Xbox gamers delighted by new free game: 'I commend them'

Xbox owners are being treated to a new game for completely free in the coming months, regardless of whether or not they’re Xbox Game Pass subscribers, and fans are thrilled with Microsoft, stating they’re the most “consumer friendly” publisher.

This August, Gears of War: Reloaded is dropping on several platforms, including Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. The game is a remaster of the original Gears of War, and owners of the digital version of the game will be getting a free upgrade when it launches.

Well, that was the original idea at least, because it sounds like Microsoft has decided to be even more generous now.

As reported by several users on the r/xbox subreddit, owners of a physical copy of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition have been receiving messages from Microsoft stating that they’ll be receiving a free upgrade too, and fans couldn’t be happier.

“With the recent release of the Switch 2 and seeing people spend money on Switch 2 upgrade for games like BoTW and ToTK, I just want to say I commend Xbox with how they're dealing with Gears Reloaded,” writes user Sock989.

“Originally, they said that people who owned Gears UE digitally would be getting Reloaded for free… But it gets better as seemingly anyone who's even owned the game physically is also getting it for free. Kudos. Could of been an easy cash grab.”

“This isn't the first time Xbox has done this and yes they are amazing about it. some examples they gave me Goldeneye when I owned Rare Replay on disk,” replied user EveryBase427.

“I got Minecraft when it was rereleased because I had on disk. Also I got a free Killer Instinct Anniversary when I only ever had the Games with Gold version of the first two seasons of the original game.”

Y’know, it feels like the internet often gives Microsoft a lot of stick, but it’s hard to argue with the Nintendo Switch 2 comparison here.

Offering a free upgrade is one thing, but giving owners of a physical game a free digital upgrade is extremely rare these days.

Alright, you got me this time, Microsoft. Maybe you are the most consumer friendly of the big thre– wait, what do you mean The Outer Worlds 2 is gonna cost $80?!