Microsoft is making its Xbox subscriptions a bit extra versatile after a UK regulator raised issues. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) “has secured undertakings with Microsoft” that can enhance unintended renewals for Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

Microsoft has agreed to supply refunds to Xbox subscribers which are on recurring 12-month subscriptions and even cancel inactive memberships if clients are reminded tips on how to cease funds and nonetheless proceed to not use a membership.

The CMA identified a number of concerns round Microsoft’s auto-renewing subscriptions, and the Xbox maker has agreed to handle them with the next enhancements:

• “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.”

These enhancements received’t be restricted to the UK, both. “Changes to inactive subscriptions will initially roll out in the UK and will be available globally soon,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in an announcement to The Verge. The CMA additionally needs different corporations to observe Microsoft’s modifications and guarantee shoppers are conscious of auto-renewals and don’t find yourself paying for providers they’re not utilizing.

“Other companies offering memberships and subscriptions that auto-renew should take note, and review their practices to ensure they comply with consumer protection law,” says Michael Grenfell, government director of enforcement on the CMA.

Microsoft’s subscription providers are key to the corporate’s total gaming efforts. The software program large has simply introduced plans to accumulate Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in a transfer that can increase its Xbox Game Pass subscription. Microsoft at the moment has 25 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers, and shoppers get entry to greater than 100 video games that they will obtain to an Xbox console or stream through Xbox Cloud Gaming on tablets, telephones, or by an internet browser with the Ultimate model of the service.