Microsoft Rewards points can still be used for Game Pass auto-renewals after all [Update]

Update - July 13, 2024, 11:45 am EST - It looks like Microsoft is not doing away with Microsoft Rewards points supporting auto-renewals for Game Pass subscriptions after all. According to the Microsoft Rewards subreddit on Reddit, a new message to Xbox owners has some very different language than the message that was originally sent out:

Hey Game Pass member, we're making a change to auto-redeem rewards options which means your current discounted Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass auto-redeem subscription is going away on August 12, 2024. You can still use your points on a new auto-redeem subscription or explore the catalog for other rewards.

The GPT X account has some more info on these changes. It states that due to the new prices for PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the current auto-renewal points plan is shutting down and subscribers will have to sign up for new auto-renewal setups. Specifically, PC Game Pass will soon need 7,750 Microsoft Reward points for an auto-renewal, versus the old 6,750 points. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will soon need 12,000 Microsoft Reward points for an auto-renewal, versus the old 10,500 points.

Original story - If you have signed up for the Microsoft Rewards program, there's been a nice feature that allows users to use the points they have earned for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Indeed, Microsoft set it up so those points were set up to be accessed by Game Pass auto-renewal methods. However, that convenient perk is going away in the very near future.

Members of the Microsoft Rewards subreddit on Reddit have been posting images of messages they have received from Microsoft. The message states:

Your Game Pass auto-redeem subscription is being discontinued.

 

Important changes are coming to the auto-redeem functionality for your Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription. As of 8/12/2024, you will no longer be allowed to use your Rewards points to fund your Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriptions. If you'd like to elect another service to use Rewards points for auto-redemption, please visit the Rewards catalog.

Microsoft offered no explanation of why this change has been made for Microsoft Rewards members.

The shutdown of using Microsoft Rewards for Game Pass subscriptions comes just a few days after the company announced sweeping changes to its Game Pass program. They included monthly price increases for PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that are now in effect for new users, with current subscribers getting hit with the changes on or after September 12, 2024.

Microsoft also announced it would no longer offer the Xbox Game Pass for Console plan for new subscribers. In addition, it will launch a new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, that will include access to hundreds of Xbox games but will not offer subscribers any Day One game releases.

An unconfirmed report from Thursday also claims Microsoft will soon end its marketing plans for Xbox consoles in some international markets, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Source

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