Microsoft has quietly revealed some major changes to its Xbox Game Pass service, which will affect gamers’ wallets and access to day-one releases. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will impact your gaming experience.
Introduction
Microsoft is making waves in the gaming community with its latest announcement: significant price hikes and the exclusion of day-one releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 from the standard Xbox Game Pass tier. Let’s break down what this means for you.
Xbox Game Pass Price Changes
Starting July 10, 2024, for new members and September 12, 2024, for existing members, Microsoft will implement the following price changes:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Increasing from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. This tier includes access to the full library of Xbox Game Pass games, PC Game Pass games, EA Play, day-one titles, online multiplayer, member deals and discounts, perks, and cloud gaming.
- Xbox Game Pass Standard: A new tier priced at $14.99 per month, replacing the $10.99 Xbox Game Pass Console tier. This option excludes day-one titles, specific entries to the Game Pass Ultimate library, EA Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, perks, Quests, and discounts.
- PC Game Pass: Rising from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, with unclear information on the inclusion of day-one titles.
- Xbox Game Pass Console: Staying at $10.99 per month for existing subscribers but no longer available for new subscribers.
- Xbox Game Pass Core: Maintaining its monthly price of $9.99 but increasing its annual price from $59.99 to $74.99. This tier offers around 25 Xbox Game Pass games, online multiplayer, and member deals and discounts.
The Impact on Day-One Releases
One of the most notable changes is the exclusion of day-one releases from the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will no longer be available on release day unless you subscribe to the Ultimate tier. Microsoft has not committed to adding these titles to Xbox Game Pass at a later date, leaving gamers with no choice but to opt for the $19.99 per month Ultimate tier if they want access to the latest releases right away.
Why the Changes?
Microsoft last raised prices on Xbox Game Pass in 2023, with the Ultimate tier going from $14.99 to $16.99 per month. This move marked the first price hike since 2017. The current increase and tier restructuring come amidst rumors of further price hikes and the anticipated addition of future Call of Duty games to the service following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
New Pre-Pay Limits
In another change, Microsoft will now only allow users to pre-pay for Xbox Game Pass for Console for up to 13 months. Those who have already prepaid for more than 13 months will not be affected by this new limit.
Microsoft’s recent announcement marks a significant shift in its Xbox Game Pass offerings. The exclusion of day-one releases from the standard tier and the price hikes across various tiers are likely to stir conversations among gamers. As always, we’ll keep you updated with the latest developments.
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