Microsoft bans exploitative devs from “selling” Gamerscore on Xbox and bundle spamming the store — gamers rejoice

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In simpler terms, the Microsoft Store on Xbox will soon eliminate the issue where gamers have to sift through multiple copies of the same game while browsing. This bothersome practice known as “bundle spamming” is being addressed by new policies from Microsoft, which is excellent news for many gamers and developers alike.

In simpler terms, the Microsoft Store contains many similar game packages that make it look messy and prevent newly released games from remaining in the “What’s New” section of the store.

As a analyst, I am confident that the recent policy updates, coupled with a renewed focus on existing regulations, will undoubtedly result in a substantial improvement and tidying-up of the Microsoft Store experience for users.

A Microsoft email sent to developers states:

Following an examination, Microsoft found that offering packages tailored for various platforms but filled with similar content (in an effort to expand digital display area) goes against Section 3 of the Developer Code of Conduct. This is because such bundles can mislead players and potentially manipulate search results for a specific game.

Starting from now, we won’t allow game bundles that include multiple versions (SKUs) of the same game for different platforms. Also, any attempts to tamper with search results on our store could lead to the removal or rejection of these bundles.

In my analysis, I’ve observed that these changes aim to streamline our store by reducing confusion and decluttering it. Additionally, they seem designed to minimize the potential for developers to influence shoppers in a manner that could be perceived as manipulative.

In simpler terms, True Achievements highlighted key requirements mentioned in the email for featuring a bundle on the Microsoft Store.

  • Bundles should not consist solely of different SKUs of the same game (e.g., Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox PC versions) unless there is meaningful differentiation in content
  • Meaningful differentiation includes editions such as Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate, where each provides unique or additional content, as well as cases where the distinct platform versions have notable differences, such as resolution or frame rate
  • A single product with similar or minimally differentiated bundles taking up an excessive number of slots in new releases, search results, or other Store channels is not permitted
  • Multiple product bundles in which the platform is the only thing unique between two bundles of the same content are not permitted
  • Visual and content differentiation should be clear to avoid customer confusion and Store clutter
  • Do not create bundles with the sole (or perceived) intent to manipulate discounting cooldown periods, search results, or other discovery mechanisms, or to manipulate in any way the operation of the Store

Purchasing bundles can offer gamers the optimal experience of a game. Whether it’s a classic title enhanced with additional downloadable content (DLC), or a fresh release featuring extra features in a “Ultimate” edition, these packages are crucial for avid gamers to access and enjoy.

Manipulating the system by developers to inflate digital marketplaces, bypass Xbox Play Anywhere, and boost sales through deceptive means undermines fair bundles beneficial for both users and creators.

What is bundle spamming?

Developers might employ bundle flooding as a strategy, where they launch multiple game bundles featuring various product codes (SKUs) of the same game on digital marketplaces.

For instance, a single game might show up in a store’s inventory multiple times, with distinct listings for various Xbox models, and also in a few bundle deals featuring specific console editions.

Initially, it might seem like an understandable approach, as individuals often prefer buying games on particular platforms. However, the practice of bundle spamming intentionally splits game listings to occupy more space in a store, which can be misleading and inconvenient for consumers. To improve this situation, developers should employ more effective methods when showcasing multiple versions of their games.

Developers often employ the tactic called “bundle spamming,” which is generally not viewed as positive or desirable for several reasons.

As a researcher exploring retail strategies, I’ve noticed that a tactic predating Xbox, one which maximizes shelf space, is quite prevalent in grocery stores. Certain items within these establishments are not designed for stacking neatly, thereby requiring their containers to be arranged side-by-side, thus occupying more room on the shelves.

Sometimes you’ll see very similar products from the same company sold alongside each other.

While it might seem similar to offer multiple types of snacks versus bundling various games, there’s a significant distinction between the two. For instance, as a devoted snack enthusiast, I can attest that there is a meaningful difference between Double Stuf and Mega Stuf Oreos, with Double Stuf being the superior choice.

While marketing various types of Oreos or other snacks might appear analogous to bundling games, there’s a notable disparity between the two practices. For example, as a dedicated snack lover, I can confidently assert that Double Stuf Oreos are superior to Mega Stuf Oreos.

The key here is that different listings need to be meaningfully different.

It might appear self-evident, but the current situation contradicts that notion. For quite some time, the Xbox storefront has been grappling with an ongoing issue, and the fact that it’s finally being addressed has sparked widespread enthusiasm within the gaming community.

Developers who frequently engage in bundle spamming, a practice that isn’t exclusively tied to selling Gamerscore, often also employ simple achievements as a marketing strategy for their games.

This can be rephrased as: “This practice is often referred to as ‘buying’ Gamerscore, because players can accumulate points with minimal effort, primarily by purchasing a game. Previously, developers found it simple to release multiple versions of the same game, thus providing an easy route for earning Gamerscore.

Microsoft could effectively combat bundle spamming and simple methods of boosting Gamerscore by compelling developers to create Xbox Play Anywhere titles that are interchangeable across platforms.

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2025-08-13 01:10