Should Xbox Games Pass Adding Games Be Allowed as Deals?

So this was briefly discussed in the 2019 site suggestions thread

today a game was added and it has created a lot of heated debate on the actual post.
At the suggestion of Neil i have created a thread for all to discuss this

My Thoughts:
XGP adding games is no different from Spotify adding an album or Netflix adding a series or movie
You pay the subscription and if some thing is added its not a deal
if you can get the subscription cheap, now that's a deal

Lets try and play nice in this forum
everyone's opinion matters even if it does not match your own


Mod

  • Users who wish to block "Additions to Subscription Services" can do so by adding SUBS to their front page customisation.
  • Moderators & Power Users will add [SUBS] to any deals that fall under additions to Subscription Services.
  • Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus are considered additions to subscription services. Playstation Plus and Games with Gold are not considered additions to subscription services as you need to claim/"buy them". We will tag any other services that may fall under these deals.
  • A reminder of how to block these kind of deals will be added to deals for a short term period, just as we do with targeted offers.
  • In the near future, the filter will apply to the new deals page along with the current front page. Filter now works with new deals page. My Account - Edit - Deals

Poll Options expired

  • 230
    YES
  • 368
    NO

Related Stores

Xbox
Xbox

Comments

  • We have discussed this thread and the steps forward.

    • Users who wish to block "Additions to Subscription Services" can do so by adding SUBS to their front page customisation.
    • Moderators & Power Users will add [SUBS] to any deals that fall under additions to Subscription Services.
    • Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus are considered additions to subscription services. Playstation Plus and Games with Gold are not considered additions to subscription services as you need to claim/"buy them". We will tag any other services that may fall under these deals.
    • A reminder of how to block these kind of deals will be added to deals for a short term period, just as we do with targeted offers.
    • In the near future, the filter will apply to the new deals page along with the current front page.
    • Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus

      Might wanna add "and similar" to that line, to stop people having issues with sub services in the near future

      Or:

      • Playstation Plus and Games with Gold are not considered additions to subscription services as you need to claim/"buy them". All other services (eg Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, SBS On-Demand, and similar) are considered additions to subscription services.

      Sorry to nit-pick, but when there's a grey area, people will find it!

    • Please note the filter now applies to the new deals page. Settings are located in My Account - Edit - Deals.

    • A reminder of how to block these kind of deals will be added to deals for a short term period, just as we do with targeted offers.

      Nearly 18 months later, still need to ensure it's in the deal post, and deal posts are still plastered with negs just because of being a SUBS post…

      Thoughts?

      • We have discussed it and our preference is not to enact any further moderation in regards to negative votes on these types of deals. Our preference is to leave it up to the community.

        Your deal posted, [SUBS, Prime] The Tomorrow War @ Amazon Prime Video had 332 positive and 53 negative, a net vote count of 279. The negative votes had no effect on front page visibility, new deals visibility or any posting limitations for you or the store.

        • I know mine got there in the end, and it's a good thing I have a backbone, because if someone did post something like that which received so much hate, claims of being a shill, etc etc, they likely wouldn't bother posting anything again. When posts like that are allowed from a mod point of view, with a disclaimer in the post itself, but then the countless "not a deal", "why should I have to block posts out like this", etc etc comments come along, it's frustrating.

          Put it this way, there's a good reason why I don't have a single comment on that post.

  • +13

    should just be PSA

    • +7

      These are definitely not deals but some people like these notification type posts so maybe we need a new section in addition to Deals & Forums where you can get a stream of notable subscription service offerings. Really need the admins to get these off the deals section somehow.

      • Until then though I think they should stay deals. I often buy a month when there are games I want, so it's kinda a deal for me

  • +10

    I'm confused. Don't we usually have a monthly Playstation Plus deal on new games being added? Isn't this effectively the same thing or how is it different to warrant one being posted and the other not?

    • +10

      Nor should they be

      • +14

        Playstation Plus and Games with Gold games need to be "bought" when they're free or you won't have access to them later so those posts are slightly more useful.

        • +1

          I agree with that difference. It's a very important one.

          Still, we don't need them here imo.

          Forums are far better for it.

    • +8

      The issue here is the double standards. Ok you allow all these PSN+ and Gamepass posts but if someone dares use the same logic to call out on your shit and posts a Netflix/Disney Plus post it's not allowed and you call it trolling? Get the hell out of here.

      • +2

        Of course it's trolling. All the posts removed for trolling were posted after the GTA5 deal, and used reasoning of "oh, if that's allowed, I'm posting this". They didn't hide the fact they were trolling

      • How about only allowing PSN and Gamepass as deals but banning the rest (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc) as deals?

        • +3

          How about being consistent.

          • @scuderiarmani: Your suggestion is?

            • +4

              @neil: Perhaps follow the Poll here? Pretty clear whose it favouring.

              My suggestion would be a dedicated games post in the forum.

              Announcements get in the way of deals that save people money. The reason why people come here.

        • +9

          how about removing the free themes posts too. they are useless. or list them as under games only not in front page. most people here are after bargains not themes for ps4 lol its annoying.
          there is so many free themes there is a link that shows all full free themes. its not needed as its not a bargain. their worth nothing.

        • +2

          I can see it may not seem consistent but i do find the Gamepass deals more useful than Netflix and other sites. I have subscriptions with all of them but with netflix and stan etc, they seem to be better well advertised and i seem to always find out on whats out recently etc while with gamepass, i dont find out as easily plus i wonder if its because a lot of times its AAA pricey titles that are released on gamepass. I dont really know if i agree or disagree, its a tough one.

          • +2

            @lonewolf: I do agree with lonewolf, they are more useful than any Netflix/Disney+/Stan etc. This is how I typically find out what's worthwhile and new on Gamepass.

        • How about only allowing PSN and Gamepass as deals but banning the rest (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc) as deals?

          You mean PSN and XBOX Live right? Those are the ones where you need to be on top of it monthly to claim them. Gamepass is similar to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. where it has a rotating roster of games and you have no need to claim anything.

          @Lonewolf

          I have subscriptions with all of them but with netflix and stan etc, they seem to be better well advertised and i seem to always find out on whats out recently etc while with gamepass, i dont find out as easily

          Download the GamePass app, they give you a notification on your phone/tablet whenever a new game is added or removed and as soon as you open the app you are presented with a "Recently added" section.

  • +11

    No, with all the services adding and removing new titles all the time would just clog up the deals page.

    Having a section for it would be better.

  • +19

    My suggestion: all future game pass deals should be posted with a title tag (e.g [XPASS]).

    For those with no interest can simply filter game pass deals, the same way you filter deals exclusive to other states.

    There's clearly a lot of interest in game pass deals (judging by the amount of upvotes on the GTA 5 post and past posts).

    • +2

      Wait up, you can filter words? I’ve asked this question on basically every PS4 theme post and still have no clue how.

      Also, as a game pass member I would still like to see game pass related deals, I just don’t really care about seeing deals about which games get added. I already have multiple other sources for that.

      • You can filter deals with certain tags (e.g [PS4]).

        Go to your profile > edit > deals > Add a Title Tag.

        • Ah, so you still can’t filter the actual tags, it’s a title tag in brackets. I would still like [PS4], just would like the option to get rid of PS4 themes. I finally understand why the commas between multiple title tags.

          Edit: nevermind. Tag filters is only for front page filtering. I want to filter deals out of my notifications just because I follow gaming.

          • +1

            @SlappersOnly: Yeah, it'd be nice if notifications/subscriptions got a bit of an overhaul. Would be nice to see some increased functionality and not having to subscribe to an entire category.

            • @Harold Halfprice: You can subscribe to stores, users, keywords, front page deals, front page comps.

  • +35

    I have no issue with XGP or PS+ monthly releases being posted. Those who are vehemently outraged about it can scroll past or hide the deals.

    To those saying 'should we post every Netflix update then?', if it is a monthly thing then I don't see why not if people feel so inclined. I don't have it so it doesn't bother me so I would scroll through and move on with my life.

    To those saying these releases aren't a bargain, I think in the case of PS+ and its games there's something good about getting more games every month as it can be argued that one of the main functions of PS+ is to allow online play. For those who don't check gaming news every day/week/month, I reckon they would be even less likely to check the forums (where many are suggesting they get posted).

    Of the thousands of deals being posted every month, are 2 deals (assuming 1 each from Xbox/PS) really worth all this anger?

    There's obviously an audience for it given the number of + votes. It's similar to the McDonald's posts in November when the initial post had all the daily deals listed and people had posts typed up and ready for publish at 12:00:01am each morning just to remind the community/farm free + votes (depending on your point of view) and that was allowed and seemed appreciated looking at the votes.

    It just seems like some people really enjoy playing the part of keyboard warrior where they see something they don't like and they must absolutely convince everyone in the world they are right and all who oppose them are to be abused.

    Like it? Enjoy!

    Don't like it? Keep scrolling.

    • +5

      the rules are not for us. the rules are the make mods' lives easier by lessening their workload. if people posted whatever they wanted and took on your mantra of 'Don't like it? Keep scrolling.' then the site would be filled with crap. try this: sit on your device and keep refreshing ozbargain. see how many deals get removed daily.

      saying that users of this website can't have a voice isn't very helpful as scotty has made it very clear over the years that this website relies on its users and takes their feedback into account.

      • the rules are not for us

        The guidelines are for everyone to abide by and 'enforce' where necessary. If it is allowed to remain published then it is within the guidelines that it can be posted. Stuff not within the guidelines (drugs/adult material/lasers?) get unpublished for not meeting guidelines. Guidelines get updated as necessary and when appropriate.

        then the site would be filled with crap.

        Your definition of crap would be? Something that doesn't appeal to just you?

        saying that users of this website can't have a voice

        I haven't said that. I'm saying that there is an appreciation for the posts in questions (looking at votes) so those who can't tolerate it can probably move on and leave those who benefit from the posts to enjoy them.

        • +4

          positive votes dont require a comment. which means that you can't be sure why people are positive voting unless they explain in comments. the negative votes are clear: added material to a paid library should not constitute a deal, as it is an announcement. in the past, mods have allowed the deals to stay up for a day or so and garner positive votes, then they have moved to forums. this time, they haven't. clearly, there's suddenly been a change to the way the website works without announcement.

          • @belongsinforums:

            positive votes dont require a comment.

            The point of the + is to acknowledge/recognise that the deal is good. Comments to justify could be 'spammy' or generic. What do you want people to say?

            I like this deal?
            Good deal?

            I'm not sure the above would contribute much more than the simple + vote.

            The negative vote is to draw attention to problems e.g. not the cheapest price, major problem with retailer (accepts payment but does not deliver) and so a comment is necessary to explain the issue.

    • +3

      I think you might be confusing Xbox Gold with Xbox Game pass.
      Xbox Gold is similar to PlayStation Plus. It’s primarily so you play online. As a bonus you also get a handful of games “to keep” each month.
      Xbox game pass is more like Netflix. You pay a subscription fee each month to have access to a library of games. You’re correct in that the former will only get 1 post a month however with the former it would mean whenever a new game is added someone can post it. This is the complaint from today’s post.

      • I think you might be confusing Xbox Gold with Xbox Game pass.

        I am not sure I have but wording could have been clearer to differentiate Gold and Game Pass.

        I find it unlikely that XGP will have weekly/daily releases so it should be unlikely to pose a similar issue on OzBargain where we are 'flooded' with XGP deals. It seems silly to do it so frequently as Microsoft would run out of games to release a lot sooner.

        • +1

          Here's the December additions:

          Halo: Reach via Halo: The Master Chief Collection (4 December)
          My Friend Pedro (5 December)
          Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker (5 December)
          Demon’s Tilt (6 December)
          Wandersong (6 December)
          eFootball PES 2020 (12 December)
          Overcooked 2 (12 December)
          Pathologic 2 (12 December)
          Tom Clancy’s The Division (12 December)
          The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (19 December)

          Do we really need a deal for each of those? There's no time limitation in claiming any of those games (unlike XBL/PS+ monthly titles) and they are included in the service you are directly paying for (unlike XBL/PS+ where you primarily pay for online play)

    • +4

      It just seems like some people really enjoy playing the part of keyboard warrior where they see something they don't like and they must absolutely convince everyone in the world they are right and all who oppose them are to be abused.

      110%. Happens every so often with the eBay sales and price jacking.

      • +1

        Happens every so often with the eBay sales and price jacking.

        All the time. And then we get posts asking where the deals have gone when there are no codes. People will always find a way to be frustrated.

        • +1

          I bet those same people are going to be more than happy to take advantage of this deal and see no issue with it. I can already see it being OzBargain'd in a bad way.

  • -5

    I feel like it's just some salty fan boys honestly can't stand seeing Xbox have wins like this

    • +19

      That, in itself, is a defensive fanboy thing to say.

    • +12

      As an Xbox owner, no. They shouldn't be deals, as they aren't. They are something included with a subscription you are paying for, as op said, just like Netflix.

      • As someone with Gamepass I just use the app to see all the recent additions, it's the first thing you are presented with when you open it. You also get notifications on your phone when new games are added.

    • As a long time game pass member I just don’t want to see posts turned into a situation where all subscription additions are a deal (uPlay+, origin access, Xbox game pass etc). Especially if they then start making seperate posts about what games are then leaving the supscription.

  • +7

    Gotta love how people get so 'passionate' behind their neg votes, and either a) don't post/contribute in any other way, b) only participate on here by neg voting, and are just doing it to be sheep, or c) have prior history of posting "free Xbox Live Gold games" but suddenly have a change of conscience.

    As has been said, if you don't like it just move on. Enough people voted it up that it says in itself, the community thinks it to be a deal (a front page one at that).

    And in the future, if there's a deal you like, throw a pos vote on it to encourage deal posters to contribute. Or contribute one yourself.

    Sick of the silent minority having the loudest voices. There's a few Karens around here, that's for sure.

    • +1

      So now you are calling everyone you don't agree with sheep again?

      That's abuse.

      Referring to me indirectly AGAIN too.

      • No, people are perfectly entitled to not agree with me.

        The sheep have neg voted on that deal 'because others have'. Most, if not all, haven't given 2 shits about past similar deals and haven't voted on them at all.

        Or there's people like you who have posted deals for Free Games with Gold before, and felt the need to harass this poster. Why? Who knows. Some might say that's abuse and harassment.

        • +1

          And again. Calling people sheep. That's ABUSE.

          Never harassed the poster. Don't make up rubbish to suit you.

          I've caught you out for repeatedly abusing others.

          Call me Karen again. Call me a hypocrite again. Call me a sheep again.

          4 years ago I posted a deal. I've negged most of the recent posts.

          • -7

            @scuderiarmani: 😂 Calling people sheep is abuse? Oh dear, good luck to you if you are genuinely abused by someone.

            You have harassed the poster. You've specifically negged their post without previously down voting other posts of similar nature (Free games with gold, ps+, or other game pass additions). Last I checked, that's targeted harassment and bullying.

            Though you've already shown yourself to be a hypocrite with the vote, of course you'll continue to be hypocritical 😂

            • +4

              @spackbace: Already had a post deleted for calling people sheep. You've already called me several names.

              Now you are still making up lies.

              I've told you I've negged those deals before. Why don't you stalk those? Cause it doesn't suit you?

              Negging isn't harassing. Best you keep off the internet.

              Sick of catching you out for lying.

              • +2

                @scuderiarmani:

                Already had a post deleted for calling people sheep.

                Where? Last I checked, my comments remain. 3 comments in here calling people like you sheep, 2 in the original post, none deleted.

                Sick of catching you out for lying.

                Where?

                • +1

                  @spackbace: I had a post of mine deleted for calling someone that.

                  You said I don't neg other similar deals, I do. I'm not a sheep.

                  • @scuderiarmani: Congrats, if you feel it breaches a rule, report them.

                    But newsflash, it doesn't.

          • +1

            @scuderiarmani: Calling people sheep is abuse? Tell that to the Android fanboys whenever Apple comes up.

            • @smartazz104: Tell that to the moderator who deleted my post for abuse. Pretty sure that's what I actually was referring to in the post…

              • +1

                @scuderiarmani: So open a TWAM rather than guessing. No one here knows about your imaginary post or the contents within, only you and mods.

                • @spackbace: The sheep reference was in relation to apple from memory, cant think of any other reason I'd say it, who cares anyway, it was still deleted for abuse.

                  • -1

                    @scuderiarmani: Sure it was…

                    I too could create imaginary evidence to try to further an argument, I just choose not to 😂

                    • @spackbace: Careful. It’s 2020 and every year people get even more offended. Imagine when it’s 2030 when you breathe people want to sue you

                  • @scuderiarmani: We have no record of that. There was however a personal attack on another user but certainly not as you describe.

                    Found it, was a separate incident from last month.

                    • +1

                      @neil: Absolute rubbish. I had a post deleted for calling people sheep.

                      Now he's repeatedly doing it, and Karen whatever the hell that means.

                      Start being consistent. I don't care where you draw the boundary. Just be consistent. He's also repeatedly referencing me on multiple occasions for no reason.

                    • @neil: Yet, here his countless posts remain calling people sheep.

                      Yet mine was deleted, with far less malice intended.

                      Consistency. It's not too much to ask for.

    • What you may not have seen was a Netflix post deal about a new series being added and all the flaming and abuse that person copped because “it’s not a deal” yet somehow the Xbox game pass addition is a deal.

      Then mods take it down as trolling and OP was penalty boxed. Wtf.

      It’s really odd. I can’t work out what’s allowed and what’s not.

      • Actually not difficult at all. Pretty easy to spot the intent of people's posts.

        • +1

          The intention is irrelevant. It's to make a point and to highlight the principle of the matter. Why is one allowed but the other isn't when they both use the exact same service model?

          • @manbearpig: Intention is absolutely relevant. It's why we enforce those associated with users posting deals to mark themselves associated as their intention isn't to post a good deal but to promote their company.

      • -1

        Yep. I posted a Netflix 'deal' a few weeks ago. It was removed and I got a warning for trolling. It's literally the same type of service yet one is allowed and the other is considered trolling.

        Talk about double standards alright.

        • Nope, same standard. Shitpost and get your post turfed. Pretty simple.

    • +3

      We're not silent just because we don't post hundreds of deals. Everyone's vote counts equally. You should respect that.

      • +2

        Yep, tired of that elitist stance. Another got rightfully put in his place for that.

        I regularly try to assist others in areas I have interest in, like Audio products, pretty sure that helps people as much as posting a deal advising of something as meaningless as a Woolworths discount or the like.

        • +4

          I'd like you to backup your MOST comment.

          Evidence please. I want a breakdown of all neggers and their voting ratio. Till than, stop making up wild accusations.

          Many of those posters actively contribute in deals. Constructively.

          Pretty sure you knocked others for not posting as many deals as yourself… So yeah… Double standards. I don't appreciate or respect you when you abuse me and others in multiple threads.

          You also freely admitted up voting the GTA deal to trigger others. So yeah. Interesting. Shit attitude.

  • +6

    People can load the Free Game Pass app on their phone if they want notifications of sub updates.
    Same goes for PS+ and Xb gold deals. I see them when I start my PS or Xbox. I dont need notifications here.

    • +2

      I semi get why allowing games with gold and ps+ deals as they have to be claimed and have an expiry date but on the other hand, they occur every start/end of the month and middle of the month. It’s very trackable without the posts. Same arguments can be said about Epic free games and a ton of other stuff so it’s all a pit of grey area.

      • The difference with GWG is that the free games weren't initially part of the service. They were added as a bonus.

  • +6

    Wish mods stepped up and made a D when this can of worms was opened long ago, it was painfully obvious this could/would lead to saturation of posts and double standards. Posting releases on subscription AND free streaming services, please- where does it stop?

    • Making a decision at a whim and to hell with the consequences may be good policy for governments but we prefer discussion and testing before implementing policies/features especially if we look at how this issue is quite evenly split.

      • +2

        The deal posting guidelines are based on a number of 'executive decisions', you can't have your cake and eat it too and say this is a democracy. If you guys owned the problem about two years ago no one would have said boo but it takes troll posting to highlight the ridiculousness of the policy. I can post every movie, tv show or game I like on any service as long as I'm sincere, because sincerity meets your criteria for posting.

        Tell me how this makes sense: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/491822

        It's a popular show on a free service, is that the criteria, popularity? Or is it anything popular that is new to a streaming service? Or Scotty doesn't care as long as there is click through -> which I'm also fine with, but just say so.

        • +1

          Consistency is all we want!

        • The deal posting guidelines are based on a number of 'executive decisions', you can't have your cake and eat it too and say this is a democracy.

          Our decisions are based on discussions with the community, best practice and discussion internally. Literally this thread and other threads have shaped our community guidelines. We aren't government nor are we attempting to be. We are just librarians trying to put books on the right shelf that are being thrown at us.

          Tell me how this makes sense: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/491822

          It's a popular show on a free service, is that the criteria, popularity? Or is it anything popular that is new to a streaming service? Or Scotty doesn't care as long as there is click through -> which I'm also fine with, but just say so.

          There is no guideline against it but I suppose the argument is that The X-Files aren't able to be watched for free previously. Now you can watch them for free. As for the click throughs, if our goal was money we'd just force affiliate links on all deals, not have this thread and I could enjoy my Sunday away from a computer.

  • +11

    I think it's great to post games added to Gamespass.

    I understand the counter argument of why don't we post every new movie or show added to Netflix, Amazon etc, I'd say well movies/show subscription services are not new and not just that but for the majority they are the main form of consuming media, so in that sense there is no bargain because it's likely everyone already has Netflix etc.

    With Gamespass however, even though it's not super new, is still a pretty niche service in my opinion in the sense that not everyone has it. So when a new AAA game is added, to me it makes sense to send it out as a bargain incase someone was thinking of buying said game but can instead sub to Gamespass and play the game for a cheaper price.

    Games are more expensive than movies and shows, so posting the games with gold, PS plus and Gamespass additions is likely to save plenty of people money and to me that is a bargain.

    • Ganes aren't always more expensive than movies. Particularly 4k content.

      Games are regularly dropped to several dollars. 4k movies cost up to $40.

    • Gamepass isn’t the only game subscription service out there. There’s uPlay+ And Origin Access. Add in Apple Arcade if you are feeling a bit cheeky.

      • There is one for Nintendo now too.

    • +3

      Agree. It doesn't need to be every single new game that posted, but GTA V is one of the quintessential games of the last decade. A new way to access it is newsworthy, as well as 'deal'-worthy.

      If a small indie game was added and up-voted to the front page, I'd agree with the complaints.

      Monthly post for new games added, plus the occasional new one when a significant blockbuster is added outside this window.

      • I'd rather see indie games get recognition over big AAA titles that don't need more attention. I'd also not be interested in renting either of them and pretending it's a deal.

      • Would honestly rather see Untitled Goose Game posted as added on Game Pass than GTA V.

  • +9

    Just scroll past it you whingers! If it wasn’t popular then it wouldn’t have made it past the new page.

    • +3

      Everything popular is good!!
      Just look at other overwhelmingly popular things throughout history:

      Fortnite
      Minecraft
      Pokemon
      Capitalism
      The nazi party
      Fidget spinners

      • Damn them fidget spinners!

      • +1

        So what’s wrong with popular things hitting the front page? Ozbargain is community driven so you’ll find things you don’t like which countless others do. Hell if a cheap copy of mein kampf hit the front page, I’d have no issue with that haha

        • +1

          Despite that saying more about you than the community, if I posted "Free water from tap at local park" does that deserve to be front page worthy? I heard water is also pretty popular.

          • +1

            @Faro: Why don’t you post it as a deal and see if it gets on the front page. When something is community driven, your bound to come across something you disagree with, reddit for example.

          • @Faro: Maybe if the tap was dispensing spring water…

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