Microsoft has announced a substantial price increase for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, with the most popular tier, Ultimate, seeing a rise of over 50%. This move comes as the company also rolls out significant improvements to its cloud gaming service, including higher resolutions and broader accessibility across different Game Pass tiers. The price adjustments have sparked considerable backlash from the gaming community.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price increased from £14.99 to £22.99 per month.
- PC Game Pass also saw a price hike from $11.99 to $16.49 per month.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming has exited beta, offering improved 1440p resolution and bitrate for Ultimate subscribers.
- Cloud gaming is now available on Essential and Premium tiers, though with varied wait times and quality.
- The price increases have been met with widespread player anger and cancellations.
Game Pass Price Adjustments and Player Reaction
Fans have expressed significant frustration following the announcement of the price hikes. Many took to social media to voice their discontent, with some reporting that the cancellation page for Game Pass experienced outages due to high demand. The most affected tier, Game Pass Ultimate, which provides access to new first-party Microsoft titles on day one, has seen its price jump from £14.99 to £22.99 per month. PC Game Pass also experienced an increase, moving from $11.99 to $16.49 per month.
Microsoft defended the decision by highlighting the added value and flexibility the new tiers offer, including access to a larger game library, day-one releases, and services like Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew. However, many players feel the increase is excessive, especially considering the rising costs of living and other gaming expenses. Critics argue that these hikes could price consumers out of the hobby.
Cloud Gaming Enhancements
Alongside the price increases, Xbox Cloud Gaming has officially exited its beta phase. This transition brings several improvements, most notably for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, who will now experience higher streaming quality, including up to 1440p resolution on select games and devices, along with improved bitrates. This marks a significant visual upgrade for the service.
Furthermore, cloud gaming capabilities are being expanded to the Xbox Game Pass Essential and Premium tiers. While Ultimate subscribers will receive priority access with the shortest wait times and best quality, other tiers will offer unlimited cloud gaming with potentially longer wait times and varied streaming quality. This move aims to provide more value across the entire Game Pass ecosystem, even as the top tier becomes more expensive.
Broader Industry Context
The price increases for Xbox Game Pass come at a time when the gaming industry, in general, is facing rising costs. Microsoft itself had previously announced price hikes for its Xbox consoles and accessories, citing market conditions and increased development costs. Competitors like Sony and Nintendo have also implemented price adjustments for their hardware and software. Some analysts suggest that these moves reflect the increasing expense of game development and the need for companies to maintain profitability, while others view it as a sign of corporate greed impacting player accessibility.
Sources
- Xbox Game Pass price increase gets players angry, BBC.
- This Xbox Generation Will Be Remembered for One Thing: Greed, IGN.
- Microsoft Tries To Defend Xbox Game Pass Price Increase, Insider Gaming.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming comes out of beta with improved 1440p resolution, The Verge.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming exits beta, priority access offered for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, TweakTown.
