UPDATE: Microsoft has just announced a significant price increase for its Xbox Game Pass service, with costs soaring to just under $30 per month for Game Pass Ultimate. This change comes as part of a broader trend in the gaming industry, with streaming subscriptions rising in price, forcing gamers to reconsider their spending habits.
The new pricing structure, which takes effect immediately, now charges $16.49 monthly for PC-only users and $29.99 for those accessing games across Xbox consoles and PCs. The timing of this hike coincides with the release of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PCs, amplifying concerns among gamers regarding value for money.
Many users are expressing dissatisfaction with the increased rates. For those who previously found value in the service, the price jump is drastic. The subscription, which previously offered access to a vast library of games, is now viewed by some as too expensive to justify. At this new rate, many gamers are contemplating whether to continue their subscriptions or purchase games outright.
Previously, the Game Pass Ultimate subscription was seen as a worthwhile investment, costing roughly the same as four fancy lattes a month. As a subscriber, users had the opportunity to play acclaimed titles like The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, Persona 4 Golden, and Forza Horizon 5 without the upfront cost of purchasing individual games. However, with the monthly fee now approaching $30, the appeal is waning.
Gamers are now faced with the hard choice of whether to keep paying for the subscription or to invest in a few selected titles each year. With the cost of a year’s subscription totaling around $360, many argue that buying a few high-quality games might be more economical.
Critics of the new pricing structure point to the need for Microsoft to improve its offerings to retain subscribers. The company has acquired several major game development studios, including Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Obsidian Entertainment. Leveraging these studios to deliver compelling first-party games consistently could make the subscription worthwhile again.
Despite a few successful game launches earlier this year, such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Expedition 33, there is still uncertainty about the quality and frequency of future releases. The gaming industry has been experiencing a slump, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded issues with game development.
Looking ahead, gamers are eager to see if Microsoft can turn things around. The hope is that the tech giant will streamline its operations across its newly acquired studios to offer a steady stream of high-quality titles that justify the higher subscription price.
In the meantime, with the increase now live, many gamers are left weighing their options. The sense of urgency is palpable, as the gaming community watches closely to see if Microsoft can deliver the quality and consistency needed to retain customer loyalty amidst these price hikes.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the future of Xbox Game Pass hinges on Microsoft’s next moves, and whether they can make the service appealing again in this new, pricier landscape.