Even More Xbox Game Pass Tier Changes Could Be on the Way

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Even More Xbox Game Pass Tier Changes Could Be on the Way

Highlights

  • Microsoft might be working on a cloud-only Xbox Game Pass tier.
  • The rumored plan is reportedly meant to be more affordable than XGP Ultimate.
  • The Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan could also be making a return in the future, after being discontinued in August 2023.

As a long-time Xbox gamer, I have grown accustomed to the ever-evolving landscape of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Over the years, it has brought me countless hours of entertainment and introduced me to new games that I may not have otherwise tried. However, the recent changes to the service, including the price hikes and the elimination of the console-only plan, left me feeling a bit disconnected and concerned about its accessibility for budget-conscious gamers like myself.

According to a trusted Microsoft source, there might be more adjustments coming for the Xbox Game Pass tiers, including a cloud-based option, aimed at expanding the service’s global reach.

Around mid-July, Microsoft made some significant updates to Xbox Game Pass without much fanfare. These changes affected most members, except those with Console tiers, who faced a price increase. The company also removed the $10.99 monthly console-only subscription for new subscribers and replaced it with Xbox Game Pass Standard at $14.99 per month. Starting September 2024, day-one game releases will no longer be available to Standard-tier members but instead will become exclusive benefits of PC Game Pass and Ultimate memberships. The price adjustments took effect on July 10, while the rest of the service modifications are planned for September 2024.

Microsoft Possibly Working on Cloud-Only Xbox Game Pass Tier

As someone who has been following the gaming industry closely for years, I’m always excited to learn about new developments and innovations that could potentially enhance my gaming experience. The recent news about possible changes to Xbox Game Pass, particularly the rumored introduction of a cloud-only tier, has piqued my interest.

Xbox Game Pass Family Plan Might Be Coming Back

The report’s second point brings up potential returns of the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan based on “preliminary whispers” from Corden. Microsoft had introduced this plan from September 2022 to August 2023, initially in Ireland and Colombia, then expanding to six additional countries early in 2023. The multi-account offer enabled up to five individuals to access all the perks of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for approximately $25 a month, making it more economical than having two distinct Ultimate subscriptions at that time.

In July 2024, Microsoft announced price increases and tier adjustments primarily aimed at enhancing Xbox Game Pass’ profitability. However, recent rumors suggest that upcoming changes may serve a distinct purpose: expanding the service’s reach. A proposed cloud-only subscription and five-account plan could attract budget-conscious consumers who don’t own an Xbox console or balk at spending $20 monthly for a single account. By making the service more inclusive, Microsoft might mitigate some of the negative impacts of Xbox Game Pass’ slowing expansion.

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2024-07-22 20:13