Microsoft appears to be testing a new feature on Xbox that encourages users to play their consoles for consecutive days each week. According to reports, a streak counter is appearing on the dashboard for users enrolled in the Xbox Insider program. This feature reportedly begins tracking after a user has played on their Xbox for three days in a row within a week.
This is not the first time Microsoft has experimented with streak-based engagement; similar concepts have been implemented in the past through Game Pass and the Xbox mobile app. However, this new iteration seems more prominent, with a visible counter on the main dashboard.
While Microsoft has not officially announced the feature, research suggests that these streaks could be linked to Xbox reward points. These points can typically be redeemed for various digital items and Xbox gift cards. Such a system could serve as a subtle incentive for Microsoft to maintain user engagement on the platform, drawing parallels to the motivational tactics used by games like Wordle or daily login rewards in mobile free-to-play titles.
The implementation of such a feature could be viewed positively or negatively by users, depending on how notifications are handled. The potential for frequent prompts during gameplay could prove irritating for some, raising the hope that an opt-out option will be available if the feature rolls out broadly.
It is important to note that features tested with Xbox Insiders do not always become permanent additions to the Xbox ecosystem. The fine print for Insider program participants often states that tested features may not be implemented. Xbox has, however, confirmed the rollout of Mythic Achievements, which are awarded to players who unlock all the original achievements for a game, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophies.