Xbox Game Pass Restructure: What's Changing and How Much It Costs
2024-07-10
As Xbox Game Pass gears up for another major overhaul, users can expect new subscription tiers and price adjustments. This latest restructuring aims to streamline services while providing various options tailored to different user preferences and gaming needs. Discover what the new tiers entail, how much they cost, and what this means for both new and existing subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass Tier Restructure
Xbox Game Pass has been a popular service, providing gamers with access to a vast library of titles, including day-one releases, at a relatively low monthly fee. However, like many subscription services, Xbox Game Pass has undergone price increases over time. The most recent restructuring introduces new tiers and corresponding prices, set to take effect in September 2023.
The updated system will see the introduction of Xbox Game Pass Core, replacing Xbox Live Gold. This new structure is aimed at offering a more tailored gaming experience, with varied options for both console and PC users. Let's dive into the specifics of these changes and their implications for gamers.
Significant Changes: The Closure of Xbox Game Pass for Console
One of the most notable changes is the closure of the classic Xbox Game Pass for Console for new users. Replacing it is a new tier called "Xbox Game Pass Standard," designed specifically for newcomers. Current subscribers of the Xbox Game Pass for Console will be allowed to maintain their existing subscription setup.
The Xbox Game Pass Standard tier is priced at $14.99 per month and includes access to online gaming and a collection of Game Pass titles from Xbox's back catalog. However, this tier does not include access to first-party releases upon their launch, which was a prominent feature previously available to subscribers.
Introducing Xbox Game Pass Core
Xbox Game Pass Core will continue to serve console players who primarily seek online multiplayer functionality without the need for a vast library of Game Pass titles. This tier will see an annual price increase from $59.99 to $74.99, while the monthly subscription rate remains at $9.99.
For those who prioritize online gaming over a large catalog, Xbox Game Pass Core remains an ideal choice. This tier strikes a balance for gamers who want to stay connected with friends and compete online without the additional cost of many Game Pass titles.
Day-One Releases and the Top Tiers
Day-one releases, a coveted feature among gamers, will now only be available in two tiers: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. These tiers will also be experiencing price increases, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rising to $19.99 per month from $16.99, and PC Game Pass moving from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
Microsoft cites the vast majority of users being on the flagship Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan as a reason for this shift. These changes are likely a strategic move to push more users toward the more comprehensive and expensive tier, which offers extensive gaming and accessibility options.
Impact of Popular Game Releases
Microsoft's restructuring appears well-timed, especially with the upcoming launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. As the first in the franchise to be included in Xbox Game Pass, its release aligns with the service's updated pricing strategy. The new rates for pre-existing customers will begin in September, just a month before the game's release.
Additionally, the Xbox showcase of the summer has generated high anticipation for other significant titles, such as Gears of War: E-Day, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, State of Decay 3, and the new Fable game. These first-party titles are expected to be part of Xbox Game Pass upon their releases, likely influencing the overall price increases.
Timeline for Price Changes
The updated pricing structure takes effect for new member subscriptions starting July 10, 2024. For users with recurring billing, the new Xbox Game Pass prices will be implemented on September 12, 2024. This gives current subscribers a few months to decide whether to adjust their tier or cancel their subscriptions.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass remains a dynamic and flexible service. These changes provide a range of options to accommodate the diverse needs of gamers, ensuring that everyone can find a tier that fits their gaming habits and budgets.
