ID@Xbox Showcase: What's New and How to Pay for Indie Games from Russia

On the evening of October 20, 2026, Microsoft held its fall ID@Xbox Showcase , unveiling dozens of indie titles, remasters, and director's cuts. Big names included Shrek 2 , The Wolf Among Us , and Zero Parades , alongside bizarre projects like Paper Shredder! (a paper-shredding simulator), Croak (a hero who tongue-grapples and bounces off pinball bumpers), and A Game About Digging a Hole Together (co-op hole digging). For Russian gamers, the main question isn't what was shown but how to buy and pay for these games — so let's look at storefronts, prices, and payment methods.

What Was Shown at ID@Xbox Showcase

The showcase traditionally focuses on titles coming to Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft Store. This time Microsoft leaned into nostalgia and absurd indie humor:

• Remasters and director's cuts — Shrek 2 , The Wolf Among Us , Zero Parades . Microsoft did not disclose exact release dates or platforms; watch for updates on Microsoft Store and Game Pass.
• Quirky indies — Paper Shredder! , Croak , A Game About Digging a Hole Together , and others. Some are slated for Game Pass "day one," but check the official Xbox site for specific dates and subscription terms.

All announcements tie into the Xbox and PC ecosystem. For us, the key takeaway is that these games are purchasable via Microsoft Store, which means you'll need a card that accepts payment in the right currency.

Where to Buy and How Much They Cost

Prices for indie titles in Microsoft Store typically range from $10 to $30 for a base version; remasters of major franchises may cost more — check the current price on the service's website . Regional pricing varies: Turkish or Argentine segments may be cheaper, but Microsoft periodically tightens regional restrictions.

Paying directly from Russia with a Mir or Russian-issued Visa card won't work — Microsoft has suspended sales in Russia. The workaround is a virtual card from a foreign issuer (Visa/Mastercard) with a USD or EUR balance. For example, VirtCardPay cards are issued in USD and accepted in Microsoft Store if the account region matches the card's currency.

How to Pay for a Game with a Virtual Card: Step by Step

• Change your Microsoft account region to a country where the game is sold (e.g., USA or Kazakhstan). Note: changing region may require a local address and payment method.
• Issue a virtual card in the required currency (USD/EUR) and top up with a 10–15% buffer for conversion.
• Link the card in Microsoft Store's "Payment options." If the card is declined, try a different BIN or contact the service's support.
• Complete the purchase — the amount will be charged in the card's currency. Keep enough balance to avoid a decline due to insufficient funds.

Common mistakes: mismatch between account region and card issuer country, insufficient balance, or store-side blocking due to frequent region changes. If payment fails, check whether Microsoft supports your BIN and try a card from a different issuer.

What to Do If the Card Is Declined

Microsoft Store is one of the pickiest stores for foreign cards. If payment is rejected, check:

• whether the account region matches the card's currency;
• whether online payments are enabled and if there are card limits;
• whether 3-D Secure confirmation is required (usually disabled for virtual cards).

An alternative is to buy a digital game code from third-party marketplaces (Humble Bundle, Eneba, Kinguin) and redeem it in Microsoft Store. A virtual card works for such purchases too, but choose reputable sellers.

FAQ

Can I pay for ID@Xbox Showcase games with a Russian card?

Not directly — Microsoft does not accept Russian bank cards. You need a foreign-issued card, such as a VirtCardPay virtual card in USD.

When will Shrek 2 and The Wolf Among Us remasters release?

Exact dates haven't been announced. Watch for updates on Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass for dates and prices.

Will a virtual card work for purchases in the Turkish region?

Technically yes, but Microsoft is tightening regional restrictions. Make sure the card is issued in the country matching your account region, or the payment may be declined.

Service, game, and franchise names are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.