Price Increases Hit Xbox Game Pass, Day One Releases Exclusive to Higher Tiers
Microsoft’s popular subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, is facing yet another price increase. This time, the price hikes will affect all tiers of the service, including the entry-level options.
According to a report by Windows Central on July 9, 2024, Microsoft has provided details on the new pricing structure through a support page and a PDF breakdown of prices for different regions. The changes are as follows:
– Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $19.99 per month, up from $16.99 USD.
– The Xbox Game Pass Core 12-month subscription will see a price increase to $74.99 per year, up from $59.99 USD.
– PC Game Pass subscribers will pay $11.99 per month, up from $9.99 USD.
– The new Xbox Game Pass Standard will be priced at $14.99 per month.
It’s important to note that the Xbox Game Pass Standard will replace the existing Xbox Game Pass for Console for new users. However, current subscribers of Xbox Game Pass for Console will maintain their subscription in its current form. One significant change is that the Xbox Game Pass Standard will not include access to new release games on their launch day.
Day one releases have been a key feature of the Game Pass service, allowing subscribers to play new games on the day of their release. However, this feature will now be exclusive to subscribers of the higher-tier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, current Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers, and PC Game Pass users.
This is the second price increase for Xbox Game Pass within a little over a year. In June 2023, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was priced at $14.99 USD. As of July 10, 2024, it will be increased to $19.99 USD. Despite the price increase, Microsoft has seen success with beating EPS and revenue expectations in Q3 2024, but has also faced criticism for closing critically acclaimed studios and releasing fewer first-party games.
In conclusion, Xbox Game Pass users will now be paying higher prices for their subscription, with the entry-level option no longer including access to new release games on launch day. Subscribers will need to upgrade to the higher-tier Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to enjoy this benefit.
– One of the advantages of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is that it includes access to Xbox Live Gold, Microsoft’s online gaming subscription service, in addition to the Game Pass library.
– Xbox Game Pass offers a wide range of games, including both first-party and third-party titles, giving subscribers a diverse selection to choose from.
– The price increase for Xbox Game Pass comes as Microsoft continues to invest heavily in its gaming division, acquiring new studios and developing exclusive titles.
– The decision to make day one releases exclusive to higher-tier subscribers has sparked controversy among some users who feel that this is a restriction on access to new games.
– One of the key challenges for Microsoft will be to justify the increased price of the service to its subscribers, particularly in light of the removal of a key feature from the entry-level option.
– Another challenge will be to maintain the value proposition of Xbox Game Pass compared to other competing services in the market.
Some questions and answers related to the topic:
1. What are the different tiers of Xbox Game Pass?
– Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Core, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Standard.
2. What is the new price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
– The new price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $19.99 per month.
3. Will current subscribers of Xbox Game Pass for Console be affected by the price increase?
– No, current subscribers will maintain their subscription in its current form.
4. What is the key feature being removed from the entry-level Xbox Game Pass?
– Access to new release games on launch day will no longer be included in the entry-level Xbox Game Pass.
5. Which subscribers will have access to day one releases?
– Day one releases will be exclusive to subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, current Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers, and PC Game Pass users.
Advantages:
– Access to a vast library of games.
– Inclusion of Xbox Live Gold with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
– Continual investment in new studios and exclusive titles.
Disadvantages:
– Higher prices for subscription tiers.
– Removal of new release games on launch day from the entry-level option.
– Controversy over exclusive access to day one releases for higher-tier subscribers.
Some suggested related links:
– Xbox Game Pass
– Microsoft Gaming News
– Xbox News
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk