Xbox Game Pass: Expansion & Price Hike

Microsoft has announced price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service and a new tier without "Day One" games. This article details the changes and explores Xbox's overall Game Pass strategy.

Related Video

Microsoft Raises Xbox Game Pass Prices

Game Pass Price Increases and New Subscription Tier

Effective Dates: July 10th (New Members), September 12th (Existing Members)

Xbox has increased prices for its Game Pass subscriptions, effective July 10, 2024, for new subscribers and September 12, 2024, for existing subscribers. Here's the breakdown:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Increases from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. Includes PC Game Pass, Day One games, back catalog, online play, and cloud gaming.
• PC Game Pass: Increases from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Retains Day One releases, member discounts, PC game catalog, and EA Play.
• Game Pass Core: Annual price increases from $59.99 to $74.99, but remains $9.99 per month.
• Game Pass for Console: Unavailable for new members starting July 10, 2024.

Existing Game Pass for Console subscribers can maintain access to Day One games as long as their subscription remains active. If it lapses, they'll need to choose a different plan.

Xbox Game Pass for Console codes remain redeemable until further notice. However, the maximum stackable time will be limited to 13 months starting September 18, 2024.

Introducing Xbox Game Pass Standard

Microsoft is introducing Xbox Game Pass Standard at $14.99 per month. This tier offers a back catalog of games and online play but excludes Day One games and cloud gaming. Further details on release dates and game availability will be announced soon.

Microsoft emphasizes that these changes offer players more choice in subscription options.

Previous Comments from Xbox Executives

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer previously highlighted the importance of continued innovation in areas like Game Pass, cloud gaming, and cross-platform play. Xbox CFO Tim Stuart identified Game Pass, first-party games, and advertising as high-margin businesses driving Microsoft's growth.

Xbox Gaming Beyond the Console

Xbox's recent ad campaign emphasizes Game Pass's availability on Amazon Fire Sticks, highlighting that an Xbox console isn't required to play. The focus is on expanding access to games like Forza Motorsport, Starfield, and Palworld. Future strategy includes adding more major titles to the Game Pass library. Phil Spencer has stated Xbox's goal is to provide choice and accessibility across various platforms.

Xbox's Commitment to Hardware

Microsoft has confirmed its continued commitment to hardware, stating there are plans for future hardware expansion and that physical game copies will remain available as long as there is demand. While acknowledging challenges related to the manufacturing of disc drives, Xbox's strategy does not rely on a complete shift to digital distribution.