Microsoft uses prize lottery to engage players, collect data

Today Microsoft introduced a brand new concept called Xbox Quests, a new platform that will keep players "sticky" in the Xbox LIVE platform by tempting them with prizes like 4K TVs, consoles, and more.

Xbox Quests is essentially an on-console extension of Microsoft's Bing Rewards program, which grants people points for using the Bing search engine that can then be used to buy gift cards and other goods. This is a very smart move by Microsoft, and is a very low effort high-reward scenario that will see millions of Xbox LIVE and Xbox users completing "objectives" for the chance to win items like a 55-inch 4K Samsung TV. Microsoft is basically offering you virtual lottery tickets in exchange for your engagement and data boosts.

The "quests" for the program's debut range from simply logging into your Mixer app at least five times in the month--meaning you have to not only make an account if you don't already have one but actually log in, boosting Microsoft's internal DAU and MAU data stats. Oh and...you can't complete one of the "objectives" without having Xbox LIVE Gold.

The Quests for November are...

• Log in to your Mixer app on Xbox One on five different days
• Increase your Gamerscore by 400 points
• Download two Games with Gold

After you complete your three Quests, you will receive your reward through the Xbox Message Center in the following month. Be sure to check out Quests often, as new ones will be posted each month.