Microsoft Extends Digital Game Gifting to the PC

Microsoft announced today that it is enabling the ability to gift digital PC games and downloadable content via its online store for Windows 10. All Xbox One games are now available for digital gifting as well.

This capability is a bit confusing. But it’s worth remembering that Microsoft last fall took the first steps towards this functionality by allowing customers to digitally gift some Xbox One digital games, some Xbox One downloadable game content, and Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

With today’s announcement, two things have changed.

First, all Xbox One digital games can be gifted. (I assume that Xbox One downloadable game content gifting is still limited to so-called “durable” content, but the announcement isn’t clear. This is opposed to “consumable” content like virtual currency.)

Second, some PC-based digital games and some PC game downloadable content can now be gifted from the Microsoft Store.

A few important notes:

You can make gift purchases from the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 or on Xbox One. “Many” of the PC games in the Store are available now for gifting, but all games will become available by tomorrow, Friday, May 11.

You will need to know the recipient’s email address (Windows 10) or Gamertag (Xbox One) to gift the game.

The recipient will receive a redeemable code enabling them to download and install the game on whichever compatible platform (Windows 10 and/or Xbox One).

The recipient can only redeem game codes in the country or region in which they were purchased.

You can only an unlimited number of digital game gifts. But you can only buy two discounted products every 14 days, and only 10 total.

You cannot gift Xbox 360 or original Xbox games or content.