Microsoft and Xbox Game Pass has been a game-changer in the world of gaming subscriptions, offering a vast library of games for a monthly fee. Just weeks after a major shakeup to the service, new reports suggest that Microsoft is considering a variety of additional subscription tiers. These potential new tiers aim to make the service more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, particularly through cloud gaming.
Cloud-Only Game Pass Tier?
According to Jez Corden of Windows Central, Microsoft is working towards introducing a cloud-only version of Xbox Game Pass. This tier would be cheaper and more approachable than the current Game Pass Ultimate, making it an attractive option for gamers who are put off by the upfront costs of purchasing a console. This move aims to lure in users who own competing consoles but are intrigued by the extensive Game Pass catalogue.
In addition to the cloud-only tier, Microsoft is reportedly looking to monetize the service further by offering digital ownership of individual games. This option would allow users to purchase games outright, giving them permanent access even if they choose to cancel their subscription. This hybrid model could appeal to gamers who prefer owning their favorite titles rather than relying solely on a subscription service.
Friends and Family Plan Revival?
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan, which was trialed between September 2022 and August 2023, might see a revival. This plan allowed up to five people to share access to Game Pass Ultimate at a significant discount. Although it never progressed to a worldwide release, rumors suggest that Microsoft hasn’t abandoned the idea entirely. A reintroduction of this plan could provide substantial savings for groups of friends or family members who want to enjoy Xbox Game Pass together.
While there was speculation about an ad-based tier for Xbox Game Pass, Corden’s sources indicate that Microsoft isn’t actively pursuing this option at the moment. An ad-based tier could potentially lower costs for subscribers, but it appears that Microsoft is focusing on other strategies to expand its user base and enhance the service.
Recent Changes to Xbox Game Pass
The discussions about new subscription tiers come on the heels of significant changes to the existing Xbox Game Pass service. In the lead-up to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft confirmed the removal of day-one releases for its overhauled basic tier. This change has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community, as day-one access to new titles was a major selling point for the service.
In addition to the removal of day-one releases, Microsoft has implemented price increases for all Xbox Game Pass tiers. These adjustments reflect the company’s efforts to balance the cost of offering a comprehensive game library with the financial realities of maintaining and expanding the service.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has criticized Microsoft’s revised Game Pass tiers, describing the new offerings as a “degraded product.” In a filing with the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the FTC argued that the changes exemplify the kind of consumer harm it anticipated from Microsoft’s merger with Activision Blizzard. Microsoft has countered these claims, stating that the FTC’s concerns about subscriptions were barely mentioned during the trial and that the agency’s assertions are “wrong” and “misleading.”