Today, Microsoft confirmed details on the long-expected Xbox Game Pass price increases, but the news also comes with significant changes to the service’s basic Xbox console tier.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s all-you-can-eat gaming subscription service, often likened to Netflix for gamers. For a monthly fee, subscribers can access hundreds of games, including day-one titles from Microsoft Studios. This includes popular games like Starfield from Bethesda, Halo from 343 Industries, and future releases such as the next Call of Duty, set to launch this fall.
A New Era for Xbox Game Pass
Recently, Microsoft rebranded Xbox Live Gold to Xbox Game Pass Core and made minor price increases. Now, the company is introducing another name change, a new tier for Xbox Game Pass, and a range of price hikes.
Critical Changes to Xbox Game Pass:
- Xbox Game Pass for Console: This tier will be closed to new users. Existing subscribers can maintain their current plan, which includes day-one games and access to hundreds of titles in the back catalogue.
- New Xbox Game Pass “Standard”: This tier, similar to EA Access, will include Xbox’s back catalogue but exclude day-one games. It costs $14.99 monthly and includes Xbox Live Gold for multiplayer (now known as Game Pass Core). However, it does not include Xbox Cloud Gaming. This tier is set to launch in September.
- Pre-Paid Stacking Limits: Starting September 12, 2024, existing users can stack Xbox Game Pass for Console for up to 13 months using pre-paid cards, which will continue to function indefinitely. Those with more than 13 months already stacked will not be affected.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: While retaining all current benefits, including day-one games, hundreds of back catalog titles, and cloud gaming, this tier will increase to $19.99 per month. Users can currently stack 3-month pre-paid cards with a 33% discount on the current pricing, making now an excellent time to save.
- PC Game Pass: This will also see a monthly price hike from $9.99 to $11.99, maintaining day-one game access.
- Xbox Game Pass Core (Xbox Live Gold): The annual price will increase to $74.99 from $59.99, with the monthly rate remaining at $9.99.
- Global Price Increases: Price hikes will be implemented worldwide. Subscribers can check new regional prices on the official Xbox website.
- Recurring Billing Updates: New prices for users with recurring billing will take effect on September 12, 2024, allowing time to cancel if desired.
For further details, Microsoft has set up a dedicated support page to address these changes.
Adapting to Market Realities
According to Microsoft, most users already subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the service’s flagship plan. Ultimate includes all games available on Xbox consoles, in the cloud, and on PC, often with cross-save and cross-progression features.
Microsoft joins a growing list of subscription services like Netflix and Spotify in increasing prices. For avid gamers, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers substantial value, but for those who don’t game as frequently, the service may seem less appealing amid rising costs.
Concessions and Future Outlook
While Xbox Game Pass has offered incredible value with day-one games and extensive back catalog access, removing day-one games from the standard tier marks a significant shift. This change may reflect post-pandemic economic adjustments, suggesting that the previous model was unsustainable at the current price point.
Existing Xbox Game Pass for Console users are grandfathered into their current entitlements, a positive move by Microsoft. However, as more users migrate to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the standard tier might eventually be phased out.
Some users question the value of paying for Xbox Live Gold multiplayer, given that many titles are now free-to-play. For these gamers, Xbox Game Pass for Console might offer a more economical option than Ultimate.
Unlike services like Netflix and Spotify, which can grow indefinitely across multiple devices, Xbox Game Pass faces limitations. It competes with platforms like Steam on PC and PlayStation on console, and Apple and Google actively hinder Xbox Cloud Gaming’s expansion. Additionally, transitioning Xbox One owners to Xbox Series X and Series S has been slower than anticipated.
The Road Ahead
Microsoft’s adjustments to Xbox Game Pass signify a pivotal moment for the service. As the gaming landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to see how Xbox Game Pass adapts and whether these changes will sustain its growth and appeal.
Stay Informed
For ongoing updates and to view the new prices, visit the official Xbox support page. If you have thoughts on these changes, share your comments and join the conversation on our social media channels.
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