Xbox Trials a Bold New Social Media Feature

Are you a fan of when software employs subtle psychological nudges to keep you engaged? If that sounds like you, then you’ll be excited to learn that Xbox is testing a new streak feature designed to showcase how many weeks in a row you’ve actively used your console. This functionality has been spotted by users in the Xbox Insider program within the dashboard and profile menu.

One user shared a snapshot of their Xbox profile, revealing a UI element that displays a checkmark for each day they logged in over the past week, alongside an empty circle for days they missed or haven’t reached yet. To maintain a streak, players need to log in at least three days a week. Those who achieve this will see a flame icon next to the streak indicator, along with a number reflecting how many consecutive weeks they’ve kept it going.

This streak feature is also prominently displayed in the top-left corner of the Xbox dashboard, showing how many weeks you’ve maintained your streak and how close you are to continuing it this week.

Streak systems are prevalent across various tech platforms because they encourage users to return through gamification. There’s something inherently satisfying about watching numbers rise, and in this case, it’s the streak indicator. Many apps, including Snapchat and Wordle, have utilized similar features. While they can be harmless in health or educational apps like Duolingo, they can feel more manipulative in other contexts.

In recent years, tech companies have faced increased scrutiny for creating software that fosters unhealthy habits. For instance, a major lawsuit was settled over the use of “addictive features” on social media platforms that exposed young users to significant mental health risks. Although streaks weren’t specifically mentioned, changes are being implemented to limit usage on these platforms.

As Xbox navigates its ongoing “reset,” which has resulted in significant job cuts, the company is clearly exploring new strategies to keep users engaged with its platform. With console sales declining due to rising hardware costs, Microsoft is looking for ways to boost engagement and revenue from its existing user base. Recently, Xbox announced a new UI/profile update featuring Mythic Achievements, awarded to players who achieve 100% completion in a game. At least this feature allows for a more relaxed approach without penalizing players for stepping outside.

While consoles with ads aren’t a new concept, Microsoft’s approach to this practice has raised some eyebrows.