Microsoft Ends Xbox Game Pass DLC Discounts; Introduces Rewards Points

Redmond, WA – Microsoft has officially removed the 10% discount on downloadable content (DLC) purchases for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Instead, the company has shifted the focus to its Rewards program, giving subscribers more points for their purchases.

The news broke last week when the Call of Duty community noticed that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers no longer qualified for the discount on purchases of COD Points and Blackcell, a premium version of Call of Duty’s battle pass. This discount was particularly valued among fans of the franchise.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that this change extends beyond Call of Duty, impacting most DLC packs for all games under the Game Pass umbrella. Microsoft clarified the situation in a statement to IGN, affirming that the discount removal affects all games and DLC. Rather than receiving discounts, Ultimate and Premium subscribers will now earn 10% and 5% back in Reward points on select purchases from the Game Pass library.

Ultimate members will maintain the ongoing 20% discount on select games within the Game Pass library, while all Rewards members earn points when shopping for games and add-ons on the Store. Premium and Ultimate subscribers will earn even higher points—2x and 4x, respectively.

This latest change follows a significant increase in the Ultimate subscription price, which has risen from $19.99 to $29.99 a month. Microsoft’s justification for this hike includes an increase in day one game releases, now totalling 75 titles per year, and the introduction of services like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics.

Starting November 18, subscribers to Ultimate will have access to both the Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, enhancing the value of their subscriptions. Additionally, Microsoft has upgraded the performance of its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, which has now officially exited beta.

However, the raised prices and diminished discounts have led to discontent among gamers, with many reassessing the value of their Game Pass subscriptions. An IGN poll revealed that 53.2% of voters would not subscribe to Game Pass at all, while only 20.7% did so despite the price increase.

These developments come in tandem with Microsoft’s broader strategy to keep gamers engaged within its ecosystem, as noted by industry experts. The implications of these shifts will likely continue to resonate within the gaming community as they adjust to the changes.