Microsoft is changing how it runs Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass subscriptions Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft is changing how it runs Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass subscriptions UPDATE: Changes will roll out globally. News by Ishraq Subhan Reporter Updated on 28 Jan 2022 72 comments UPDATE 28/1/21: Microsoft has now said that the changes to Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass agreed with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority will be rolled out worldwide. "Changes to inactive subscriptions will initially roll out in the UK and will be available globally soon," a Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge. Details of all the changes are listed below in our original report. ORIGINAL STORY 27/1/21: Microsoft will make changes to how it handles auto-renewal for subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass after agreeing to a set of commitments with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The regulator is currently investigating auto-renewal practices from the big three platform holders: Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. Watch on YouTube Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will make the following improvements to address the CMA's concerns: 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 taking 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. Michael Grenfell, the CMA's Executive Director of Enforcement, noted: "Other companies offering memberships and subscriptions that auto-renew should take note, and review their practices to ensure they comply with consumer protection law." The CMA's investigation will continue and we will likely see similar changes made by both Sony and Nintendo in a matter of time. While these changes are clearly welcome, it isn't clear whether Microsoft will apply the same changes outside the UK. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store