There has been a lot of FUD about Microsoft, game pass, and subscription stacking, since this (very poorly worded) article, and some close to it came out a few days ago. Unfortunately, as with anything rumor wise, individuals latched onto this, and started spreading chaos, misinformation, and lies about Microsoft and stacked subscriptions, claiming they’re going away. Let’s take a few minutes and examine what happened, where we’re at, and where it’ll (likely) end up
How it started
Microsoft has, for quite some time, offered a way to stack subscriptions for users. This allows them to pick up multiple sale codes from places like CD Keys and extend their subscriptions (up to three years). This isn’t done just for Xbox, but for all their services. In fact, they all have the same stack limit (max: 3 years)
When they introduced Game Pass Ultimate, they introduced both an introductory offer, and a returning customer offer, for current Xbox gold subscribers. The introductory offer was (is) $1 to upgrade your subscription, and the returning offer was 1 month GPU subscription cost. Microsoft would then upgrade your account to Game Pass Ultimate for the remaining period of your subscription.. This ends up with individuals getting 3 years of Game Pass Ultimate for (average) $180, as opposed to $540
Along with this, came various other introductory offers. These were designed as trials, something to get the user hooked and subscribing to GPU. This is something completely normal, and done every day by companies everywhere.
Where we’re at
Like anything, individuals have abused the introductory offer, so Microsoft has started cracking down on this stuff. As you can read, from this quote in the article that I mentioned, they have been removed
Apparently, a number of users were uncovered who’d been stacking the standard version of Game Pass’ introductory subscription offer and converting it into Game Pass Ultimate – essentially giving them more than Microsoft had bargained for. The fun’s over now, though, as anyone who did this has reportedly been officially notified, and removed from the service.
Xbox Game Pass Subscriptions Cancelled To Stop Fraudsters (gamingbible.co.uk)
This article, and those like it clearly specify that the affected users were cheating the system and have had said subscriptions cancelled. NO, Microsoft didn’t suspend their account. NO, no other penalties were given. Microsoft just said, “pay us what you should”, and so they will, or not have access to service.
Unfortunately, this leads to the rumor mill that is the internet spreading lies and FUD. The more interesting ones claim that stacking is going away, or that the upgrade paths are going away. Neither are the case. If they DO, then we’ll be given a fair warning about this, of course. Until then, just tread the FUD as just that… FUD. Likely spread by Sony fanboys who enjoy disrupting individuals
Where we’ll (likely) end up!
With Microsoft cracking down on subscription abusers like this, I imagine we’ll see them cracking down next on VPN users who abuse Microsoft’s pricing schemes to their benefit. This is inevitable, and why I’ve always recommended avoiding doing this. Here’s what I mean:
Microsoft has varied price points for services for various countries and regions of the world. Instead of sticking to one price point (say $15/month) globally, they offer services at a lower price point to regions that are economically unable to afford this service, some at drastically lower prices. These codes are region locked, and if you try to use one outside of said region, you’ll get a warning, and not be allowed to do so.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals have found a way around this (VPNs) and started using those region locked codes where they shouldn’t be, simply to save a few bucks. My prediction? This will come to an end, and Microsoft will end up cracking down on these users, as they should!! Of course, there’s no way of knowing when this will happen, but if they’re starting to crack down on other stuff, this is only the next logical step
Conclusion
If you’ve legitimately upgraded to Game Pass Ultimate, using XBL Gold, or Game Pass, you’re fine. Carry on, nothing to see here, you won’t have a care in the world.
If you’ve cheated the system, somehow abusing introductory offers, or VPNs to obtain service for cheaper than you should (or in areas you should), your days are numbered
Bonus: what’s FUD?
FUD is known as Fear, uncertainty and doubt. AKA, rumors, AKA gossip. It’s designed to keep users wondering just what in the hell is going on. Unfortunately, this is rather popular online. Go figure, zero accountability, and trolls spreading misinformation, right?
Game on!