We've got a new feature for Xbox Rewards / Microsoft Rewards! From now on, you'll receive some special Xbox Rewards benefits when you get to the week of your birthday, including a "birthday gift" that can be redeemed.
This was first spotted by Rewards users yesterday, and confirmed by Xbox employee Brenna Duffitt as something that's totally brand-new — this past Monday marked its debut. Here's a look at the message players are getting:
Duffitt says this "birthday gift" feature is something that was "a shocking amount of work" and that she and her team are "super excited to finally release it". As you can see, not only are you getting the main gift itself, but also the ability to earn 2x Xbox Rewards points on everything you purchase during the week of your birthday.
In terms of what the actual main birthday gift is though, Xbox seemingly wants to keep it a surprise for now. It appears to be some kind of points reward, accessible via a banner at the top of the Xbox Rewards Hub that will have a picture of a cupcake with the words "Happy Birthday" next to it. As long as you claim the gift during your birthday week, you'll receive the reward for it the following week.
"During your birthday week (Monday - Sunday), eligible Rewards members will receive a special birthday gift. You can earn 2x Rewards points on eligible games and add-ons purchased from the Store during this week. The points earned during this time can be claimed the week following your birthday. Check the Rewards hub to see what's available for you."
This is a nice little addition that we're grateful to see being rolled out for Xbox Rewards, and we'll certainly be claiming our birthday gifts when they arise. Just keep in mind that some regions may not be applicable for the new feature — Microsoft has yet to outline who will be getting it, but it's definitely showing up in the US and here in the UK.