portion of Inside Xbox is to be discontinued following similar news in the US last week.

"Following the news last week that that Inside Xbox in the US was to cease production, the team in Europe has been investigating what makes most sense for them and the Xbox LIVE community as they continue to strive to deliver the latest gaming and entertainment news for users across the region," said the Major in a statement on his blog.

"As such, they have decided to move away from the current first-party produced content model and transition to a third-party content model, which will provide timely and locally-relevant content to users across more of the EMEA markets.

"Whilst this means that the Inside Xbox brand will effectively be retired in Europe, the focus remains on continuing to provide the Xbox LIVE community with the latest and best in games and entertainment news and information."

The canning comes after a petition was set up to keep the service, fronted by Dan "Mr PointyHead" Maher and "Andy "Farrantula" Farrant, in action. The petition was signed by 2,199 people.

The team won a GMA for Best Broadcast last year.

In a tweet this afternoon, Maher said: "So, to be clear and succinct: Inside Xbox is no more, as are our jobs. Your support during the last four years has meant the world to us."

We send out our best wishes to those affected by today's news.