Xbox Game Pass, known as "the best deal in gaming," is set to undergo its first price increase since its launch. Introduced in 2017, Game Pass offers subscribers a vast and constantly updated library of games, both big and small, for a monthly fee. Over time, this service has become a crucial element of Microsoft's gaming strategy, attracting millions of subscribers who can explore and experience a wide range of games that they may not have otherwise purchased in full.
Although Xbox Game Pass has achieved tremendous success over the past six years, fans have expressed concerns about the sustainability of its pricing amidst rising costs for games and consoles. In October of last year, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer acknowledged that a price increase for Game Pass was inevitable. Additionally, the popular $1 trial, which had served as an entry point for new subscribers for many years, was discontinued in March. Despite these developments, subscribers have continued to enjoy a plethora of new titles released on the same day as their official launch, exemplified by Bethesda's Hi-Fi Rush.
The base Xbox Game Pass subscription will be increased by one dollar, going from $9.99 to $10.99, according to The Verge's Tom Warren. On the other hand, Game Pass Ultimate users will experience a larger increase, as the price will go up to $16.99 from the initial offering of $14.99. However, PC gamers can rest assured as the price of PC Game Pass will remain unaffected by these changes.
The price increases will be implemented for new subscribers on July 6, while current subscribers will not be affected until August 13. It is worth mentioning that the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan, which allows up to five individuals to access Game Pass Ultimate for one subscription fee, will remain unchanged despite these price hikes. This initial Game Pass price increase could be attributed, at least in part, to Xbox's steady release of AAA first-party Xbox Game Studios titles, with highly anticipated games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport expected to join the service this year.
Although this news may disappoint some Game Pass subscribers, the $1 increase to the base plan does not seem unreasonable when considering the significant amount of high-quality content that will be added to the service in the coming months and years. With titles such as Bethesda's expansive 1,000-planet space RPG Starfield, the Soulslike game Lies of P inspired by Bloodborne, the return of Forza Motorsport, and much more, Game Pass' first-ever price increase is likely to be more than justified in the current year and beyond.
Source: The Verge
