Microsoft to sunset Steam competitor in 2024, company won't give refunds for Xbox Game Pass subscribers

Microsoft is planning to discontinue its Xbox Games app for PC and allow users to purchase games directly through their website. The change will primarily impact the company's own digital storefront and the gaming service Xbox Game Pass, which allows users to access various games for a flat monthly fee. <br><br>In a recent statement, the company said: <br><br>"We are making it easier for PC users to buy games by giving them the option to purchase digital games directly on the Xbox website, which will allow them to purchase their games from the same place they purchase games for console and other devices." <br><br>The company also announced that it will no longer sell digital games through its Xbox Games app for PC at some point in 2024. According to a report by Ars Technica, the new changes were made after users expressed frustration with the company's confusing digital storefront, which was causing them to accidentally purchase games meant for the Xbox Series instead of PC. <br><br>Microsoft is planning to revamp the storefront to allow users to purchase games for PC directly from the Xbox website. This will give them access to the same library of games available for consoles and other devices. <br><br>The Xbox Games app for PC is often compared to Valve's Steam, a popular digital storefront for PC gamers. However, the app never gained the same level of popularity as Steam, prompting Microsoft to make changes to its service in an effort to boost adoption. <br><br>However, in a rare public gaffe, Microsoft revealed that it won't be issuing refunds to existing Xbox Game Pass subscribers following the sunsetting of the Xbox Games app. In a statement, the company said: <br><br>"Any game you buy through the Xbox App for PC will still be playable on day one, but you will no longer be able to launch it from this app, you'll be able to launch it from the Xbox Companion App on Windows, or directly from the game's executable file. <br><br>"You can continue to launch games you already own through the Xbox app for PC, but you won't be able to purchase new games or claim games included with a subscription you own through the Xbox app for PC. The Xbox app for PC will still support Xbox remote play and Xbox Game Bar Widgets. <br><br>"If you purchase a subscription to Xbox Game Pass for PC through the current Xbox app for PC, it will still be active, but it will only be accessible through the Xbox Companion App on Windows or through the Xbox website." <br><br>The decision to stop supporting the Xbox Games app for PC marks a major shift in Microsoft's approach to digital game distribution. By allowing users to purchase games directly through the Xbox website, the company aims to create a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for PC gamers. However, the move has sparked controversy among users who feel that the company should honor its commitment to the Xbox Games app. <br><br>The controversy surrounding Xbox Game Pass has damaged the reputation of Microsoft in the gaming industry, with gamers expressing concern about whether similar sunsetting of services could happen in the future. This incident highlights the risks associated with subscription-based services and the importance of considering the potential consequences of sunsetting a product.