Breaking: Xbox Game Pass Takes a Bold Pricing Revamp

Xbox Game Pass subscribers around the world may be disappointed to learn that the service has become more costly. Despite its popularity and extensive collection of games for both Xbox and PC, catering to even the most discerning gamers, the price increase may not sit well with many. One of the key benefits of the service is the ability to play select new titles on their launch day, often at a significantly lower cost compared to purchasing the game outright. Just recently, Xbox Game Pass announced the addition of six new day-one games, including Bounty Star, a mech combat game with a unique twist reminiscent of Armored Core.

It is worth noting that the price of Xbox Game Pass has remained unchanged for a considerable period of time, even after Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda and the subsequent inclusion of games from the publisher's popular franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Fallout. In response to speculation surrounding a potential price increase following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company addressed these rumors earlier this year. However, it appears that the landscape has now shifted, as the price hike has finally materialized within a few short months.

Xbox Game Pass pricing will see an increase effective today, July 6th. However, current subscribers will only experience this change starting from August 13th, 2023. Good news for PC subscribers as they will not be affected by this price increase. Similarly, console users who have utilized a yearly code to subscribe to the service will not face any changes until their subscription is due for renewal. Interestingly, there are several countries, namely Chile, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia, that will not be subject to the price increases for Game Pass. It is worth noting that this adjustment in pricing coincides with a price increase for Xbox Series X in various regions. On the other hand, Microsoft has decided not to increase the price for Xbox Series S.

Xbox's head of communications, Kari Perez, has clarified that the recent price increase is not related to the Activision Blizzard deal. According to Perez, the price adjustment is aimed at reflecting the competitive conditions in different markets. It appears that only a few countries remain unaffected by this change. Previously, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a possible Game Pass price increase, stating that the company had been holding off for a while and suggesting that it was not sustainable in the long run. This may have been an attempt to gently prepare users for the inevitable price change, as Xbox Game Pass is experiencing its first increase since its launch in 2017.

However, it is important to note that despite the price increase, Xbox Game Pass continues to provide excellent value. The service consistently offers a wide range of exciting new games, with the upcoming July 2023 batch featuring popular titles such as Grand Theft Auto 5, Exoprimal, and the puzzle platformer The Cave.

Source: The Verge