Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for Xbox fans, Microsoft has stirred the pot once again! Less than a week after slapping a jaw-dropping 50% increase on its Xbox Game Pass subscription, the tech giant has confirmed that subscribers will now face another bitter pill to swallow: no more discounts on downloadable content (DLC). This shocking move has sent ripples of frustration throughout the gaming community.

The outrage stems from Microsoft’s replacement of the beloved 10% discount with a new reward-points system, which many gamers see as a slap in the face. This change means that while you used to enjoy savings on your favorite games and microtransactions, now you’ll be accumulating points instead of saving cash. The gaming community is not impressed, and they’re letting their voices be heard.

According to a recent poll conducted by IGN, over half of Xbox players are seriously considering canceling their subscriptions as these changes take effect. Talk about a massive exodus! Microsoft claims that this new system is designed to “reward engagement,” allowing players to earn points on select purchases and gameplay that can be redeemed for gift cards and other in-game benefits. However, many critics argue that it’s just a clever way to keep users spending instead of saving.

In a further twist, while Ultimate members will continue to enjoy a 20% discount on full game purchases, the new rules mean DLCs—including hot commodities like Call of Duty Points—will no longer see any discounts. The backlash is palpable, especially coming on the heels of the price hike for the Game Pass Ultimate tier, which will go from A$22.95 to A$35.95 monthly starting November 18. That’s a hefty increase of over 50%!

Microsoft insists that the price hike reflects a broader catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud gaming performance. They claim that additions like Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew memberships justify the higher fees. But with rising costs and dwindling discounts, gamers are becoming increasingly skeptical. The gaming community is rallying against what they see as an unjustified squeeze on their wallets. And as the backlash continues to grow, one has to wonder: can Microsoft turn this ship around?