Is Xbox Game Pass ‘Dead’? Subscribers Leave in Droves
Topics: Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Featured Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment/Microsoft
Topics: Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Since its launch back in 2017, the Xbox Game Pass has allowed users to access day-one releases as well as a stack of monthly free games and various other incentives.
However, with Microsoft regularly increasing the cost of an Xbox Game Pass subscription over the past few years, it is perhaps no wonder that some members are deciding to cancel their subs.
When it was first launched, the Xbox Game Pass was described as a 'digital subscription for 100-plus games for $9.99/month'. And although that library has increased exponentially, so too has its price.
At the start of October, Microsoft announced that it would be increasing the costs of all of its Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers and that price hike has now gone into effect. For non-subscribers, the price increase went into effect immediately but for current Xbox Game Pass subscribers, it is the start of November which will see those prices change as their subscriptions renew.
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At the time of writing, the Essential tier costs $9.99 a month, whilst the Premium and Ultimate tiers cost $14.99 and $29.99 respectively.
However, with a cost of living crisis affecting many regions across the world, it is no wonder that shelling out $30 a month is asking a bit too much and, as a result, Xbox users have recently taken to XboxGamePass to share their thoughts.
“Def not worth it anymore for me,” one user commented.
“I could see subscribing for a month and canceling it to try a bunch of games for 30 days but not stay subscribed annually like before.
Even with the cheaper 3 month cards online this has made me realize how few games I actually play nowadays.”
“I downgraded a level. I never have time for day one games anyway,” user DarthJediWolfe added.
However, it is the day one releases that users are seemingly having the most issues with.
“The day one games suck. They haven't justified the price increase. Maybe like one to two games a year for me. There should honestly be a pick-your-own-style package,” another user suggested.
It is evident by scrolling through these comments that Microsoft is facing thousands of cancellations following the recent Xbox Game Pass price hike but whether or not it will inspire the company to review them is another question entirely.
For now, it is worth debating whether or not the price justifies what the subscription offers you as there is no doubt that these costs will continue to be raised over the next few years.
Microsoft said the new pricing system 'offers more flexibility, choice, and value to all players'. Premium has been 'upgraded', for example.
"We’re now giving Premium subscribers more games than ever before, from gaming’s biggest hits to hidden gems, now with access to 200+ games on Xbox console, PC, and supported devices, all still at $14.99," Microsoft said.
"This library, with more than 40 new games available today, is also now playable on PC, including timeless hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. Plus, Premium subscribers get newly added fan-favorites like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy starting today, and new Xbox-published games within a year of their launch (excludes Call of Duty titles).
"Cloud gaming is also expanding in Premium. Subscribers now enjoy unlimited cloud gaming, including select games you own, and newly added in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X, instantly unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more to enhance your gameplay. Premium also brings new value through Rewards with Xbox. Premium subscribers can also get up to $50 per year (50k points globally) in the Store just by playing games, earning 2x points on purchases of games and add-ons, plus 5% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons."