Microsoft’s Xbox One has had a very successful launch, but it hasn’t been without its problems. As we covered recently, some Xbox One users have experienced faulty disk drives on their machines. However, according to a report by IGN, Microsoft might be offering a consolation to anyone with a malfunctioning Xbox One.
The article, linked above, indicates that a free digital game will be issued to the affected users. This is limited to ‘one of the launch titles published by Microsoft Studios.’ They are; Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome and Zoo Tycoon.
However, call me skeptical but if you are one of the unlucky few with a broken Xbox One, I wouldn’t get your hopes up just yet. There are a few important details that need to be clarified. The following is a direct quotation of IGN’s article; ‘Microsoft is offering a free first-party game to some Xbox One users affected by hardware problems.’ Problem number one is highlighted there; ‘some’. Is that intentionally vague, or do we not know whether everyone will be gifted a game? In addition, it only mentions ‘hardware’ faults, such as a broken disc tray.
Does this mean that if there’s a software problem with your console, you’re excluded from the free game club? Even more questions arise when you dig deeper; “While a replacement console is on its way, we want to ensure our advance exchange customers can stay in the game.” That was a snippet of Microsoft’s statement contained in IGN’s post. See the problem? Well, it’s highlighted so I’d certainly hope so. It only mentions users that have chosen the ‘advance exchange’ system.
For those that are unfamiliar with the advance exchange procedure, here is an article that covers it. It sounds like a good idea, but it requires a down-payment before the new console is sent and before a refund is issued. This means that in order to be a part of the advance exchange service, (which may or may not exclusively get a free digital game) you need to have enough spare cash to fork out for two Xbox Ones at the same time.
Now, as I said, I may just be too skeptical here. It’s entirely possible that Microsoft will give anyone with an Xbox One that has any kind of fault a free digital game. On the other hand, it doesn’t hurt to be suspicious until concrete evidence is provided.
- This article was updated on March 8th, 2018
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