Microsoft Will Start Automatically Cancelling Idle Game Pass Subscriptions Following CMA Intervention

Microsoft will make its Xbox subscriptions more flexible after UK regulator raised concerns. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) "has entered into a commitment with Microsoft" that will improve random renewals of Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

Microsoft has agreed to offer refunds to subscribers to Xbox services if users are reminded to stop payments and still don't use the membership.

The CMA has identified a number of issues with Microsoft's auto-renewing subscription, and the Xbox manufacturer has agreed to address them with the following improvements:

• Improved preliminary information: Microsoft will provide more transparent upfront information to help customers understand their Xbox membership, stating, for example, that the subscription will automatically renew unless the customer turns off auto-renewal; when the subscription will automatically renew; how much is it; and how a customer can get a refund after an accidental renewal.
• Inactive Membership: Microsoft will contact customers who haven't used their membership 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 membership, Microsoft will eventually stop accepting further payments.
• More information about the price increase: Microsoft will give clearer notices of any future price increase and ensure people know how to turn off auto-renewal if they don't want to pay the higher price.

Changes to inactive subscriptions will first affect the UK and will be available worldwide soon. The CMA also wants other companies to follow Microsoft's changes and make sure consumers are aware of auto-renewal and don't pay for services they no longer use.

Sony and Nintendo were also included in the CMA investigation, which originally began in April 2019, but there is currently no word on whether they plan to follow Microsoft's lead.

Xbox Game Pass is a huge success for Microsoft attracting over 25 million users to its library of hundreds of Xbox and PC games since launching in June 2017.

A source: Gov.uk