Microsoft recently announced some significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, its popular video game subscription service. The changes will go into effect on July 10 and were quietly revealed on Xbox’s support site before being noticed by sources like Wario64 and Windows Central.
One of the most significant changes is the discontinuation of the Game Pass for Console tier. Instead, users will have to switch to Xbox Game Pass Core or the new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, set to launch in the future. Xbox Game Pass Standard will cost $15 a month and include online multiplayer on consoles but won’t support cloud gaming or offer immediate access to some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one.
Existing subscribers should also be aware of upcoming price hikes. New subscribers will see the changes on July 10, while existing members will experience them on September 12. Here’s how the pricing will change for each tier in the United States:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $17 to $20 per month.
- PC Game Pass pricing will go up from $10 to $12 per month.
- A 12-month Xbox Game Pass Core subscription will rise from $60 to $75.
2024 looks to be a big year for Xbox Game Pass, with the service expanding to Amazon Fire TVs and offering exciting day-one games. Titles like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and first-party games including Age of Mythology: Retold, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on launch day.
While Microsoft believes these changes will provide more value and great games to Game Pass subscribers, some users find the adjustments confusing and wish for clearer communication from Xbox.
