Frank McDougall
Microsoft is revamping its Game Pass subscription service, and the main reason is the addition of Call of Duty to the library. The company is determined to capitalize on the popular franchise following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, this shake-up means that subscribers will have to pay extra and lose day-one access to games in the standard tier subscription.
To address the $70 billion hole in its budget caused by the acquisition, Microsoft has decided to introduce new subscription tiers. The breakdown is as follows:
– Game Pass Ultimate (console + multiplayer, cloud, PC and day-one games) – $19.99 per month (plus taxes in applicable states)
– Game Pass (console + multiplayer, no day-one games) – $14.99 per month
– Game Pass PC (PC only, day-one games still included) – $11.99 per month
– Game Pass Core (smaller library for console + multiplayer) – $9.99 per month or $74.99 per year.
These changes will take effect in September and are expected to be officially announced before the end of this month, coinciding with Microsoft’s next quarterly earnings call.
In an effort to retain current subscribers, Microsoft plans to bring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to Game Pass this month. This is part of the first wave of Activision titles for Game Pass, including the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy. This means that Game Pass subscribers will have the opportunity to engage in multiplayer action or experience the campaign of Modern Warfare 3 in a large open world map.
While the addition of Call of Duty is expected to attract new subscribers, it remains to be seen how the removal of day-one access to games for the standard level subscription will be received. Game Pass has been highly regarded for its inclusivity of new releases, and this change might not resonate well with its established user base.
Additional relevant facts:
– Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in the gaming industry.
– Call of Duty is one of the most popular and successful gaming franchises, known for its intense multiplayer and blockbuster campaigns.
– The Game Pass subscription service from Microsoft offers a wide range of games for a monthly fee, allowing players to download and play them on their consoles or PCs.
– The introduction of new subscription tiers is aimed at providing more flexibility and options for subscribers, but also at generating additional revenue for Microsoft.
– Microsoft has previously made efforts to enhance its gaming offerings, such as the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks.
Key questions and answers:
1. What is the main reason for Microsoft revamping its Game Pass subscription service?
The main reason is the addition of Call of Duty to the library following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
2. What are the new subscription tiers that will be introduced?
The new subscription tiers are Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass, Game Pass PC, and Game Pass Core, each offering different features and pricing.
3. What will happen to day-one access to games in the standard tier subscription?
Subscribers will lose day-one access to games in the standard tier subscription and will have to pay extra for it.
Key challenges or controversies:
1. The removal of day-one access to games for the standard tier subscription may not be well-received by current Game Pass subscribers, who have valued the service for its inclusivity of new releases.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
– The addition of Call of Duty and other popular Activision titles is expected to attract new subscribers to the Game Pass service.
– The introduction of new subscription tiers provides more flexibility and options for subscribers.
– Game Pass continues to offer a wide range of games for a monthly fee, eliminating the need to buy individual games.
Disadvantages:
– Current Game Pass subscribers may be disappointed by the removal of day-one access to games in the standard tier subscription.
– The new subscription tiers result in an increase in the price of certain tiers, making the service more expensive for some subscribers.
Suggested related links:
– Microsoft News Center
– Xbox Official Website
