Support NeoGAF

[Giallo Corsa]

Seriously? Did they give you a reason?

Hey Toph, basically this

Same image/page when i go to my MS rewards page, i think this is also permanent since from what i've seen there's also another message which says "your account has been temporarily supsended".

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY PSN CAAAAARRRRDDD

 

[Giallo Corsa]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY PSN CAAAAARRRRDDD

Yep, this.exactly

Again, i ain't even mad, looking at that subreddit though, there's people with 30K/40/100K points that are now crying since they got banned
Bend the rules, get fooked i suppose, not that it matters now since the new system they implemented is literally a joke (1, 2 points for dailies ? lol).

Let's be real boys, they're just trying to kill it/phase it out slowly

 

[Topher]

Hey Toph, basically this

Same image/page when i go to my MS rewards page, i think this is also permanent since from what i've seen there's also another message which says "your account has been temporarily supsended".

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY PSN CAAAAARRRRDDD

Unreal. Hey Microsoft.....

 

[Tangerine]

You load of dirty cheating scum! ;P

Seriously though, using a VPN, I was worried my £55 Amazon voucher would be denied.

Tense 10 minute wait for the email and now gift card is applied to my Amazon account.

Fuck you MS.

May cancel game pass since I've not really used it much lately.

 

[Topher]

You load of dirty cheating scum! ;P

Seriously though, using a VPN, I was worried my £55 Amazon voucher would be denied.

Tense 10 minute wait for the email and applied to my Amazon account.

If you go to your order history you can grab the code there and not wait for the email. Just did the same thing myself.

 

[Kilau]

I can't even panic spend the 100K+ points I have now because I hit the yearly limit of 525K redeemed already.

 

[ReBurn]

I can't even panic spend the 100K+ points I have now because I hit the yearly limit of 525K redeemed already.

They gotta keep you under that IRS reporting limit.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Ah yes, let's blame "cheaters" again for the lowered amounts like we did disabling controllers. Is that the go to for anything now?

Look, say what you want but it's obvious that tons of people were running scripts and actually cheating this system. Microsoft are absolutely allowed to close up a loop hole and ban people that they know are gaming the system. Just a shame that its fucked it for all of us.

I'm betting Microsoft rolled out a "our terms have changed" making what was previously common practice against the rules as a way of starting a massive cull.



There are multiple methods for earning points so the effort required will vary depending how much time wants to invest in the various activities. For me, simply opening a browser and clicking some links was very much "easy and effortless". That was enough to achieve want I wanted, but I'm not one who has accumulated 400k points either.



Nah, that's bullshit. MS is coming up with everything they can to reduce the monetary impact of their own "rewards" program. Suddenly pretending to care about "cheaters" is part of that.

Absolutely fine to feel that way, its also their rewards program and they are absolutely allowed to do whatever the fuck they want with it. If people have been cheating it and got caught...thats just the risk you take and shouldn't be mad about it.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Should I make a new thread?

MS DOUBLES rewards points following yesterday's backlash.

Phill did it I'm sure! Swoon!

 

[FireFly]

Assuming it works, which it often doesn't.

For me I lose 2-3 days a month due to it not tracking, and the other times when it doesn't track, they get added the following day.

 

[Topher]

Look, say what you want but it's obvious that tons of people were running scripts and actually cheating this system. Microsoft are absolutely allowed to close up a loop hole and ban people that they know are gaming the system. Just a shame that its fucked it for all of us.


Absolutely fine to feel that way, its also their rewards program and they are absolutely allowed to do whatever the fuck they want with it. If people have been cheating it and got caught...thats just the risk you take and shouldn't be mad about it.

Cheating the system? Are you serious? We are talking about a program that artificially boosts bing usage because it sucks so bad no one would use it otherwise. That's just as much "cheating the system" as someone running a script. But if you are going to pretend the point reductions are because of "cheaters" then you'll clearly look for any excuse to defend Microsoft.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Should I make a new thread?

MS DOUBLES rewards points following yesterday's backlash.

-" You know where all those daily points went ? "
-" No, where ? "
-" Phil ate them ! "

Spoiler

 

[IAmRei]

if they would add some gamification on it, for example: add skill tree to it, maybe add some skill which can boost point to 2x in some hours each day : ))

 

[DenchDeckard]

Cheating the system? Are you serious? We are talking about a program that artificially boosts bing usage because it sucks so bad no one would use it otherwise. That's just as much "cheating the system" as someone running a script. But if you are going to pretend the point reductions are because of "cheaters" then you'll clearly look for any excuse to defend Microsoft.

So a program to incentivise using a product, which is being gamed by certain people by running scripts is causing you and others upset that they changed their rewards...for their rewards program....and now you are pissed. I mean, I get it..I'm annoyed becuase for what I used it I would get rewards every now and again based on the points they give, and its now reduced..so that sucks.

But in terms of the other stuff, Ok, stop using it and move on. Simple.

 

[Kilau]

-" You know where all those daily points went ? "
-" No, where ? "
-" Phil ate them ! "

Spoiler

Hopefully he's had his Phil.

 

[adamsapple]

Hey Toph, basically this

Same image/page when i go to my MS rewards page, i think this is also permanent since from what i've seen there's also another message which says "your account has been temporarily supsended".

Were you using VPN to get different regional points? That's what got a lot of people banned last time.

 

[Sorcerer]

The 6 seconds cooldown means you have to waste 15 minutes to get 150 points

Safe to say that this program is dead.

Sounds like they are trying to keep you on Edge all day, most people must be doing hit and runs to another browser. Either that or discourage one from using it all. The last couple of years I just used it to donate to charity. Kinda sucks that they have killed even my motivation to do that.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Were you using VPN to get different regional points? That's what got a lot of people banned last time.

No, but i used a browser extension 'bout 5-6 times in the last month (i remember 'cause i didn't even know they existed).
Up to that point, i didn't really care, i mean, sure, i got my 50 points for xbox 'chievos/weeklies etc back when i still had my XSX but other than that, i gained my points organically and only did the dailies whenever i wasn't bored.

Frankly, for me, it's not a big loss but i can understand if other people with 50K/100K+ points are being upset or whatever.

Here's the thing though, they're definitely trying to kill the program slowly/phase it out, it started with the xbox MS rewards and now with the whole 1,2 points fuckery man, i mean, this at least looks better than killing it altogether in one go - people would be more upset that way IMO.

Cheers

 

[Topher]

So a program to incentivise using a product, which is being gamed by certain people by running scripts is causing you and others upset that they changed their rewards...for their rewards program....and now you are pissed. I mean, I get it..I'm annoyed becuase for what I used it I would get rewards every now and again based on the points they give, and its now reduced..so that sucks.

But in terms of the other stuff, Ok, stop using it and move on. Simple.

Nonsense. The only thing changing due to scripts or whatnot is the cooldown period. The removal of the Xbox rewards app, achievements down to 5 points and the reduction in daily points from 10/5 to 2/1 is just Microsoft being petty. Right up there with trying to yank Game Pass from MS employees. $2+ trillion company is pinching pennies.

 

[adamsapple]

Here's the thing though, they're definitely trying to kill the program slowly/phase it out, it started with the xbox MS rewards and now with the whole 1,2 points fuckery man, i mean, this at least looks better than killing it altogether in one go - people would be more upset that way IMO.

They've definitely clamped down on it compared to last year but I don't know if the 'trying to kill' part is true. They are, reportedly as of a few days ago, revamping the system and integrating it into a hub instead of separate apps.

Let's see how that rolls out.

 

[DR3AM]

I found a #lifehack

When you play Starfield and the game loads every 10 seconds, you can do your searches in between the loading screens.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Nonsense. The only thing changing due to scripts or whatnot is the cooldown period. The removal of the Xbox rewards app, achievements down to 5 points and the reduction in daily points from 10/5 to 2/1 is just Microsoft being petty. Right up there with trying to yank Game Pass from MS employees. $2+ trillion company is pinching pennies.

Yes, its why they are a 2 trillion+ company because they pull as many skanks as possible. Its why they are as big as they are by doing these moves. That's why any business that offers something good, like gamepass without price hikes, I enjoy for as much as I can because it won't stay that way forever.

Look at any business, any of them. All skank! lol

 

[Topher]

Yes, its why they are a 2 trillion+ company because they pull as many skanks as possible. Its why they are as big as they are by doing these moves. That's why any business that offers something good, like gamepass without price hikes, I enjoy for as much as I can because it won't stay that way forever.

Look at any business, any of them. All skank! lol

 

[Sorcerer]

I could have sworn Phil once declared he didn't care how you paid for Gamepass (including reward points). He just wanted people on it.
I wonder if Phil has internal battles with Nadella. Darth Vader consulting with the Emperor.
How many of these ideas are Phil authentic? Or does Phil come back from meetings with his shoulders slumped looking at the ground. He seems like a defeated man lately.
Maybe Phil should leave MS, do a Kickstarter for Philbox.

 

[ReBurn]

Yes, its why they are a 2 trillion+ company because they pull as many skanks as possible. Its why they are as big as they are by doing these moves. That's why any business that offers something good, like gamepass without price hikes, I enjoy for as much as I can because it won't stay that way forever.

Look at any business, any of them. All skank! lol

I don't recommend pulling skanks unless you use protection.

 

[Three]

Look, say what you want but it's obvious that tons of people were running scripts and actually cheating this system. Microsoft are absolutely allowed to close up a loop hole and ban people that they know are gaming the system. Just a shame that its fucked it for all of us.

How long has the system been going until now? scripts weren't invented yesterday. By all means ban people who have apparently been "cheating" the system. Why reduce the rewards though, just ban the so called cheaters.

You can make an excuse for literally anything this way to avoid the fact that it's someone trying to get more money. Taxes go up 50% tomorrow, must be because of all those tax evaders cheating the system ruining it for everyone. Price of electricity goes up 16%, must be due to electricity theft bypassing meters. Just stop those things, dont use it as an excuse to make it shit for everyone.

 

[ReBurn]

I could have sworn Phil once declared he didn't care how you paid for Gamepass (including reward points). He just wanted people on it.
I wonder if Phil has internal battles with Nadella. Darth Vader consulting with the Emperor.
How many of these ideas are Phil authentic? Or does Phil come back from meetings with his shoulders slumped looking at the ground. He seems like a defeated man lately.
Maybe Phil should leave MS, do a Kickstarter for Philbox.

I doubt that Phil is the one driving the cuts to reward points across the program. Most of the ways to redeem points are not gaming related. The ability to redeem points for game pass ultimate still exists as of right now, so I'm not even sure why people are making it about Phil.

Microsoft is definitely cracking down on blatant farming. They probably never envisioned the program as a way to just give away money. I can't see how the program is worth whatever they're spending on it.

 

[Sorcerer]

I doubt that Phil is the one driving the cuts to reward points across the program. Most of the ways to redeem points are not gaming related. The ability to redeem points for game pass ultimate still exists as of right now, so I'm not even sure why people are making it about Phil.

Microsoft is definitely cracking down on blatant farming. They probably never envisioned the program as a way to just give away money. I can't see how the program is worth whatever they're spending on it.

I can only imagine it was a sort of bride to keep you on the Edge Browser or Internet Explorer at the time. It is Microsoft, so initially they probably had no problem bankrolling huge losses for the short term, but it never panned out in their favor. But like I mentioned most probably do hit and runs, get the points, switch back to Chrome or Firefox.

 

[Sushi_Combo]

So anti-consumer of them to nerf this. I quite enjoy doing my Bing dailies.

 

[ReBurn]

I can only imagine it was a sort of bride to keep you on the Edge Browser or Internet Explorer at the time. It is Microsoft, so initially they probably had no problem bankrolling huge losses for the short term, but it never panned out in their favor. But like I mentioned most probably do hit and runs, get the points, switch back to Chrome or Firefox.

That's what drove a chunk of points. You got a bonus for using Edge, which they ended a week or so ago. They also give points for using Bing as your search provider in a different mobile browser. Definitely a way to lure you over and hope you don't switch back to the default.

 

[reinking]

They probably never envisioned the program as a way to just give away money. I can't see how the program is worth whatever they're spending on it.

I think Bing made over 10 billion in ad revenue last year. I would think at least a portion of that ad revenue was driven by rewards. I wonder if many people will leave Bing as the rewards dry up? I know I am. As I mentioned earlier, I had it set as my default start page because it was easy to click through the top stories for reward points, With the delay, it is not worth it. They might be getting push back from advertisers about engagement. Even with me not using a bot, I don't stick around more than a second for about 90% of the stories I click on,

 

[graywolf323]

Using the rest of my points for an amazon voucher that i'll use to buy a PSN card

sadly that doesn't work anymore, basically all stores stopped letting you use gift cards to buy other gift cards in the past month or two

 

[bender]

I found a #lifehack

When you play Starfield and the game loads every 10 seconds, you can do your searches in between the loading screens.

But then you'd have to play Starfield.

 

[ReBurn]

I think Bing made over 10 billion in ad revenue last year. I would think at least a portion of that ad revenue was driven by rewards. I wonder if many people will leave Bing as the rewards dry up? I know I am. As I mentioned earlier, I had it set as my default start page because it was easy to click through the top stories for reward points, With the delay, it is not worth it. They might be getting push back from advertisers about engagement. Even with me not using a bot, I don't stick around more than a second for about 90% of the stories I click on,

I imagine advertisers that are paying for impressions but aren't getting egagement because people click off before they see ads aren't happy. The delay might keep people on pages longer but I think a lot of people just won't care to spend time doing it any more.

 

[CatLady]

I'm just going to subscribe selectively from now on using my rewards points. So if Avowed comes out next year, for example, then I'll burn some points for GP while I play and then let my sub lapse. Otherwise I'll use my points for Amazon gift cards.

Well, I'm good until mid 2026 (thank you Xbox Rewards), but after that your plan sounds like it could be a good idea.

 

[CatLady]

The 6 seconds cooldown means you have to waste 15 minutes to get 150 points

Safe to say that this program is dead.

3 minutes NOT 15. I can handle that for $180 worth of GPU plus Amazon or Walmart gift certificates a year with little to no extra effort on my part.
Although not nearly as good as digital trophies or customer service as rewards.

 

[adamsapple]

But then you'd have to play Starfield.

 

[CatLady]

November was the first full month without the shopping game and I'm ending it at 22.5K. That's about an $25 XBL gift card. Not diverting them to GPU since I'm already topped to 2026.

What's the shopping game and where do you find it?

 

[CatLady]

I guess they added the delayed search in the US too? I stopped chasing the rewards some time ago but I was still launching Bing as my search because I could click through the front-page stories pretty quickly and let the points build over time. I noticed it was not loading points for each story I clicked. Welp. It was fun but I will change my default back to google.

Years ago I changed my search engine from Google to Live (previous name for Bing) I hate Google it gives more results than Bing and most are irrelevant. Plus Google is such a shady company. I usually go through all the Bing news stories every morning anyway to see what's going on in the world so it's not like I have to do anything extra to get those points.

 

[SEGAvangelist]

My account should be safe. Sorry not sorry for the account bans.

 

[adamsapple]

What's the shopping game and where do you find it?

It's gone now. You could get 100 points daily in a little s hopping game where they give you 3 items and you tell them which one has the lowest price, you could just either open those product pages or some enterprising people made a script that would do it for you.

 

[BigLee74]

I'm just going to subscribe selectively from now on using my rewards points. So if Avowed comes out next year, for example, then I'll burn some points for GP while I play and then let my sub lapse. Otherwise I'll use my points for Amazon gift cards.

Selective subscription is no good for me, because I like my MP shooters. So I'm at LEAST gonna have to subscribe to core in the months I'm not ultimate.

Meh.

 

[bender]

More nerfs today on Bing activities, now 2 points was 10.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Nah, I don't need to validate anything. I know what my routine consists of. Doubt what you don't understand if you need to. But yes, very well could be the changes will make none of this worth the while regardless of the level of effort.

I might be full of shit here, in that case I take the L on the counting of points. It always "seemed" to me as too good to be true not to be a job where you actually spend a lot more time than planned for MS to pay all this money.

Like:

 

[Unknown Soldier]

I thought it was easy and effortless! Seriously, I've seen loads of these type of comments from people who are relieved to be set free.

Today's reminder these are probably the same people who refuse to play mobile games because they want you to log in daily and do stuff, the irony is always delicious

 

[Topher]

I might be full of shit here, in that case I take the L on the counting of points. It always "seemed" to me as too good to be true not to be a job where you actually spend a lot more time than planned for MS to pay all this money.

Like:

lol....funny comic. I'd say the fact that it is ridiculously easy to get these points is why the program has been extremely popular. MS seems to think these points are too easy to get as well with all their recent shenanigans. Oh well. It was nice while it lasted.

I'll keep a look out for the flashing prize signs.

 

[adamsapple]

lol....funny comic. I'd say the fact that it is ridiculously easy to get these points is why the program has been extremely popular. MS seems to think these points are too easy to get as well with all their recent shenanigans. Oh well. It was nice while it lasted.

I'll keep a look out for the flashing prize signs.

Don't give up just yet, Mr. Frodo.

I'm at 550~ points today after all the recent-cutbacks and edge removal. I'm still projecting north of 20k points by the end of the month with the weekly/monthly quests.

 

[Topher]

Don't give up just yet, Mr. Frodo.

I'm at 550~ points today after all the recent-cutbacks and edge removal. I'm still projecting north of 20k points by the end of the month with the weekly/monthly quests.

I know you can still get points. I really just don't feel like supporting the program anymore. Microsoft are being dicks.

 

[Hestar69]

You have to wait 5 or 6 seconds between bing searches now :/

yupp for searches on web AND mobile..It's so tedious to do now.. so not only lowering everything making it harder to get...Trash move by microsoft honestly