Microsoft Expands “Rewards with Xbox” Program to Include PC Games

Microsoft has announced updates of “Rewards with Xbox,” offering players new ways to earn points through PC Game Pass, aiming to improve the scheme’s value after criticism over past reductions in rewards and increased point requirements for store credit.

Starting Jan. 7,, the revamped program will introduce Game Pass Quests for PC players, reimagine existing features for console gamers, and restrict reward eligibility to players aged 18 and older.

For the first time, PC Game Pass subscribers will gain access to the popular Game Pass Quests, which have previously been exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate members. The Quests encourage players to earn reward points by engaging with Game Pass titles, with tasks such as playing games for 15 minutes daily or completing weekly streaks. Gamers can redeem their points for Xbox gift cards, in-game content, or even charitable donations. 

This update also extends the Rewards program to Japan, marking its full rollout in all supported regions. However, some regions, including the UK, may notice lower point values compared to earlier iterations.

Xbox console users are also receiving updates to the program, including a reimagined Game Pass Quests system. Key changes include:

• Daily Play allows users to earn 10 points by playing a Game Pass title for at least 15 minutes each day.
• Weekly Streaks unlock point multipliers for consecutive weeks if subscribers are playing five days a week to maintain streaks.
• Monthly Challenges is a way to earn additional points by playing four or eight different Game Pass titles each month.

With a renewed point-earning system, Microsoft decided to limit Rewards with Xbox to players aged 18 and older. As the reason behind this change, the company cites its commitment to fostering “positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences.” Players under 18 can still earn Microsoft Rewards points through non-gameplay activities, such as approved purchases or Bing searches, but they will no longer be eligible to accumulate points by playing games.

Gamers interested in the new features can operate their points beginning Jan. 7, 2025, via the Rewards Hub on Xbox consoles, the Xbox mobile app, or Windows PCs.

According to the latest available stats, Microsoft has sold an estimated 28.3 million units of the Xbox Series X and Series S combined and expanded Xbox Game Pass to more than 34 million subscribers.