Xbox Rewards Wiki

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Xbox Rewards:

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Please read the Xbox Rewards FAQ

All "rewards" are for rewards members. If you aren't a member, join before you try and take advantage of these "rewards."


Ongoing Rewards:

  • Complete a monthly survey - 20 Microsoft Points
  • Renew 1 month Gold membership - 10 Microsoft Points - MUST BE LIVE GOLD MEMBER
  • Renew 3 month Gold membership - 30 Microsoft Points - MUST BE LIVE GOLD MEMBER
  • Activate or renew Gold for the first time ever - 100 Microsoft Points
  • Renew 12 month Gold membership - 200 Microsoft Points - MUST BE LIVE GOLD MEMBER
  • Make your first marketplace purchase ever - 100 Microsoft Points
  • Activate Netflix for the first time ever - 100 Microsoft Points - MUST BE LIVE GOLD MEMBER
  • Refer-a-Friend and get 100 points for every friend who upgrades to Gold - 400 points for the referred, 100 for the referrer (referral link)

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Punchcards:
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[CUSTOMSPOILER="General Info"]
[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
Q. What is MyPunchcard?
A. MyPunchcard is a part of the Xbox LIVE Rewards program open to all members. Through MyPunchcard, Xbox LIVE Rewards members can get rewarded for performing a specific set of actions outlined in the Punchcard for each offer. Once all punches are earned on a specific Punchcard, get rewarded!

Q. Who is eligible for MyPunchcard?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members are eligible to participate in MyPunchcard. To start earning punches for completing specific actions, join Xbox LIVE Rewards now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com.

Q. How does MyPunchcard work?
A. Each Punchcard has a set amount of punches required in order to complete it. Once a specific action is completed and a punch is earned, it can take up to 96 hours for it to appear on the MyPunchcard page. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive a Reward once all punches have been earned and the entire Punchcard is complete. There is a limit of one Reward per one completed Punchcard, unless otherwise noted.

Q. Where can I find the available Punchcards?
A. To check out the available Punchcards, log into the Xbox LIVE Rewards site and visit the MyPunchcard page. The amount of available Punchcards each month will vary.

Q. Do Punchcards expire?
A. Yes. Once a Punchcard expires, no further punches will be provided for actions completed after that date. Expiration dates for each Punchcard vary and are listed on the MyPunchcard page found here.

Q. I completed a Punchcard! How do I claim my Reward?
A. If the Reward is Microsoft Points, they will appear under Pending on your MyRewards page by the 15th of the following month. If the Reward is anything other than Microsoft Points, an email will be sent to your contact email listed here with instructions to redeem your Reward. The Rewards for completion of a Punchcard will vary with each Punchcard offer. Rewards will not be provided during the Punchcard offer period.
[/QUOTE]
[/CUSTOMSPOILER]

April's PlaytoEarn Punchcard
Check your status - May take 3-5 days to update
XBLA DLC purchases do not count toward the April Punchcard - source

Cornelius's list of sources for last-minute XBLA purchase ideas:
  • The Wikipedia page for XBLA releases, sorted by MSP.
  • Xbox.com's sorted list of best-selling XBLA titles.
  • Major Nelson's most-recent list of top 20 XBLA games purchased.
  • The Twisted Pixel bundle ... seriously, it's 3600 MSP worth of games for 800 MSP!
  • The DOTW for April 30th, listed on our OP, as well as Major Nelson's blog, which will go live around 4/30 @ 2am PDT, and be valid for 14-15 hours up through the promo's deadline between 4pm-5pm'ish PDT (depending how they've configured the reporting servers to account for GMT).
    Note I was going to also suggest the "Angry Birds Trilogy" sale starting 4/30, but since it's a GoD title, it doesn't count. :cry:
  • Games your friends have picked up. Use the "Compare Games" feature on their profile, which will list their games in order of most-recently played by default.
  • Atari-published games, which you should assume will get de-published as soon as its game licenses/IP are sold off in bankruptcy court.
  • Games NOT found on compilation discs, because you can often find them "cheap" on eBay or used-game retailers. See this XBLA thread post (under "XBLA Discs") for more info & lists.
  • And finally, TylerH1701's list of XBLA games yet to go on sale
Hope this helps anyone's last-minute purchase dilemma. ;)


[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
Q. What are the April Punchcards?
A. During the month of April, we are offering three Arcade Punchcards. That’s three different Rewards you can earn!

  • Eat. Sleep. Game.: Earn a punch per 5 HOURS of playing Arcade games.
  • Collect Games, Get Gold: Earn a punch for purchasing any Arcade game from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
  • Spend More, Get More: Earn a punch for spending 800 Microsoft Points on any Arcade game from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
Q. How can I earn a Reward for PLAYING Arcade Games?
A. During the month of April, earn a punch per 5 hours of playing arcade games. Play a total of 20 hours of Arcade games under the Xbox LIVE account tied to your Rewards account and earn an exclusive Arcade Avatar item. The Avatar item will be fulfilled via email to all eligible members on or before May 30, 2013.

Q. How can I earn a Reward for PURCHASING Arcade Games?
A. During the month of April, earn a punch for purchasing an Arcade game from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The Arcade game must be equal to or greater than 400 Microsoft Points to qualify for a punch. Purchase a total of four Arcade games under the Xbox LIVE account tied to your Rewards account and earn a token for a 1-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership. The Xbox LIVE Gold memberships will be fulfilled via email to all eligible members on or before May 30, 2013.

Q. How can I earn a Reward for SPENDING 800 Microsoft Points on Arcade Games?
A. During the month of April, earn a punch for spending 800 Microsoft Points on Arcade game(s) from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Spend a total of 3,200 Microsoft Points on Arcade games under the Xbox LIVE account tied to your Rewards account and earn 800 Microsoft Points back. If you qualify for this Punchcard, the Microsoft Points will be added directly to your Xbox LIVE account on or before May 30, 2013.

Q. What happens if I complete all three Punchcards?
A. As a special bonus, all Xbox LIVE Rewards members who complete all three April Punchcards will be included in an upcoming VIP Exclusive!
[/QUOTE]

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Limited Time Rewards:
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Tomb Raider Offers

Uncover Zac Levi Offer
[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
Q. What is the Tomb Raider - Uncover Zac Levi Offer?
A. Between March 19 and April 20, 2013, be one of the first 4,500 Xbox LIVE Rewards member to purchase the Caves and Cliffs Multiplayer Map Pack from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace to receive a token for Zac Levi, an exclusive multiplayer Tomb Raider character (ARV: 160 Microsoft Points). Purchase(s) must take place between March 19, 2013 00:01 UTC and ending April 20, 2013 23:59 UTC.

Q. Who is eligible for the offer?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members who are 13 years or older and are in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Singapore are eligible for the offer. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive this Reward once during the offer period. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com. Registration must take place during the offer period to participate in the offer. The first 4,500 Xbox LIVE Rewards members to purchase the eligible content for the offer will qualify for the reward.

Q. When will I receive my Reward token?
A. If you are one of the first 4,500 Xbox LIVE Rewards members to purchase the Caves and Cliffs Multiplayer Map Pack, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to download the exclusive Zac Levi character by April 30, 2013. The email will be sent to the contact email you have listed on the Microsoft Billing site.
[/QUOTE]


Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes
Secret codes :

  • 3/28 - 4/20 - explorer
    • Embedded in an image on the Rewards home page
    • 235x100_2_1.jpg
  • 4/5 - 4/7 - artifact
    • Embedded in an image on the Xbox Facebook page
    • Official schedule says it should have been posted 4/1, but was posted 4 days late
  • 4/10 - 4/14 - navigate
    • Embedded in an image in the XBL Rewards March statement e-mail
    • banner_cta_2.jpg
    • Official schedule says it should have been revealed on 4/8
  • 4/15 - 4/20 - shipwreck
[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
Q. What is the Tomb Raider - Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes?
A. Between March 28 and April 20, 2013, register for the Tomb Raider Scavenger Hunt, play Tomb Raider, purchase the Caves and Cliffs Multiplayer Map Pack and find secret codes for a chance to win amazing Tomb Raider prizes!

Q. Who is eligible to participate in the sweepstakes?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members who are 18 years or older and are in the United States are eligible for the sweepstakes. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com. Enrollment in Xbox LIVE Rewards, registration into the sweepstakes, purchase, play, and submission of secret code(s) must take place during the sweepstakes period.

Q. How do I enter the sweepstakes?
A. First, register by visiting the sweepstakes landing page here: http://rewards.xbox.com/tomb-raider. If you are not already an Xbox LIVE Rewards member, you will be prompted to sign up. Once you are signed up, you will then be redirected to the Tomb Raider Scavenger Hunt registration page. Complete the registration form to register for the sweepstakes and earn one sweepstakes entry.

Q. How can I earn sweepstakes entries for playing Tomb Raider?
A. If you have never played Tomb Raider prior to the sweepstakes period, you can play it for the first time to earn five sweepstakes entries. You can earn additional entries for playing five hours (2 entries), ten hours (3 entries), and twenty hours (5 entries) of Tomb Raider. Play hours must occur during the sweepstakes period. Please make sure that you are signed into the Xbox LIVE account tied to Xbox LIVE Rewards for your play hours to count.

  • Register for the sweepstakes = 1 entry
  • Purchase the Caves and Caverns Map Pack = 5 entries
  • Play Tomb Raider for the first time = 5 entries
  • Play Tomb Raider for 5 hours = 2 entries
  • Play Tomb Raider for 10 hours = 3 entries
  • Play Tomb Raider for 20 hours = 5 entries
  • Find the secret codes = 1 entry per secret code found, total of 4 entries
Registration into the sweepstakes, purchase of Caves and Caverns Map Pack, Tomb Raider game play, and submission of secret code(s) must take place between March 28, 2013 00:01 UTC and ending April 20, 2013 23:59 UTC. Purchase of Caves and Caverns Map Pack must be from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Please reference the Sweepstakes Official Rules for more details.

Q. In order to earn an entry for playing Tomb Raider for the first time, does this have to be my first time ever?
A. Yes, in order to earn the 5 sweepstakes entries for the first time play, it needs to be your first time playing Tomb Raider ever. If you've played Tomb Raider prior to the sweepstakes, you will not be able to qualify for that action. However, you can still earn entries for playing for 5, 10 or 20 hours. Please reference the Sweepstakes Official Rules for more details.

Q. What are the secret codes, and where can I find them?
A. A secret code will be released once per week during the sweepstakes period across various Xbox channels. Once you find a secret code, head over to the Code Entry page to submit it for a sweepstakes entry. One (1) sweepstakes entry is earned per correct code submitted. There will be a total of four (4) secret codes.

Q. How many sweepstakes entries can I get?
A. Xbox LIVE Rewards members who register for the sweepstakes can earn a maximum amount of twenty-five (25) sweepstakes entries via any method.

Q. What are the sweepstakes prizes?
A. The following awesome Tomb Raider prizes are being given away:

Number of Winner(s) & Prizes:

  • (1) Life-sized Lara Croft statue (ARV: $7250)
  • (2) Limited Edition Tomb Raider Xbox 360 consoles signed by members of the Tomb Raider development team (ARV: $1500)
  • (50) Limited Edition Tomb Raider Xbox 360 controllers (ARV $60)
  • (10) Tomb Raider Sweatshirts (ARV $60)
  • (200) Tomb Raider T-shirts (ARV $20)
  • (200) Tomb Raider Lithographs (ARV $20)
Q. When will the winners of the sweepstakes be selected?
A. The sweepstakes drawing will take place after the sweepstakes period on or around April 20, 2013. The Sweepstakes winners will be contacted by May 7, 2013 via email. The email address we have on record for you is the contact email you have listed on the Microsoft Billing site.
[/QUOTE]


March 2013

Black Ops II Revolution Rewards Offer
[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']

Q. What is the Black Ops II Revolution Rewards Offer?
A. Between February 26, 2013 and March 31, 2013, purchase the Revolution Map Pack and receive 100 Points back OR purchase the Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Season Pass and receive 400 Points back. The offer is capped at 10,000,000 Microsoft Points and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Q. Who is eligible for the offer?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members who are 13 years or older are eligible for the offer. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive this Reward once during the offer period. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com.

Q. What Xbox LIVE Marketplace content is eligible for the offer?
A. The Revolution Map Pack and Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Season Pass are eligible for the offer. You must be connected to Xbox LIVE with the Gamertag associated with your Xbox LIVE Rewards account when you purchase the content in order for your purchase to be eligible. Purchase must take place between February 26, 2013 00:01 UTC and March 31, 2013 23:59 UTC.

Q. How many Points am I eligible to earn for this offer?
A. There are 10,000,000 Microsoft Points to give away for this offer. The Points will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are eligible to earn a maximum of 400 Microsoft Points for the offer.

Q. When will I receive my Microsoft Points for this offer?
A. Your eligible purchases will be calculated in the beginning of April. If you qualify, your Rewards Points will then be deposited into your Xbox LIVE account by April 30, 2013. During the Offer Period, your Points will not show up under Pending.
[/QUOTE]


Hitman Absolution Rewards Offer
[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
Q. What is the Hitman: Absolution Offer?
A. Between March 8, 2013 and March 31, 2013, purchase HitmanTM: Absolution from Games on Demand and receive a code redeemable for HitmanTM: Sniper Challenge (ARV: $19.99). Purchase must take place between March 8, 2013 00:01 UTC and ending March 31, 2013 23:59 UTC.

Q. Who is eligible for the offer?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members who are 13 years or older are eligible for the offer. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive this Reward once during the offer period. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com. Purchase must take place during the offer period under the Gamertag tied to the Xbox LIVE Rewards program.

Q. When will I receive my exclusive Hitman Reward code?
A. If you are eligible for the Hitman: Absolution Offer, an email containing your Reward code will arrive by April 20, 2013. The email will be sent to your contact email listed on the Microsoft Billing site.

[/QUOTE]

[CUSTOMSPOILER="February 2013"]
February 2013 - Fun Flicks, Family Kicks Offer

* see note below the official rules

[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']

Q. What is the Fun Flicks, Family Kicks Offer?
A. During the month of February, get 200 Microsoft Points when you complete one of the following three actions on Xbox Video:

  • Buy 1 SD or HD TV Season Pass
  • Buy or rent 5 HD Movies
  • Buy or rent 7 HD TV Shows

Q. Who is eligible for the offer?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members in the 50 United States (and the District of Columbia), the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Italy, and Spain who are 13 years or older are eligible for the offer. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive this Reward once during the offer period. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com. Registration and purchase must take place during the offer period in order to qualify.

Q. What movies or TV Shows qualify for the offer?
A. All movies and TV Shows featured on Xbox Video qualify for the offer. Rental and/or purchases must take place between February 1, 2013 00:01 UTC and ending February 28, 23:59 UTC.

Q. When will I receive my Microsoft Points for this offer?
A. Your eligible Xbox Video purchases and/or rentals will be calculated at the end of February. The 200 Microsoft Points for this offer will then be deposited by March 30, 2013. During the Offer Period, your Points will not show up under Pending.
[/QUOTE]


* Note - It is unknown at this time whether free shows on the marketplace will qualify for this month's offer. CodeTrader has a thread tracking free shows just in case they do count, pasted below for simplicity.

[/CUSTOMSPOILER]

[CUSTOMSPOILER="January 2013"]
Lose Pounds, Gain Points
... aka "New Year, New You"

Earn up to 200 Microsoft Points this January! Get 100 Points when you play featured Kinect fitness games, like Nike+ Kinect Training, for 20 hours or more. Plus, we'll give you another 100 Points if you spend 800 Points or more on eligible Fitness Game Add-ons. That makes 200 Points total – and a fitter, stronger you!

Eligible Game Titles:
  • Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012
  • Zumba Fitness
  • Your Shape Fitness Evolved
  • Zumba Fitness: Rush
  • Zumba Fitness: Core
  • Jillian Michaels Fitness Adventure
  • UFC Personal Trainer
  • EA Sports Active 2
  • My Self Defense Coach
  • Harley Pasternak's Hollywood Workout
  • Nickelodeon Dance
  • Michael Phelps: Push the Limit
  • miCoach
  • Kinect Sports
  • Kinect Sports: Season Two
  • Nike+Kinect Training
  • Rapala for Kinect
  • Dance Central 1
  • Dance Central 2
  • Dance Central 3
  • The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout
Have questions? Visit our FAQs for more information about this month's featured offer.

[quote name='"Xbox Rewards FAQ"']
-
New Year, New You Offer

Q. What is the New Year, New You offer?
A. Get active and earn up to 200 Microsoft Points during the month of January! From January 1 through January 31, 2013:
  • Get 100 Microsoft Points when you spend 800 Microsoft Points or more on Fitness Game Add-Ons!
    AND/OR
  • Play 20 hours or more of featured Kinect Fitness titles and get 100 Microsoft Points!
Q. Who is eligible for the offer?
A. All Xbox LIVE Rewards members who are 13 years or older are eligible for the offer. Xbox LIVE Rewards members are only eligible to receive this Reward once during the offer period. Join now for free if you haven’t already: http://rewards.xbox.com. Registration, purchase and play must take place during the offer period in order to qualify.

Q. What Fitness Game Add-Ons qualify for the offer?
A. All Game Add-ons for the titles found here qualify for this offer. Purchases must take place between January 1, 2012 00:01 UTC and ending January 31, 2012 23:59 UTC.

Q. What Kinect Fitness titles qualify for the offer?
A. Eligible Kinect Fitness titles that qualify for this offer can be found here. You must be connected to Xbox LIVE with the Gamertag associated with your Xbox LIVE Rewards account in order for your gameplay hours to be eligible. Gameplay must take place between January 1, 2012 00:01 UTC and January 31, 2012 23:59 UTC.

Q. When will I receive my Microsoft Points for this offer?
A. Your eligible Xbox LIVE Marketplace purchases and eligible Kinect usage will be calculated at the end of January. The Microsoft Points will then be deposited before February 27, 2013. During the Offer Period, your Points will not show up under Pending.[/quote]
-
Have questions? Visit our FAQs for more information about this month's featured offer:
http://rewards.xbox.com/faq/#fmi
(duplicated above in the "Xbox Rewards FAQ" quote)

For individual account questions check out the Xbox LIVE Rewards forums page:
http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_rewards_support/f/29.aspx

For general Xbox LIVE Rewards questions or feedback, and to stay in the know about all the latest Xbox LIVE Rewards happenings, follow the Xbox LIVE Rewards Squad on Twitter @XboxLIVErewards:
https://twitter.com/#!/XboxLIVErewards

[/CUSTOMSPOILER]
_________________________________________________

FAQ:
_________________________________________________

Q: So what is this and how much does it cost?
A: Xbox Rewards is a free loyalty program run by ePrize for the Microsoft Corporation. They offer free and Gold Xbox Live members "rewards" for completing survey, making qualified purchases, or other actions during a specified period.

Q: Where do I start?
A: You should start by reviewing the official FAQ. Once you are done there, and you have decided to join, you are ready to start earning rewards.

Q: I never got my reward for my first purchase after joining the rewards program?
A: According to the official FAQ. You will only earn that reward for your first purchase from the marketplace ever. If you made a purchase before joining the program, you are out of luck.

Q: I never got my reward for activating Netflix after joining the rewards program?
A: According to the official FAQ and some discussion with @XboxSupport You will only earn that reward for the first time you ever activate Netflix on your specific gamertag. If you did that before joining the program, you are out of luck. If you are still good, you have to have had Netflix activated for 1 month and have watched 2+ hours of streaming content during that time period.

Q: When will this end?
A: According to the official T&C, the program is scheduled to end at 3:59 p.m. GMT on June 30, 2012. It is possible that the program will be renewed or go after that, but there hasn't been more info on that yet.

Q: Will my Xbox LIVE Rewards Points expire?
A: Rewards Points do expire, so be sure to use them by June 30, 2012.

Q: How do I use my expiring Microsoft Points first?
A: Promotional points with expiration dates are automatically redeemed first before purchased points. [source]
 
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I would have been very surprised if they let everyone keep the points. If you think about the math a bit. if on average 10000 people got 1000 points you're talking about 12.5 million. No way they let that slide on an error.
 
I bought some add-ons with the glitch bonus points earlier today. Spent 960 msp.

Just got home after dinner and saw it went back to what it was before the glitch.

I didn't get my month's reward points, so I guess they counted it as spent. But they didn't deduct from the amount I had prior to the glitch either.
 
man i was away enjoying all my new dlc and games then i check on this thread, what a bummer. i see how its a lot of money to let slide, but also could be a pain to fight with all the people who didnt authorize payment. its microsoft, so who knows. fingers crossed...
 
[quote name='PenguinJim']I can show that MS are lying or making incorrect statements (see above). I have nothing to show that the person who claimed to have contacted Microsoft is lying (sorry if you provided some evidence that shows that they are, and I somehow skipped past it - I'm guessing you've at least looked into it, as you seem to know that they are male). We've since had a CAGger, leylines, make the same claim. Based on that, it would seem logical that the latter is more reliable, surely? :lol:[/QUOTE]

Both statements are supposedly from Microsoft. One is direct and one is through another party. But BOTH are from Microsoft. You say Microsoft's statements can't be trusted. If that's the case, then you can't believe EITHER statement because the source for both (supposedly) is Microsoft.

At this point I'm going to assume that you're trolling. Goodbye.
 
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[quote name='Qik']if on average 10000 people got 1000 points you're talking about 12.5 million. No way they let that slide on an error.[/QUOTE]

More like $125,000.

Although I'm sure this affected more than 10,000 people, so your guess of 12.5 million might be correct in the end. Just your math is wrong.
 
Meh, I'm not frustrated. I never thought I deserved the extra points, just thought "wow, an error in my favor, so rare." I did buy an indie game, and it appears they just deducted it from the reward points I would have gotten legitimately, and I still got what was left over.

It is kinda funny to see the pimp hand of Microsoft hard at work "where's my monays, female canine!" However, that may not be as funny if I had done my first impulse and purchased stuff with the extra points, and Microsoft would have used that same pimp hand on me when the purchases I would have made aren't of my highest priorities (namely the obscure indie game titles) which I would not have purchased if I did have to pay with my own funds.

I hope for those who did "cash out" don't get stuck with that problem, and Microsoft eats their mistake. Like those who had gotten all the pre-order DLC for Mass Effect 2 for free due to a pricing and availability error, and they allowed for those who did get them in that small window of opportunity to keep them (other examples was the mis-priced free Plants vs. Zombies avatar mask and Dante's Inferno premium theme).

I hope as a consolation, they offer another free avatar prop in the rewards program, like the banshee a while back. Maybe a "wanted (Microsoft Points marker) and all I got was this lousy T-shirt" T-shirt prop.
 
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[quote name='bh47']More like $125,000.

Although I'm sure this affected more than 10,000 people, so your guess of 12.5 million might be correct in the end. Just your math is wrong.[/QUOTE]


yeah I was in a hurry when I wrote it. just came back to thinking about it and knew how wrong I was. heh. oops.
 
I missed out on all of the excitement today. From what I can gleam though,
Toys R Us was in charge of the Xbox rewards for a day?
 
[quote name='PlatinumIce']Yeah but revoking an error and making you pay money for an error on their part are two entirely different things. Taking the points back is not as huge a deal as making someone pay back a debt created by Microsoft's mistake.

Also, XboxSupport tweeted that what's going on is entirely automated. The system is fixing itself, XboxSupport didn't say we could keep the points then take them away.[/QUOTE]

I understand what you're saying but by that logic that's like saying "Oh the bank accidentally added a 0 to my 10,000 dollar deposit. I might as well go buy a sports car with the money even though I know it isn't mine."

You should have realized when you saw those free points that this is Microsoft were talking about. You spent something that was not legally yours in the first place. But I don't think Microsoft can legally bill you for the points that you spent but I am sure they can put your account in the negative. But since XboxSupport, an official representative of the company, stated that users could keep the erroneous points there's not much Microsoft can do without facing a potential class action if they don't take the hit on this one.
 
Ok I decided to call support this morning to see if they would have an answer and they in fact did, now take this with a grain of salt since I'm a random guy on the internet but the lady I spoke to said Microsoft was aware of the problem and would be revoking points that were unused. Her memo said any points used would not be revoked and that no suspensions/bans, charging, or time taken from gold subs would happen because it was a mistake on Microsoft's part.

That's what I was told almost word for word. She said no one had anything to worry about and that basically it would be a "enjoy your new free content everybody" type situation.
 
My points are GONE too...just to reiterate...was logging in to use them just now and back to my 270 points. I had 1720...

So there's a very good chance people will be charged as it's simply unfair to those of us who didn't jump on this to spend something that wasn't even ours. Lets face it, if you're here you knew it was a mistake. I can see if you don't frequent forums or something thinking it was just a reward, but coming here you knew full well.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']My points are GONE...just so you all know...was logging in to use them just now and back to my 270 points. I had 1720...[/QUOTE]

Yeah the memo said unused extra points would be revoked but if those extra points were used to buy anything they could do nothing but hope you enjoy your new content. She also said that points would drop back to what they were before the glitch. So if you has 100 before the glitch, you'll have 100 after all the extra points are revoked.

Not everyone came to this forum and then used points. I for one didn't. I saw I had gotten points (which I thought were either from a contest or the rewards) and used them to buy something. I then came here and saw this, which is why I called support today. If it was something wrong on my part so be it, but it wasn't. It was on Microsoft, add to that their support team said we could keep the points (until they said the rewards thing was fixing the glitch automatically which would explain the extra points disappearing) there isn't much Microsoft can do imo, but it's still a wait and see thing until an official announcement comes out (which I imagine will be sometime today)
 
All you had to do is use all those additional promo points and you would be in the clear. MS cannot take back points you actually purchased. Promo points are treated differently than purchased points so they can easily remove those at any time.

For example, before this fiasco i had 1480 points and the mistake added 1500. As soon as i saw the mistake i purchased 2000 points worth of games. Well those 1500 promo points were used first since that is how MS designed the system and 500 were deducted from my purchased points pile. Now im sitting with 980 points in my account and there arent any promo points that can be deducted.
 
[quote name='MacaqueOwnzU']Yeah the memo said unused extra points would be revoked but if those extra points were used to buy anything they could do nothing but hope you enjoy your new content. She also said that points would drop back to what they were before the glitch. So if you has 100 before the glitch, you'll have 100 after all the extra points are revoked.

Not everyone came to this forum and then used points. I for one didn't. I saw I had gotten points (which I thought were either from a contest or the rewards) and used them to buy something. I then came here and saw this, which is why I called support today. If it was something wrong on my part so be it, but it wasn't. It was on Microsoft, add to that their support team said we could keep the points (until they said the rewards thing was fixing the glitch automatically which would explain the extra points disappearing) there isn't much Microsoft can do imo, but it's still a wait and see thing until an official announcement comes out (which I imagine will be sometime today)[/QUOTE]

I know, but I'm just saying. This is a PR nightmare. Either they're going to end up revoking/putting people into the negative for points, or they're going to give back the points to everybody who emails/calls in to complain. They really have to do one or the other.

I've gotten "free" rewards quite a few times, for being a member, for signing up for stuff, etc etc. In fact I should be getting some points around now anyway... So I can fully understand how a lot of people would have thought it was just some extra reward points. I mean look how many sweepstakes they have from the XBL dashboard on almost a daily basis.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']I know, but I'm just saying. This is a PR nightmare. Either they're going to end up revoking/putting people into the negative for points, or they're going to give back the points to everybody who emails/calls in to complain. They really have to do one or the other.

I've gotten "free" rewards quite a few times, for being a member, for signing up for stuff, etc etc. In fact I should be getting some points around now anyway... So I can fully understand how a lot of people would have thought it was just some extra reward points. I mean look how many sweepstakes they have from the XBL dashboard on almost a daily basis.[/QUOTE]

The easiest route is give everyone in the rewards thing a free avatar prop or like 200 extra points. But charging people for their mistake is a big no-no. Esp. because their team came out and basically said "Our bad no biggie, enjoy your free points"
 
[quote name='MacaqueOwnzU']The easiest route is give everyone in the rewards thing a free avatar prop or like 200 extra points. But charging people for their mistake is a big no-no. Esp. because their team came out and basically said "Our bad no biggie, enjoy your free points"[/QUOTE]

That's true and that's what I expect. I expect "everybody" to just get either a prop or a free cheaper/older XBL game or something. They really need to. I mean I was given 1500 msp then had it taken away without ANY email or message or anything from MS. THAT is a big no-no in my book. If I hadn't come here I wouldn't know anything about why I had points and then had them taken away.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']That's true and that's what I expect. I expect "everybody" to just get either a prop or a free cheaper/older XBL game or something. They really need to. I mean I was given 1500 msp then had it taken away without ANY email or message or anything from MS. THAT is a big no-no in my book. If I hadn't come here I wouldn't know anything about why I had points and then had them taken away.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I back you on the idea of everyone receiving something as compensation and them leaving it at that. The support team on twitter keeps responding with "We have no info on that." so who knows.
 
I hope this does not kill Xbox Rewards, I really like that service, so are folks thinking that if I use the points added in error, but still leave a balance, MS will deduct from my balance, i.e. points available prior to the snafu?
 
[quote name='MacaqueOwnzU']Yeah I back you on the idea of everyone receiving something as compensation and them leaving it at that. The support team on twitter keeps responding with "We have no info on that." so who knows.[/QUOTE]


Guess we'll see, I did email them and complain but I'm guessing so did thousands of others. I tried to make the point that I was more upset about not being contacted by MS about this at all. I mean no email, not XBL message, NOTHING. You can't just give somebody 1500 points then take away and keep them in the dark about it.
 
My complaint isn't about them taking the points away as much as the equality of the situation. I didn't use the points because I thought I'd wait it out and see what would happen. If this morning my points were still there I probably would have snatched up an On Demand game. To put out a statement the points were ours to keep and then to take them away seems wrong... BUT my thing is, if the points are taken away from those of us who waited, how can they justify letting those off the hook who spent the points assuming they'd be taken away if they didn't burn through them quickly??? I know morality doesn't seem to matter... but come on now..... it needs to be an all or nothing campaign IMO. Either we all get the points or we all have to give them back in some capacity
 
I'd imagine Microsoft will treat the situation like when they mistakenly put an arcade game up for free on the marketplace. For those who downloaded the free game prior to them finding out about it have got a free game and after they rectified the price back to normal, everyone else will have to pay for it. They won't charge people who downloaded the game for free but just write it off as a mistake and move on.
 
Any idea how they handled that promotional code hacking incident a while back where people were generating 160 point codes and the Banshee avatar code?

I'm also partially curious because I know there were a lot of people buying the codes in bulk on eBay. I wonder how Microsoft screwed them.
 
[quote name='imacgod']Any idea how they handled that promotional code hacking incident a while back where people were generating 160 point codes and the Banshee avatar code?

I'm also partially curious because I know there were a lot of people buying the codes in bulk on eBay. I wonder how Microsoft screwed them.[/QUOTE]

I don't think anything happened that we know of, there's no way MS was going to screw people who may have bought codes innocently on Ebay.

Maybe MS went after the worst offenders selling codes wise, but I've not heard anything about it.
 
[quote name='Doctor Who']I'd imagine Microsoft will treat the situation like when they mistakenly put an arcade game up for free on the marketplace. For those who downloaded the free game prior to them finding out about it have got a free game and after they rectified the price back to normal, everyone else will have to pay for it. They won't charge people who downloaded the game for free but just write it off as a mistake and move on.[/QUOTE]

Makes sense. Well put good Doctor.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']My points are GONE too...just to reiterate...was logging in to use them just now and back to my 270 points. I had 1720...

So there's a very good chance people will be charged as it's simply unfair to those of us who didn't jump on this to spend something that wasn't even ours. Lets face it, if you're here you knew it was a mistake. I can see if you don't frequent forums or something thinking it was just a reward, but coming here you knew full well.[/QUOTE]

Wow, you just said you were logging on to use them and now you want to say it's unfair because some people got in before you and were able to spend there points before MS revoked them. Talk about a hypocritical.

There is absolutely no way MS will charge people for those points that they spent, it was there mistake and they can rectify it but for those that actually spent the points they just have no standing to demand payment for them. Someone could just easily say that they thought they thought they won a promo or something.
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']Wow, you just said you were logging on to use them and now you want to say it's unfair because some people got in before you and were able to spend there points before MS revoked them. Talk about a hypocritical.

There is absolutely no way MS will charge people for those points that they spent, it was there mistake and they can rectify it but for those that actually spent the points they just have no standing to demand payment for them. Someone could just easily say that they thought they thought they won a promo or something.[/QUOTE]
Pretty sure they can legally not charge your credit card without your permission, although I have not really read through the terms and service condition so maybe they have a clause in there.

One thing I read is that they may subtract from your eligible gold sub months, I would think they have a better legal footing for that. I also believe they could probably get away with giving you a negative point balance you have to buy your way out of. If they did either of those though I am sure there would be a really big outcry from the public as both of those are pretty underhanded maneuvers, but they could probably get away with those legally, who knows though.

I am really curious about what they will end up doing.
 
Damn, I noticed something funny yesterday — my balance shot up 700 points weirdly, but just wrote it off. I should have bought something, but I didn't. Now it's back to what it was before. Well, I guess I learned my lesson. Still hoping they give me back those free points!
 
How did they correct everyone's account, I see where they added the points, but it appears that they did not back those out and just adjusted my beginning balance for the month of August down by the amount that had been added in error. Weird way of handling it, since it now my account appears out of balance if you go back through the history.
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']Wow, you just said you were logging on to use them and now you want to say it's unfair because some people got in before you and were able to spend there points before MS revoked them. Talk about a hypocritical.

There is absolutely no way MS will charge people for those points that they spent, it was there mistake and they can rectify it but for those that actually spent the points they just have no standing to demand payment for them. Someone could just easily say that they thought they thought they won a promo or something.[/QUOTE]

It's not hypocritical at all. I saw there was statements that they won't be charging people or putting them into the negatives so I figured it was ok to go on and use them. I go on to use them and they're gone. That's hypocritical...how?
 
It really is simple...

If you got free points and you used them, you only lost the difference between what you spent and what you got for free. I am surprised that Microsoft even gave that bone vs taking all the points out.

If you got free points and you didn't use them, you lost all the free points they gave you.
 
Had 5760 points, 1320 gifted from ms (220x6), spent 240 yesterday, current balance today is 5740
I'll happily take 220 free points
 
Posted by someone on Joystiq:

I just talked to MS when I noticed that my account had jumped a little over 5000MS. The rep told me that the promo points have been escalated and the matter will be resolved within 72 hours. I ask what they were doing if I had already spent them. The reps answer was that MS is planning on handling the matter is five phases.

1- If the points weren’t spent then they are just going to remove them from the accounts that got them.
2- If the points were spent leaving a zero or negative balance of points and there is a credit card on file, then they are going to bill for the points used.
3- If there is no credit card on file, they plan on sending out an E-mail “demanding” payment.
4- If there is no credit card on file and the “demand” for payment goes unanswered then they “may” subtract months of gold membership that equal the amount of points used.
5- If there is still a negative balance then they plan on banning the console and the account until it is no longer negative. This one she said at least three times.
Click to expand...

Don't know how legit this is, but think of it this way...If your bank credits you extra money by accident, you'd still have to pay it back if you withdraw it.

I didn't get free points, but just wanted to throw that out there.
 
I'm not really sure how I feel about this.

Sure the 1300 points were a mistake... but the fact that if people used them, they got to keep them, but if you , are like me, a point hoarder during deals, you lost them because you carry a balance seems a little unfair. I'm not going to bitch piss and moan about it, but if they're letting the "shadier" people who saw the points and spent them really quick keep them, seems they should do the same for everyone who was waiting it out to see.
 
[quote name='vherub']Had 5760 points, 1320 gifted from ms (220x6), spent 240 yesterday, current balance today is 5740
I'll happily take 220 free points[/QUOTE]

They deducted the August reward points you WOULD have otherwise gotten. Same happened to me. I spent the glitch points, but didn't get my August reward points.
 
[quote name='emeraldgsl']Posted by someone on Joystiq:



Don't know how legit this is, but think of it this way...If your bank credits you extra money by accident, you'd still have to pay it back if you withdraw it.

I didn't get free points, but just wanted to throw that out there.[/QUOTE]

The issue with that thought though, is that points aren't universally priced vs currency. They shouldn't charge you full price for using what was in your account if you could get said currency cheaper. The bank can say "you owe us what we gave you", but Microsoft may have some issues unless they just put points in negative status. Because we all know we can get points far cheaper than $5 for 400.
 
I imagine Microsoft would take away based off of what they charge on marketplace since the points were given that way.... but I doubt they take anything away....
 
Guys, they're not going to charge you. Honestly, how can people believe that?

Could you imagine the consumer shit storm? A company can't give you money/credit, let you buy something and then bill you for it after.
 
Any one do the buy 2 800+ point games get 160 point back deal from last month?

I got my july point rewards but it was only 110.

Guess this is going to be an emailed code. :whee:
 
[quote name='c2thaj']Any one do the buy 2 800+ point games get 160 point back deal from last month?

I got my july point rewards but it was only 110.

Guess this is going to be an emailed code. :whee:[/QUOTE]

If you go to http://rewards.xbox.com/ it should show (200msp, btw) under either pending or awarded. http://twitpic.com/65cqjm/full

Edit: My points only showed up after I contacted Xbox support. Whether they had to do something or it was just a coincidence, I can't say. Be ready to tell them what dates the games were purchased.
 
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[quote name='seanr1221']Guys, they're not going to charge you. Honestly, how can people believe that?

Could you imagine the consumer shit storm? A company can't give you money/credit, let you buy something and then bill you for it after.[/QUOTE]


Doing that would be just as bad as what they are apparently doing, and that's letting the (mostly, but not all) dishonest people who spent the points keep them...while punishing those who didn't.

You know, they could easily ban GT's for it, it's just basically a few mouse clicks...they could deduct XBL gold time...they could put people in the negative MSP...or they COULD just flat out bill people.

What should they do? Probably just give all those who had the points taken away a free XBLA game or maybe a couple months of Gold and just call it even.
 
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[quote name='JKSonic']Doing that would be just has what they are apparently doing, and that's letting the (mostly, but not all) dishonest people who spent the points keep them...while punishing those who didn't.

You know, they could easily ban GT's for it, it's just basically a few mouse clicks...they could deduct XBL gold time...they could put people in the negative MSP...or they COULD just flat out bill people.

What should they do? Probably just give all those who had the points taken away a free XBLA game or maybe a couple months of Gold and just call it even.[/QUOTE]

I don't think we should feel entitled to anything just because we didn't spend our points in time. It was a mistake by Microsoft and they rectified what they could be revoking the free points that were left in our accounts. If we didn't spend our points in time, tough luck, as the old saying goes, easy come, easy go.

I was going to wait until Toy Soldiers 2 was released next week but now my points have gone but oh well. Just like when an arcade was initially, accidentally put up for free on the marketplace and then put up to full price, we missed out, and we shouldn't feel entitled to having that game for free just because a few people did.

All this misinformation and scaremongering regarding charging people cards, banning their gamertags and/or putting their MS points into the negative does feel somewhat like sour grapes IMO. Especially the 'dishonest' dig that's being thrown around.
 
[quote name='Doctor Who']I don't think we should feel entitled to anything just because we didn't spend our points in time. It was a mistake by Microsoft and they rectified what they could be revoking the free points that were left in our accounts. If we didn't spend our points in time, tough luck, as the old saying goes, easy come, easy go.

I was going to wait until Toy Soldiers 2 was released next week but now my points have gone but oh well. Just like when an arcade was initially, accidentally put up for free on the marketplace and then put up to full price, we missed out, and we shouldn't feel entitled to having that game for free just because a few people did.

All this misinformation and scaremongering regarding charging people cards, banning their gamertags and/or putting their MS points into the negative does feel somewhat like sour grapes IMO. Especially the 'dishonest' dig that's being thrown around.[/QUOTE]

Bingo.

I was on Sonic's side and if they give a free XBLA game or whatnot cool. But c'mon man, now it's coming off as jealous. You missed out on something and want people who didn't miss out punished.
 
[quote name='MacaqueOwnzU']Bingo.

I was on Sonic's side and if they give a free XBLA game or whatnot cool. But c'mon man, now it's coming off as jealous. You missed out on something and want people who didn't miss out punished.[/QUOTE]

No no I don't WANT them punished. I was simply replying to all the people saying that MS COULD NOT punish people and it would be unlawful to do so. I was just pointing out that they could very easily punish people and do so in a variety of ways. Not only that, it wouldn't even be technically punishing anybody.

I don't think we should feel entitled to anything just because we didn't spend our points in time. It was a mistake by Microsoft and they rectified what they could be revoking the free points that were left in our accounts. If we didn't spend our points in time, tough luck, as the old saying goes, easy come, easy go.
Click to expand...

I pretty much agree with you. It's just there's some days/times in my life with then unfairness of it all kind of gets to me. Been sick this week and the meds they gave me pretty much got me just as sick, a lot of other stuff has been catching up to me... And I was pretty excited that I'd be able to get a free game or some free DLC or something and it sucked pretty bad to have it taken away. The fact that those who knowingly spent the points got to keep their haul was just salt on the wound.
 
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