As a passionate Xbox gamer and long-term subscriber of Xbox Game Pass, I cannot help but feel frustrated by the recent back-and-forth between Microsoft and the FTC regarding the price increase and tier changes to Xbox Game Pass.
Following the FTC’s announcement that Microsoft’s price hike and tier adjustments for Xbox Game Pass could cause harm to consumers, the tech giant has responded with a statement of their own.
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In a recent development (as reported by The Verge), Microsoft feels compelled to clarify some misconceptions in the FTC’s letter. We believe their portrayal of the facts is not based on accurate information from the record.
Microsoft clarifies that labeling Xbox Game Pass Standard as a “lesser” or “reduced” version of the previous Xbox Game Pass for Console is not accurate.
I’ve had my fair share of disappointments when it comes to subscribing to gaming services only to find out that a feature I was looking forward to, like multiplayer functionality for a specific game, came at an extra cost. It’s frustrating and feels like a hidden fee that wasn’t clearly communicated during the sign-up process.
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: During the court case about Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard, the FTC only brought up the issue in passing. The main topic of the trial was Microsoft potentially preventing Call of Duty from appearing on PlayStation consoles. However, Microsoft insists that these changes to the price and tiers of Game Pass have no connection to this issue.
Microsoft responded to the FTC’s new focus on the subscription market by stating, “Although the FTC has attempted to pivot its concerns towards this area, the points made in their letter don’t align with their arguments presented below.” Regarding the normality of businesses adjusting services over time, Microsoft continued, “However, the basis for the FTC’s case across all markets has consistently hinged on vertical foreclosure – Microsoft’s alleged practice of preventing rivals from accessing Call of Duty, ultimately harming competition. In the subscription market, though, Call of Duty remains accessible to those who desire it.”
The letter closes with the company saying that there is “no evidence” to harming competition.
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2024-07-20 04:17