Xbox Game Pass Price Hikes and New Tier Announced: A Multi-Platform Strategy
Microsoft has announced price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, introducing a new tier and altering existing plans. This follows Xbox's ongoing push to expand Game Pass's reach across various platforms.
Price Increases Effective July 10th (New Subscribers) and September 12th (Existing Subscribers):
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Increases from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. This tier retains its all-inclusive features: 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, maintaining access to Day One releases, member discounts, the PC game catalog, and EA Play.
- Game Pass Core: Annual price increases from $59.99 to $74.99, but the monthly price remains at $9.99. Note: Xbox Game Pass for Console will be unavailable to new members starting July 10, 2024. Existing console subscribers can maintain access as long as their subscription remains active. After September 18th, 2024, the maximum stackable time for Game Pass for Console codes will be 13 months.
New Xbox Game Pass Standard Tier:
A new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at $14.99 per month, will offer a back catalog of games and online play but excludes Day One games and cloud gaming. Further details on release date and game availability are forthcoming.
Expanding Game Pass's Reach:
Microsoft's strategy emphasizes expanding Game Pass availability beyond Xbox consoles. A recent ad campaign highlights Game Pass's availability on Amazon Fire Sticks, showcasing the ability to play Xbox games without an Xbox console. This underscores Xbox's commitment to multi-platform access.
Xbox's Long-Term Strategy:
While expanding Game Pass's digital presence, Microsoft has confirmed its continued commitment to hardware and physical game releases. This balanced approach aims to provide gamers with diverse options for accessing and enjoying Xbox games.
The price increases reflect Xbox's investment in expanding Game Pass and delivering new content, aligning with statements from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and CFO Tim Stuart regarding the service's profitability and future growth.
