Inactive Xbox Game Pass users will no longer be billed with a possible refund
After Microsoft's Major Activision Acquisition, the software giant is making major steps to a smoother transition in the gaming industry. Earlier this week, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) "has secured undertakings with Microsoft" stating that improvements with Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass subscription renewals will likely become an easier process.
Microsoft has agreed to reimburse Xbox subscribers who are on automatic 12-month subscriptions and to cancel inactive memberships if they are reminded how to stop payments and still choose not to do so.
As a result of the CMA's findings, Microsoft has agreed to address the following concerns related to auto-renewing subscriptions:
“Better upfront information: Microsoft will provide more transparent, upfront information to help customers understand their Xbox membership – making clear, for example, that the subscription will auto-renew unless the customer turns off auto-renewal; when the subscription will auto-renew; how much it will cost; and how the customer can receive a refund after an accidental renewal."
“Refunds: Microsoft will contact existing customers on recurring 12-month contracts and give them the option to end their contract and claim a pro-rata refund.”
“Inactive memberships: Microsoft will also contact existing customers who haven’t used their memberships for a long time but are still paying. These customers will be reminded how to stop payments, and if they continue not to use their memberships, Microsoft will ultimately stop making further payments.”
“Better information about price increases: Microsoft will give clearer notifications of any future price rises, and will ensure people know how to turn off auto-renewal if they don’t want to pay the higher price.”
When will change go into effect?
“Changes to inactive subscriptions will initially roll out in the UK and will be available globally soon,” says a Microsoft spokesperson.
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