For several years, Microsoft Rewards is one of the most popular loyalty systems in the Xbox ecosystem. Through this program, users can accumulate points by completing different online activities. These points can then be exchanged for Xbox gift cards, games or even Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
But recently, several players have noticed a quiet change that could make earning free credits much slower than before. According to several testimonials and community analyses, Microsoft would have halves the daily rewards available in the program.
Daily earnings halved
The main change concerns the daily tasks offered in Microsoft Rewards. Usually, users could earn 10 points per daily task. However, several players have noticed that these same activities now only bring in 5 points each. As three daily missions are offered each day, this significantly changes the possible total.
Before this change:
- 10 points per mission
- 3 missions per day
- either 30 daily points
After the modification:
- 5 points per mission
- 3 missions per day
- either 15 daily points
Over a full year, the difference becomes very significant. The potential gain increases from approximately 10,950 points per year at only 5,475 points. In other words, users will now have to take almost twice as long to achieve certain rewards.
Gift cards cost more in points
This is not the only change that has recently been observed by the community. The cost of some rewards also appears to have increased. For example, the Xbox gift cards earned through Microsoft Rewards would now require more points. According to several users, certain rewards have been passed:
- of 9,500 points
- has 10,000 points
This increase, combined with the reduction in daily earnings, makes access to free credits significantly longer. For players used to using Microsoft Rewards regularly, the difference could become very noticeable as the months go by.
A frustrated community
Unsurprisingly, these changes quickly sparked reactions on forums and social networks. Several players believe that Microsoft is gradually reducing the benefits of the program. One Reddit user summed up the sentiment: “I wonder why they continue to maintain this system when it seems like they want to get rid of it.” »
Another player shares a similar opinion: “I used to think of rewards as a little $5 coupon. Now it takes forever to get a reward. » Some users even explain that they used their points to fully pay for their Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Today, achieving this type of reward seems much more difficult.
Microsoft Rewards remains popular despite everything
Despite these criticisms, Microsoft Rewards remains one of the most comprehensive loyalty programs in the video game industry. Competitors rarely offer equivalent systems.
For example :
- PlayStation Stars was recently discontinued
- My Nintendo Rewards offers more limited rewards
Even with these changes, Microsoft continues to offer a program that many players find useful. However, these adjustments show a broader trend in the industry: free programs gradually become less generous. For players, this means that more patience will likely be required to accumulate enough points to earn valuable rewards.