Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass, and the Xbox brand as a whole are in a bit of a pickle following a whopping 50-percent price increase. This significant hike in price has definitely caused some turmoil in the once-reliable Game Pass subscription service. But wait, there’s more! Old tiers have been given a makeover and new names, along with stricter limitations on game access and fewer discounts and deals for loyal subscribers. The days of enjoying sweet discounts and deals are now a thing of the past, as Microsoft has shifted its focus elsewhere.
The Ultimate plan may have a few more bells and whistles now, but the blow of paying 50 percent more has definitely tarnished the Xbox brand. With rumors swirling about an ad-supported version of Xbox Game Streaming on the horizon, things are looking a bit uncertain for Xbox fans. And let’s not forget the constant bombardment of ads on Xbox consoles – a sight that many gamers are all too familiar with.
In the midst of all these changes, the good ol’ comrade Doctorow comes to mind. But if you’re still looking to escape the chaos of late-stage capitalism with some gaming on Xbox, let’s break down the new Game Pass pricing and how you can still cling on to the pre-hike prices, at least for now. The three tiers now on offer are Essential ($10/month), Premium ($15/month), and Ultimate ($30/month). Each tier offers online multiplayer on Xbox, but the number of games and access times vary. The days of simply throwing a few bucks at Microsoft each month for guaranteed game access are long gone – it’s a whole new ball game now.
Don’t fret if you’re a Game Pass for Console subscriber, as you may have dodged a bullet (for now) if you still have automatic payments set up. But cancel those payments, and you’ll be forced to choose from the three new pricey plans being dangled in front of you. GameStop, of all places, is still selling subscriptions at the old prices, so it might be worth checking out other retailers for a better deal. Discounts on games have been replaced by a “Rewards” program, where you can earn points to spend on Microsoft products by playing games with an active Game Pass subscription. It’s a whole new world out there, folks.
As for other gaming subscription services, PlayStation and Nintendo offer their own tiers, each with its own set of perks and prices. The ongoing battle between subscription services and traditional game ownership rages on, with each side offering something different for gamers. At the end of the day, whether you prefer the convenience of a subscription or the security of owning your games outright, the choice is yours. But one thing’s for sure – the landscape of gaming is changing, and it’s up to us to adapt and find our place in this new world.
