Microsoft's Stealthy Reward Points Hike: Gaming Fans React
Microsoft has quietly raised the cost of Xbox gift cards using Reward points, leaving gamers feeling blindsided. Without any prior notice, Microsoft has increased the points required to purchase Xbox gift cards for its Rewards program members, affecting users in various countries.
Last year, Microsoft removed the option to use Reward points for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, and now they've made it more costly to claim Xbox gift cards. This move has not gone unnoticed by gamers, especially those who diligently save up points for their favorite games.
Here's a personal example: I had been saving up points for the highly acclaimed Promise Mascot Agency, an Xbox game that many consider a must-play. I had accumulated 29,445 points for a £25 gift card, but to my surprise, the same gift card now demands 30,995 points. And I'm not alone; other gamers across the globe are expressing their frustration online.
Reddit users from the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and beyond have confirmed the price hike for Xbox gift cards. The exact increase varies by region, and it's further complicated by discounts based on one's level in the Rewards program. But from the reports, it seems Microsoft has increased prices by approximately 5.3% in the US and UK. For instance, a $10 Xbox gift card in the US now costs 10,000 points instead of the previous 9,500 points with a level 2 discount. Similarly, in the UK, a £10 gift card has jumped from 11,780 points to 12,400 points.
But here's where it gets controversial: Microsoft's lack of communication about this change is what's really grating on gamers' nerves. A simple heads-up would have been appreciated, but instead, the company chose to implement the price increase without warning, hoping it would go unnoticed.
What's your take on this situation? Do you think Microsoft should have been more transparent about the Reward points price increase? Share your thoughts in the comments, especially if you've experienced this price hike in your region. And if you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you might have missed the new Game Pass Quest that was introduced this month.
Written by Sean Carey, an Xbox enthusiast and journalist who's always on the hunt for the next great RPG, racing game, or FPS on Game Pass.
