Xbox Game Pass Announces Major Price Hikes and New Subscription Tier
Microsoft has just dropped some big news that’s sure to shake up the gaming community: Xbox Game Pass is getting a significant price increase and a brand-new subscription tier.
Effective July 10, 2024, these changes aim to redefine how gamers access and enjoy their favorite titles. Here’s everything you need to know.
Price Increases Across the Board
Starting in mid-July, the price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the premium subscription tier that includes PC Game Pass, day-one game releases, a vast back catalogue, online play, and cloud gaming, will rise from $16.99 to $19.99 per month.
For UK subscribers, this translates to an increase from £12.99 to £14.99, and for European users, from €14.99 to €17.99.
PC Game Pass will also see a price hike, going from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, with corresponding increases in the UK and Europe. Despite the higher cost, this plan will continue to offer all current benefits, including day-one releases.
Xbox Game Pass Core, previously known as Xbox Live Gold, will now cost $74.99 annually, up from $59.99. The monthly price remains at $9.99.
Introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard
In a move to diversify its offerings, Microsoft is retiring the Xbox Game Pass for Console tier for new users and introducing a new “Xbox Game Pass Standard” tier. Priced at $14.99 per month, this tier will provide access to a robust library of games and online multiplayer but will exclude day-one releases and cloud gaming. This new plan aims to offer a middle ground for gamers who want more than the Core tier but don’t need all the perks of Ultimate.
Existing subscribers to Xbox Game Pass for Console can keep their current plan, including access to day-one games. However, once their subscription lapses or if they turn off automatic renewal, they will need to switch to one of the new plans.
Stacking Limitations and More
From September 12, 2024, users will only be able to stack Xbox Game Pass for Console subscriptions for up to 13 months using pre-paid cards. This change is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its subscription services and encourage users to transition to the new tiers.
The Bigger Picture
These changes come on the heels of Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, a deal that had many questioning how the company would sustain its Game Pass offerings.
The inclusion of the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as a day-one Game Pass title later this year signals Microsoft’s commitment to providing high-value content, even as it adjusts its pricing strategy.
Kari Perez, Microsoft’s head of gaming communications, noted that these price adjustments reflect the competitive conditions in each market and the company’s goal to offer players more choice in how they discover and play games.
What This Means for Gamers
For gamers, these changes mean more options and potentially higher costs. The introduction of the Standard tier offers a middle-ground option for those who want more than the Core plan but don’t need the full suite of Ultimate benefits. However, the price hikes may lead some to reconsider their subscription choices.
As Microsoft continues to refine its Game Pass offerings, one thing is clear: the landscape of gaming subscriptions is evolving, and gamers will need to navigate these changes to find the plan that best suits their needs.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover the latest in gaming news and industry trends.
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