Microsoft confirms it is phasing out Game Pass discounts on game and DLC purchases

Published:

After last week’s Xbox Game Pass update, users soon discovered that a key Game Pass benefit was gone, and Microsoft confirmed that yes, it had removed the 10% discount on digital purchases of games and DLC from the Game Pass library that subscribers could previously enjoy.

As some initially suspected this was a target of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 DLC, Microsoft has now confirmed the full scope of the change.

In a statement to IGN, they admitted that the overall discount is gone, but subscribers will instead receive a loyalty bonus through the Microsoft Rewards program.

“This does not apply to a specific game and applies to all games and DLC purchases. Instead of a discount on purchases, Ultimate and Premium subscribers will receive 10% and 5%, respectively, points when purchasing selected games and add-ons from the Game Pass library. Ultimate members will still enjoy a 20% discount on selected games from the Game Pass library. Additionally, all Rewards members will earn points on purchases of games and add-ons in the Store, in Premium and Ultimate versions, subscribers will earn even more, 2x and 4x respectively. See more details about the Game Pass rewards program Here

While users can still get their money back, this means downgrading on many levels. Firstly, this is more of a hassle than simply giving money at the point of purchase, and secondly, the rewards program is not available worldwide. The awards are available in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Elsewhere? No rewards for you.

This is another sting in the tail after Microsoft renewed its Xbox Game Pass subscription, making Game Pass Ultimate 50% more pricey under the pretense of bundling Ubisoft+ games, Fortnite Crew subscriptions and promising game launches over 75 days. Still, that works out to $30 a month instead of $20, which dramatically changes the value proposition.

Source: IGN

Related articles