- Microsoft is justifying the Game Pass price hike by saying that they’ve added new games.
- Game Pass Ultimate now costs $360 per year, representing a 50% price increase.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming exits Beta, and the rewards program now offers $100 yearly.
These are challenging times to be an Xbox fan, especially after Microsoft has taken measures that have significantly decreased its brand value. Recently, the Xbox Series consoles experienced a second price hike this year, with the Series X now costing as much as $800.
However, Microsoft wasn’t done there; an Xbox Game Pass price hike followed suit. Game Pass Ultimate now costs $30 per month or $360 per year, representing a 50% price increase. Now, the gaming giant is defending its price hike decision, justifying it by adding new titles and other perks.
Why it matters: The entire point of subscription services like Game Pass was to offer gamers a cheap way to play video games without having to buy them. However, the service has lost its true purpose after recent price surges.
Talking to The Verge, Microsoft’s director of gaming, Dustin Blackwell, explained the cause behind the price hike for Game Pass Ultimate.
We understand price increases are never fun for anybody, but we’re trying to reinforce by adding more value to these plans as well.
The gaming giant has added 45 new games to the service, including major AAA titles such as Hogwarts Legacy and select Assassin’s Creed games.
Furthermore, 75 Day One titles will be available for the service per year. Ubisoft Plus Classics and Fortnite Crew are also part of the service, which Blackwell says is worth “$28 a month in value” on its own.
Xbox Cloud Gaming and Rewards program has also undergone a new upgrade, with the latter service now offering up to $100 per year by simply playing games.
Blackwell further assured fans that they’re actively listening to the community, even if this decision is pretty anti-consumer. He said the following:
It’s something we don’t take lightly, and we’re listening to the feedback of players and the community to try to provide them with more of what they’re asking for.
What are your thoughts on the Game Pass price hike? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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