Thanks to the growing prevalence of entertainment app culture in technology, Microsoft changed the way it handled user software accumulation. No longer were people wanting to go to individual websites to download applications and software, they wanted a centralized place where companies could upload content for user convenience. Thus came the Microsoft Store, the Windows equivalent of Apple’s App Store, where users can go to download new and essential apps for their Windows PC, and entertainment products like movies and video games for their Xbox and other gaming devices. Suffice to say, using a Microsoft product one way or another, brings users back to the Store.
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Microsoft has started sending out gift cards to random users just in time for the holiday season. Wario64, a deal announcer on Twitter, reported on the promotion, though never actually received a gift card themselves. According to them, users are receiving gift cards in their e-mails from the Microsoft Store that are being upwards of $100 in value. “Here’s $100 to start your holiday shopping,” the subject line reads for those hoping to find this lucky gift in their inbox.
As mentioned, the Microsoft Store is a hub for all types of software in the Microsoft ecosystem including games, apps, movies, and more. That said, these gift cards can be used with the Microsoft Store online, on Windows, and on Xbox, so even if not a PC owner, users can still redeem it on their Xbox or even put it toward a new Microsoft device if they desire. For those looking to buy a new Xbox game like Forza Horizon 5 or the upcoming Halo Infinite, it’s going to set them back at least $60 unless they purchase a subscription to Game Pass. As a disclaimer, these gift cards can also be used towards Game Pass, with $100 getting players about 6 months of Ultimate.
There is not much more to say about this promotion, other than best of luck and hope to get lucky. Considering all the ways a Microsoft Store card can be used, it is a pretty valuable chunk of change that Microsoft is just randomly giving out. Microsoft has made a point in recent years of showing how important its players and developers are to its success, with Microsoft increasing developer shares on the Store earlier this year, for example. This is just another example of Microsoft thinking of its consumers, and keeping them coming back for more.
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