If there's a resounding message from Xbox as part of its modern marketing efforts, it's that the Xbox platform offers great value. The Xbox Series S is an affordable next-gen console, Xbox Game Pass offers affordable access to dozens of great new games, and the newly arrived Xbox Spring Sale offers low prices on a variety of other games. Some might joke that Xbox's next step is to give away free gift cards, but that appears to be exactly what Xbox is doing -- again.
Earlier this week, in celebration of the start of the Microsoft Store Spring Sale and the soon-to-begin Xbox Spring Sale, Microsoft sent out free gift cards to Xbox users. To be clear, only a minority of Xbox users received the gift cards and how they're distributed isn't clear. Regardless, a good amount of Xbox users received a free gift card valued between $5-10 just for checking their Xbox messages.
RELATED: Microsoft Decides Against Xbox Live Gold Price Increase
Now Xbox is doing it again, since the annual Xbox Spring Sale officially began on Friday. Xbox users reported receiving a message from Xbox Live saying that they were receiving a code to "help you make your first game purchase." Attached to the message is a code redemption link, which could be clicked on to grant a $10 value to their account. This second round of codes appears to be targeted at users who haven't made a purchase yet, whereas the first round was more of a surprise gift for random users.
Xbox gamers on PC and console should be able to check their messages even now to see if they've got a free gift waiting. There's no rush, though the code will expire 90 days from issuance. But otherwise, the gift certificates can be on games, DLC, movies, or otherwise. A lot of Fortnite players may be getting a free battle pass this season.
Microsoft has done promotions like this before. Other storefronts do it from time to time as well, like the Epic Games Store's seasonal $10 coupons. What the free store credit does is help get new or inactive users reinvested in the economy, looking through games, adding games to wishlists, and informed and ready to make further purchases. It's a small price to pay when looking at long-term investment.
That doesn't mean that it isn't a generous gift, however. $10 is $10, after all, and Xbox users who do receive the gift certificate will certainly make the most of it. As for everyone else, there's still the Xbox Spring Sale and Microsoft Store Spring Sale offering plenty of substantial Xbox game discounts to consider.
MORE: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is Genuinely Ridiculous in Value