Xbox Game Pass prices jumped last July, and now Microsoft Rewards members are affected. Gamers can accumulate reward points through in-game challenges or Microsoft Store purchases. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions were one option for redeeming points. Unfortunately, some players were just sent an email explaining that auto-redemptions for the service are about to cost a lot more.
Players receiving the unwelcome notification will see a price increase on April 20. The email was aimed at gamers who auto-redeem points for Game Pass subscriptions on a schedule. It’s unclear if players in all regions are targeted by the changes to the Microsoft Rewards program. However, higher prices are already showing on redemption pages in Xbox apps and Microsoft’s website.
The number of points needed to redeem a monthly Game Pass subscription depends on whether a member is at the Level 1 or 2 rewards tier. In one example, two different costs are appearing for the same subscriptions. The monthly auto redemption for Game Pass Ultimate previously demanded 14,000 points, but now there is a listing for 20,000 points. It’s likely that by the time April 20th comes and goes, all gamers will have to fork over additional points.
Reddit posters are not thrilled with the updated Xbox Game Pass prices. Over the years, stockpiling Microsoft Rewards points has become more difficult. After the points hike, maintaining a Game Pass subscription is challenging without using a credit card for most of the fee.
In Microsoft’s defense, the company continues to add AAA titles to the Xbox Game Pass games list, including Avowed and F1 24. Also, with Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming has expanded its selection on PC, mobile devices, and smart TVs. Still, Microsoft Rewards is looking less appealing, even to the most dedicated gamers.
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
