"As a result, Xbox LIVE and the 'My Xbox' section of Xbox.com will be unavailable, and the Xbox forums will be in read only mode ... the remainder of Xbox.com will be available with limited interruptions," wrote Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hryb, better known as Major Nelson.

"This service maintenance is in preparation for the new Xbox experience which will be available later this fall," added Hryb, in reference to the Xbox 360 interface overhaul due later on.

He stressed that the avatar-spawning update will not arrive when the maintenance is completed, so gamers have nothing to look forward to other than the resumption of service as usual.