Xbox Game Pass Continues Push to Be Everywhere While Also Pushing Prices Up

Xbox Game Pass Price Hike and New Tier Announced: Expanding Reach, Increasing Costs

Microsoft has announced price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, alongside a new subscription tier. This move reflects Xbox's ongoing strategy to expand Game Pass's reach across various platforms, even as subscription costs rise.

Price Changes Effective July 10th (New Subscribers) and September 12th (Existing Subscribers):

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Increases from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. This tier retains its "Day One" game releases, back catalog, online play, and cloud gaming.
• PC Game Pass: Increases from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Includes "Day One" releases, member discounts, and EA Play.
• Game Pass Core: Annual price increases from $59.99 to $74.99 ($9.99 monthly).

Game Pass for Console Changes:

• New subscribers: Xbox Game Pass for Console will no longer be available starting July 10, 2024.
• Existing subscribers: Current subscribers can maintain access to "Day One" games as long as their subscription remains active. If it lapses, they'll need to switch to another tier.
• Code Redemption: Xbox Game Pass for Console codes remain redeemable. However, the maximum stackable time will be limited to 13 months starting September 18, 2024.

Introducing Xbox Game Pass Standard:

A new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at $14.99 per month, will offer a back catalog of games and online play but excludes "Day One" games and cloud gaming. More details on its release date and game availability are forthcoming.

Xbox's Broader Strategy:

Microsoft emphasizes its commitment to providing players with diverse choices and access to games across multiple platforms. This includes console, PC, cloud gaming, and even streaming devices like Amazon Fire Sticks. The company's strategy is not solely focused on digital distribution; they will continue to offer physical game copies and maintain their hardware business.

The price increases and new tier reflect Xbox's evolving approach to Game Pass, balancing expansion with revenue generation. While the cost is increasing, the service continues to offer a wide variety of gaming experiences across multiple platforms.