Microsoft responded to our request for clarification on its new rules for dealing with inactive Gamertags, confirming that the rule will apply retroactively to existing users.

The new rule requires players log into their Xbox accounts "at least every 5 years to keep your Gamertag active.” Any players who fail to do so will have their accounts put into an inactive state and their Gamertag released back into circulation for other users to claim. However, it wasn't clear whether the rule would only apply going forward, starting a five-year timer for all users, or if Microsoft planned to apply the rule retroactively against existing accounts that have already been inactive for five years. Microsoft's spokesperson confirmed the latter.

According to the statement, however, players who haven't logged into their accounts in five years won't suddenly find their accounts locked off. "We will notify our customers through multiple channels," the spokesperson said, "but will not make any immediate Gamertag changes to their inactive account."

Microsoft tends to release inactive Gamertags publicly in batches, and the spokesperson said the company has "no immediate plans for another release of Gamertags at this time."

You can read Microsoft's full statement below:

"Similar to industry standard practice for email accounts as well as Microsoft’s approach to Microsoft Accounts -- where after a specified period of inactivity the user name for that account is put back into circulation for others to use -- Gamertags that have been inactive for five or more years will be eligible to be placed back into circulation for active customers to use. The remainder of the account, including Gamerscore, licenses and friends will stay intact, and will be accessible as long as the user is able to access their Microsoft account. This policy is now in effect, and new users will then fall under the five year inactivity timeframe. For inactive users prior to this Microsoft Service Agreement change, we will notify our customers through multiple channels, but will not make any immediate Gamertag changes to their inactive account. Similar to the previous release of inactive accounts, Gamertags associated with inactive accounts will then be made available to customers. We have no immediate plans for another release of Gamertags at this time."