A UK REGULATOR has managed to overhaul Xbox Game Pass for the better, with refund options rolling out globally in the wake of an investigation.
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) had “concerns” about the auto-renewal on Game Pass subscriptions, and has managed to bring about a handful of meaningful, pro-consumer changes.
The biggest one is the option for refunds on Xbox Game Pass for customers on recurring 12-month contracts.
They’ll have the option of ending their contract and getting a pro-rata refund.
While Microsoft has been instructed to contact existing customers on this plan, if this is something you want to pursue, you can find the company’s contact details here.
Microsoft has also been told to be more upfront with information about future price increases, as well as offering more transparency about Game Pass subscriptions and renewals in general.
And members with inactive subscriptions, who are still paying, must be contacted and reminded how to stop payments.
If the inactive, paid membership continues, Microsoft will stop taking payments.
You can find all of the details on the changes the CMA has made Microsoft adopt on the UK government’s website.
“Gamers need to be given clear and timely information to make informed choices when signing up for auto-renewing memberships and subscriptions,” said Michael Grenfell, Executive Director of Enforcement at the CMA.
“We are therefore pleased that Microsoft has given the CMA these formal undertakings to improve the fairness of their practices and protect consumers, and will be offering refunds to certain customers.”
He adds that other companies offering similar memberships and subscription that auto-renew should “take note”.
He stresses that they should “review their practices to ensure they comply with consumer protection law.”
While the investigation was instigated by the UK’s CMA, Microsoft has promised that the changes will be implemented globally, for all subscribers.
A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that “changes to inactive subscriptions will initially roll out in the UK and will be available globally soon.”
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