Microsoft’s Xbox subscriptions are becoming more flexible after concerns were raised by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). It is reported that Microsoft promised to improve the unexpected renewal of Xbox Live Gold / Xbox Game Pass, and agreed to provide a refund option to customers who renew for 12 months. In addition, for inactive accounts, the company will also remind customers how to stop payment.
In fact, very early, the CMA has identified some auto-renewal issues surrounding video game console platforms. Now, the Xbox makers have agreed to the following improvements.
Better upfront reminders:
Microsoft will provide more transparent up-front information to help customers understand their Xbox membership — including clarifying the rules for auto-renewal (unless customers manually turn it off), when it auto-renews, how much it will cost, and how to use it in the event of an unforeseen situation Request a refund.
Regarding refunds:
For existing customers who renew their subscriptions for 12 months, Microsoft will give them the option to terminate their subscription contracts and request a prorated refund.
For inactive member accounts:
Microsoft will get in touch with players who have been idle for a long time but are still paying, and if there is no need, the company will remind them how to stop paying.
Better price increase reminders:
If you don’t want to stop paying higher subscription fees in the future, Microsoft will make sure you have more freedom to choose to end auto-renewal.
Even better, the above improvements will not be limited to the UK market. In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft’s responsibility to speak out said:
After the first launch in the UK, the policy changes for inactive subscriptions will soon be rolled out to the global market.
At the same time, the CMA also hopes that other companies can follow Microsoft’s pace to better protect the rights of consumers, and finally let the whole industry say goodbye to the embarrassment of “making people continue to pay for services they no longer use”.
Michael Grenfell, executive director of law at the CMA, said: Other companies that offer automatic membership renewal services should also take note and review their practices to ensure they comply with the Consumer Protection Act.