Gamers rejoice as Microsoft quashes exploitative packaging strategies
In an effort to maintain a fair and enjoyable digital storefront, Microsoft is taking action against bundle spamming in the Xbox section of the Microsoft Store. Bundle spamming, a practice where developers or publishers create multiple bundles that combine different platform SKUs (stock keeping units) of the same game without meaningful differentiation in content, is now forbidden.
For instance, bundling Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC versions of a game together despite these versions having largely identical content is considered bundle spamming. This practice is intended to maximize digital shelf space and manipulate the store’s search results by cluttering the storefront with near-duplicate bundles.
The Impact of Bundle Spamming
Bundle spamming has several negative effects. It confuses players who see multiple similar bundles and struggle to understand the differences or pick the right version. Additionally, it manipulates the visibility and search results in the Xbox Store, giving unfair advantages to certain bundles by overcrowding the digital storefront with redundant entries. This leads to complaints from both developers and consumers due to degraded browsing experiences and marketplace clutter.
Moreover, bundle spamming potentially harms the overall store ecosystem quality, making it harder for users to discover genuine, well-differentiated products.
New Guidelines for Bundles
To address these issues, Microsoft has set new developer guidelines. Bundles must provide clear differentiation, for example, distinct editions like Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate, or offer meaningful technical enhancements (such as better resolution or frame rates) to be allowed.
Microsoft’s aim is to preserve a fair, clear, and enjoyable browsing environment by removing or not enabling bundles that appear to manipulate the store or confuse customers. This move is part of Microsoft's broader efforts to clean up the Microsoft Store significantly.
By pushing developers to make games Xbox Play Anywhere titles, Microsoft can further crack down on bundle spamming and easy Gamerscore stacking. This will ensure a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for all users.
[1] Microsoft Developer Blog: https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2021/05/21/xbox-store-improvements-for-developers/
[3] Microsoft Developer Center: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/gaming/store/policies/bundles
[5] Xbox Wire: https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/05/21/xbox-store-improvements-for-developers/
- Despite the multiple versions of a game available on Xbox Series X, PC, and Windows, Microsoft forbids developers from bundling them together if the content remains largely identical, as it is deemed bundle spamming.
- The new guidelines issued by Microsoft for bundles require them to provide clear differentiation, such as distinct editions or technical enhancements, to prevent manipulation in the Xbox Store and ensure a fair user experience.
- Microsoft's aim in addressing bundle spamming and gamerscore stacking through Xbox Play Anywhere titles is to create a more streamlined and user-friendly digital storefront for gamers on various devices like smartphones, PC, and Xbox devices.
- Bundle spamming not only clutters the Xbox Store, but it also undermines the overall store ecosystem quality, making it difficult for users to discover genuine and well-differentiated products.
- By focusing on fighting bundle spamming and gamerscore stacking, Microsoft is making significant strides in improving the Xbox Store, providing updates, and working towards a more enjoyable digital gaming experience for all.
