Xbox Game Pass Expands Reach, Raises Prices

Microsoft has announced price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service and introduced a new tier without "Day One" games. Read on to learn about the changes and Xbox's strategy for Game Pass.

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Microsoft is RAISING Xbox Game Pass' Pricing

Game Pass Prices Increased and New Subscription Tier Announced

Starts July 10 for New Game Pass Members, September 12 for Existing Ones

Xbox has recently announced a price hike for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, as detailed on the company's support page. This adjustment affects Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Core subscriptions.

Here are the updated prices and changes:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The premium subscription, which includes PC Game Pass, Day One games, a vast back catalog, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming, will see its monthly fee rise from $16.99 to $19.99.

• PC Game Pass: This tier's monthly price will increase from $9.99 to $11.99, maintaining all current benefits such as Day One releases, membership discounts, a comprehensive PC game catalog, and an EA Play membership.

• Game Pass Core: The annual subscription cost will increase to $74.99 from $59.99, while the monthly fee remains at $9.99.

• Xbox Game Pass for Console: As of July 10, 2024, this option will no longer be available for new members.

These global price changes will take effect on July 10, 2024, for new subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Core, and PC Game Pass. Existing members will see the changes starting September 12, 2024. If your current membership expires, you'll need to select from the updated plans. The new prices will apply to your next billing cycle after September 12.

Current subscribers of Xbox Game Pass for Console can continue their membership, including access to Day One games, as long as they maintain their subscription. If it lapses, you'll need to switch to one of the updated plans.

Xbox has confirmed that Xbox Game Pass for Console codes will remain redeemable until further notice. "As of September 18, 2024, the maximum extension limit for Game Pass for Console will be 13 months," the company stated. "This change will not affect any time currently stacked on your account beyond 13 months and will only impact your ability to stack more than 13 months after September 18, 2024."

Rolling Out Xbox Game Pass Standard Soon

Microsoft has also introduced a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at $14.99 per month. This tier offers access to a back catalog of games and online multiplayer but excludes Day One games and cloud gaming. Day One games are new titles available on Game Pass from their release date.

The Xbox Game Pass Standard tier includes a wide range of games and benefits such as online console multiplayer and select member deals and discounts. However, some titles exclusive to Game Pass for Console may not be available in the Standard tier.

Xbox plans to release more details about the availability and launch dates of Xbox Game Pass Standard soon.

"We created Game Pass to offer players more choice in how they discover and play games," Microsoft stated regarding the changes. "That includes offering different prices and plans, so players can find what works best for them."

Xbox Execs Previous Comments on Game Pass

In a presentation last December, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer emphasized the company's commitment to innovation. "When I think about investments in things like Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, cross-play, cross-save, and ID@Xbox, all of these things — I want us to continue to innovate, so people on our console feel like we're making investments in console that matches their commitment they're making to us."

Xbox CFO Tim Stuart, speaking at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit 2023, highlighted that Xbox Game Pass, along with first-party games and advertising, is considered a high-margin business for Microsoft, driving the company's expansion in these areas.

You Don't Need an Xbox to Play Xbox

In related news, Xbox has launched a new ad campaign showcasing Xbox Game Pass on Amazon Fire Sticks, a device that turns your regular TV into a smart TV and allows you to play games. The ad emphasizes that you don't need an Xbox console to enjoy their games.

By using an Amazon Fire TV Stick and subscribing to Game Pass Ultimate, you can access hundreds of games, including Forza Motorsport, Starfield, and Palworld.

While Xbox is clearly expanding its gaming subscription service, Phil Spencer has stated that the next step is to continue adding major titles to Xbox Game Pass. In an interview last year, Spencer highlighted Xbox's goal to offer a wide range of games and enable customers to play them anywhere. "What we want to offer is choice," Spencer said. He also noted that Xbox's success is measured by more people playing Xbox games, whether on consoles, PCs, in the cloud, or on other devices.

Xbox's strategy does not hinge on going all-digital

Earlier this year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed that the company has no plans to abandon its hardware business and sees potential for further hardware expansion.

In February, Xbox confirmed that they will continue to offer physical game copies as long as there is demand. During an internal town hall in the same month, Phil Spencer reassured employees that Xbox has no plans to stop making consoles.

In an interview earlier this year, Spencer pointed out that gaming consoles are "the last consumer electronic device that has a drive." He noted the challenges associated with manufacturing drives and their costs but affirmed that Xbox's strategy does not hinge on going all-digital. "Getting rid of physical, that's not a strategic thing for us," Spencer stated.