Microsoft has no real need to keep it. Windows Media Player is no longer an essential addition to Windows - there are plenty of quality third-party alternatives, such as VLC and the Films & TV app in Windows 10 itself.

The feature's removal came to light when users installed KB4046355 on devices running Windows 10 version 1709 - the Fall Creators Update.

This update, referred to as FeatureOnDemandMediaPlayer, removed Windows Media Player from the OS.

It can be installed via the Add a Feature setting. Open Settings, go to Apps > Apps & Features, and click on Manage optional features. Select Add a feature and then scroll down to the Windows Media Player entry and click on Install.

Vole has not officially confirmed it's dropping Windows Media Player from the Fall Creators Update, and not everyone running the latest release (on the Fast or Slow rings) has lost access to it. Vole might keep it, but the writing does look like it is on the wall for the program.