Microsoft to Stop Automatically Charging Inactive Game Pass Subscriptions

[Tsing]

Image: Microsoft



Microsoft will no longer automatically charge Game Pass subscriptions that are no longer used and have fallen into a state of dormancy.



This is all thanks to UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which had launched an investigation into Microsoft’s Xbox subscription practices and determined that they were less than ideal for consumers. In addition to the change regarding inactive memberships, Microsoft has also been prompted to better detail its auto-renewal process for members, among other improvements.



The complete list of changes, per the CMA:



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...

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[LeRoy_Blanchard]

Is this a normal practice with subscription services? Will Netflix cancel your auto-renewal or monthly payment if you go 3 - 4 months without using the service (or however long)?

 

[Brian_B]

Is this a normal practice with subscription services? Will Netflix cancel your auto-renewal or monthly payment if you go 3 - 4 months without using the service (or however long)?

Nope. First I've ever heard of it. Most companies will happily keep sucking on your credit card unless you catch it and ask them to stop.

Will be interested in how they implement this - it's one thing to talk the talk. They were even talking about issuing refunds for unused time - that I find hard to believe, but maybe. If they do, it'd be a huge consumer win.

 

[Grimlakin]

This is the most consumer centric decision I've seen from a company in a VERY long time. outside of CDPR.