Microsoft Issuring Refinds for Xbox Fitness Purchases

Microsoft issues refunds for purchases tied to soon-to-be-defunct Xbox Fitness

By Imad Khan August 25, 2016

Here’s some good news for users who purchased Xbox Fitness: It looks like refunds are being sent out.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it would be shuttering Xbox Fitness, making all previously purchased content unavailable. All content, namely video workout courses, had to be purchased through an app, which will also disappear. The announcement, which generated ire from fans, was quietly updated, announcing that users would receive a refund in the form of store credit on their Microsoft accounts. Those refunds appear to be coming through this week.

Microsoft has started sending out emails to users with credit for what looks like all content purchased on the platform. A user on NeoGAF, the largest gaming forum on the internet, posted a screen grab of the email:

Microsoft Fitness debuted in 2013 as a launch title for the Xbox One. Using the Kinect motion sensor, it tracked players’ movements as they worked out along live-action video on-screen. It also featured workout celebrities like Jillian Michaels and Tracy Anderson. Over time, Microsoft also updated Xbox Fitness to include different types of workouts and even removed the Kinect requirement, opening it up to a larger player base.

Reception online seems to be positive. Many users are happy that they’re getting their money back for a product that will completely shut down. It’s still unfortunate, as Xbox Fitness was more than just watching a workout video. It was interactive and there was a points system as well, making it game-like. It seems that users stopped using the program, meaning that it wasn’t profitable for Microsoft to continue paying licensing fees to celebrities and fitness programs.

Microsoft has also updated its FAQ to account for the refunds.

There’s still another video game fitness option on the market. Wii Fit U uses Nintendo’s balance board along with a pedometer. Granted, it’s a far more subdued affair when compared to Xbox Fitness.

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