Some Loyal Fans Unhappy Over Free Killer Instinct

An example of the high level of entitlement in modern gaming, or just a few whiners throwing their toys out of the pram? By rewarding just some of their most loyal customers, and not fully revealing why some are being chosen for a free copy of Killer Instinct and others aren’t, several have been left questioning why Microsoft have given them nothing for their constant support.

It was announced earlier today that several people would be getting a free copy of Killer Instinct. What was special about these people? They were loyal fans. What made these people stand out? Microsoft say they looked at Gamerscore, length of time with Xbox Live and several other factors in choosing who got the free full version of Killer Instinct.

That means, obviously, that anybody who didn’t get the game must not be highly valued by Microsoft, right? That’s certainly the attitude some have taken. Some, such as the gentleman below, go as far as to say they’re offended for not getting a free copy of Killer Instinct.

@Futterish @charliebrandt09 @Xbox Thats 100% accurate. Apparently to Xbox I’m not a loyal customer. Its insulting to me personally

— Ross Taylor-Couchman (@rosstcouchman) November 6, 2013

Other users have been similarly affected by not getting Killer Instinct for free. From Neogaf:

Haha no but seriously I feel unappreciated now. Apparently I’m not good enough to get free stuff from Microsoft. 🙁

Also from Neogaf:

I better have one in my fuckn inbox.

7 or 8 years in the game now.

And finally:

Best Buy and Sony have done similar things … And, it just turns me off as a consumer that they value another customer more than me. I’ve had Live for 8 years, got a gamer score approaching 80,000 – but, I’m not as appreciated, so I don’t get the freebie.

It’s fair to say that, amongst a certain demographic, Microsoft’s freebies have backfired. Should they have instead done something that included everybody who had put in over a certain amount over the years? Should they have not called the original receivers of the code “our loyal fans?” Or is this really another case of people wanting something for nothing, even when that nothing includes thousands of dollars over multiple years?