Microsoft recently announced some changes to its Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service for video games. These changes, which start on July 10, were first noticed by users after being quietly posted on Xbox’s support site.
Image Credit: Xbox
One of the biggest changes is that people will no longer be able to buy the Game Pass for Console. If you already have a subscription, it won't be affected, but new subscribers will need to choose either Xbox Game Pass Core or the new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. The Xbox Game Pass Standard will cost $15 per month and will allow subscribers to play multiplayer games online on consoles. However, it won’t support cloud gaming or offer immediate access to some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one.
For current subscribers, there are also some price increases. These will take effect on July 10 for new subscribers and on September 12 for existing members. Here’s how the prices will change in the United States:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $17 per month to $20 per month.
- PC Game Pass will go up from $10 per month to $12 per month.
- A 12-month Xbox Game Pass Core subscription will rise from $60 to $75.
The year 2024 is expected to be a big one for Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft recently made the service available on Amazon Fire TVs, and many exciting new games are coming to the platform. Next week, Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be available on Xbox Game Pass. Later this year, first-party titles like Age of Mythology: Retold, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on their launch day.
Microsoft believes these changes and new additions justify the price hike and adjustments to the service. However, some people, including myself, find these changes a bit confusing. The company’s explanation was that “these changes will enable us to bring members more value and more great games to Game Pass,” but more clarity in their messaging would have been appreciated.