Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Encarta in March 2009, citing shifts in how people consume information. Microsoft Encarta Retrospective
: Featured a virtual globe atlas (powered by MapPoint technology), dynamic timelines, and 360-degree virtual tours. Encarta Encyclopedia Free Software
: Famous for the MindMaze trivia game, where players explored a medieval castle by answering encyclopedia-based questions. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Encarta in March
: Microsoft released localized versions in several languages (e.g., German, Spanish, Japanese) and specialized products like Encarta Africana and Encarta Kids . The "Free" Versions Encarta Encyclopedia Free Software