Microsoft Rewards appears to be eliminating one of its most valued benefits in an upcoming service revision, with users losing the capability to directly exchange points for Game Pass subscriptions. Microsoft's incentive program encourages player engagement across its ecosystem by offering various rewards, ranging from digital gift certificates to premium service memberships. Xbox enthusiasts have particularly appreciated the opportunity to acquire gift cards and Game Pass memberships through this system. Now, Microsoft seems to be making one of its most sought-after rewards more challenging to obtain.

Xbox Game Pass has established itself as a premier gaming subscription service since its initial launch in 2017. Microsoft pioneered the contemporary model for game subscription services with Game Pass, subsequently introducing enhanced tiers such as "Game Pass Ultimate" and a dedicated PC version. The platform's remarkable success has inspired other developers and studios to emulate Microsoft's approach, with services like Ubisoft+ and Nintendo Switch Online following similar paths. Loyal Microsoft Rewards participants may now encounter increased difficulty when attempting to secure Game Pass subscriptions through the program.

According to reports from PureXbox, Microsoft has announced a substantial modification to Game Pass subscription acquisition through Microsoft Rewards, scheduled to take effect in October. The update indicates that players will no longer have the option to directly convert their Microsoft Rewards points into new Game Pass subscriptions. While users will technically maintain the ability to apply rewards points toward subscriptions, the process will become more circuitous, requiring participants to first exchange their points for Xbox gift cards through the service. Microsoft has not provided explicit reasoning behind this alteration to the Rewards program structure.

Although this modification won't completely prevent players from utilizing reward points for subscriptions, the elimination of direct Game Pass subscription options will complicate the redemption process. Microsoft Rewards currently provides both one-month and three-month subscriptions to Game Pass Core through the platform, requiring 9,500 points for a single month and 24,000 points for a three-month duration. This change will marginally increase the effective cost of Game Pass subscriptions when using rewards points, as two $5 gift cards would total 10,000 reward points.

Microsoft's latest Rewards adjustments coincide with the program being a primary focus of the September update rolling out to Xbox systems. The Microsoft Rewards Hub is receiving a comprehensive visual redesign with this monthly update, reportedly optimized for various screen sizes including mobile devices. The update will also introduce Microsoft's "Gaming CoPilot" AI assistant to the Xbox Game Bar, alongside the launch of a mobile application for the service. The removal of direct Game Pass subscription options from Microsoft Rewards will likely represent a mixed development for many dedicated users.

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