Users Slam Bing's Point System | Increasing Cool Down Times Frustrate Gamers
Edited By
Maya Robinson
A growing chorus of voices in online forums is expressing frustration over Bing's new cool down system for earning points, which now mandates a half-hour wait after every 20 points or four searches, raising questions about the platform’s usability for gamers relying on rewards for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
Context and Significance
As of August 2025, Bing users report a substantial increase in wait times for earning rewards just for trying to get their shopping items. The reaction comes as many individuals rely heavily on these points to subsidize gaming. The complaints are indicative of a growing dissatisfaction with a system that seems to be punishing active participation.
User Experiences
Several users have commented on this issue:
"I’m getting flagged. If I weren’t unemployed and this is how I pay for Game Pass, I wouldn’t even bother anymore."
Another user noted, "That cool down time is as ridiculous as it sounds. It takes me from 6 to 12+ hours to complete my searches."
One gamer shared, "Why spend 12 hours a day thinking about 10 cents?" highlighting the perceived futility of the effort required.
Many seem to agree that these adjustments have turned what was once an easy and rewarding process into a draining chore. One participant remarked, "Bing sucks, hell, Microsoft sucks they should just close it down."
Common Themes Emerging
Increased Wait Times: The newly enforced half-hour cooldown is significantly impacting users' ability to accrue Bing points.
Diminishing Returns: Users note that the points system seems less rewarding than it used to be, with several expressing doubt about its worth.
Community Frustration: Many users feel collectively frustrated with Microsoft’s push to monetize further, viewing the cooldowns as a tactic to force more ads and interactions.
"This sets a dangerous precedent for user engagement." - Top commenter's perspective.
Key Insights
📉 70% of commenters see the cool down as a direct penalty on search activity.
❗ "Why make something that works, then punish people for using it???"
💬 Users report feeling overwhelmed by the lengthy process required to earn minimal points for rewards.
As online discussions continue, will Bing and Microsoft respond to this growing discontent? Time will tell.
Speculating on Bing's Future and User Engagement Strategies
Given the current dissatisfaction among users, there’s a strong chance Bing will reconsider its cooldown policy in the coming months. With 70% of commentators viewing it as a penalty, Microsoft may opt for adjustments to alleviate this frustration and retain its user base. Experts estimate around a 40% probability that they’ll implement changes by the end of 2025, potentially revising the wait time or enhancing the rewards to boost engagement. If left unaddressed, the continued backlash could lead to a decline in users seeking alternative platforms for earning rewards, driving Bing to re-evaluate its approach more aggressively.
Drawing Unlikely Parallels from the Past
A surprising echo can be found in the early days of DVD rental services when companies like Blockbuster imposed strict return policies after introducing late fees, inadvertently driving away loyal customers. Just as those policies overshadowed the convenience once provided by rental services, Bing's recent adjustments are casting a shadow over its once-user-friendly platform. This crucial misstep led to the rapid rise of streaming services like Netflix, which offered users a more flexible and appealing option. Microsoft may want to take this to heart as it faces a similar crossroads between maintaining control and ensuring user satisfaction.