Xbox Game Pass Price Update & New Tier

Xbox Game Pass Price Hike & New Tier: Updates, Pricing, FAQs

Xbox Game Pass Getting Another Price Hike and a New Subscription Tier: Check Details

In recent news from Microsoft, the Xbox Game Pass service is undergoing significant changes with a new price hike and the introduction of a new subscription tier. These updates affect Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and the newly announced Xbox Game Pass Standard. This article provides an in-depth look at these changes, their implications for subscribers, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help clarify the details.

Overview of Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that provides access to a vast library of games for Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and mobile devices via cloud streaming. It offers a variety of membership tiers catering to different gaming needs, including:

1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Includes access to games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, cloud gaming, Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and day-one releases of Xbox Game Studios titles.
2. PC Game Pass: Focuses on games available for Windows PCs, similar to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate but without access to console titles and additional perks like EA Play and Xbox Live Gold.
3. Xbox Game Pass Core: Formerly known as Xbox Live Gold, this tier primarily provides access to online multiplayer gaming, discounts, and free monthly games for Xbox consoles.

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Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Details

Microsoft has announced a price increase for several Xbox Game Pass tiers, which will affect both new and existing subscribers. The updated prices are as follows:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The monthly subscription fee is increasing from Rs 549 to Rs 829 in India.
• PC Game Pass: New pricing sets the monthly fee at Rs 449, up from Rs 349.
• Xbox Game Pass Core: This tier now offers pricing options of Rs 3,349 for 12 months, compared to Rs 1,999 previously.

These price adjustments are scheduled to take effect on July 10 for new subscribers. Existing subscribers will see their subscription fees change after September 12, reflecting the new rates.

Reasons for the Price Hike

The price adjustments come amidst Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the Xbox Game Pass service. With the inclusion of day-one releases of major titles and a continuously growing library of games across multiple platforms, the company aims to provide greater value to subscribers. Additionally, the upcoming release of games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass underscores the service’s growing appeal and the need for sustainable pricing.

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Introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard

Alongside the price changes, Microsoft has introduced a new subscription tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard. This tier is designed to offer a more affordable option for gamers who primarily use Xbox consoles and are interested in the Xbox Game Pass Core benefits without access to day-one Xbox releases.

Key Features of Xbox Game Pass Standard

• Game Access: Includes a wide selection of games available on Xbox consoles.
• Xbox Game Pass Core Benefits: Offers benefits similar to the previous Xbox Live Gold subscription, such as online multiplayer gaming, discounts on games, and free monthly titles.
• Exclusion of Day-One Releases: Unlike Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Standard does not provide access to day-one releases of Xbox Game Studios titles.

Availability and Pricing

Xbox Game Pass Standard is slated to launch around September 2024 with a subscription fee of $14.99 per month in the United States. Local pricing details for other regions have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to provide a competitive pricing structure compared to other Xbox Game Pass tiers.

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Impact on Existing Subscribers

For current subscribers, the introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard and the revised pricing for other tiers will bring about several changes:

• Continued Access: Existing subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass will maintain their access to the respective services without immediate changes.
• Transition Period: Subscribers will be notified of the new pricing structure well in advance, with changes taking effect gradually after September 12 for automatic renewals.
• Xbox Game Pass for Console: Starting July 10, Xbox Game Pass for Console will no longer be available for new customers. Existing subscribers with automatic renewal enabled will continue to access the service. However, those with expired memberships or disabled auto-renewal will lose access.
• Stacking Limit: From September 18 onwards, there will be a limit of stacking Xbox Game Pass for Console subscriptions to a maximum of 13 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Xbox Game Pass?
   Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service by Microsoft that provides access to a library of games for Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and mobile devices.
2. What does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include?
   Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers access to games on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, cloud gaming, Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and day-one releases of Xbox Game Studios titles.
3. What is PC Game Pass?
   PC Game Pass focuses on games available for Windows PCs, similar to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate but without access to console titles and additional perks like EA Play and Xbox Live Gold.
4. What benefits does Xbox Game Pass Core offer?
   Formerly known as Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass Core provides access to online multiplayer gaming, discounts on games, and free monthly titles for Xbox consoles.
5. Why is Microsoft increasing Xbox Game Pass prices?
   The price hike is intended to reflect the growing value of the service, including day-one access to major game releases and an expanding game library across platforms.
6. When will the new Xbox Game Pass prices take effect?
   New prices will start for new customers on July 10, with existing subscribers seeing changes in their recurring fees after September 12.
7. What is Xbox Game Pass Standard?
   Xbox Game Pass Standard is a new subscription tier that offers access to games on Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass Core benefits, excluding day-one releases of Xbox Game Studios titles.
8. When will Xbox Game Pass Standard be available?
   Xbox Game Pass Standard is expected to launch around September 2024, with initial pricing set at $14.99 per month in the United States.
9. What happens to current Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers?
   From July 10, Xbox Game Pass for Console will not be available for new customers. Existing subscribers with automatic renewal enabled will continue to access the service.
10. Is there a limit to how long Xbox Game Pass for Console subscriptions can be stacked?
    Yes, starting September 18, there will be a maximum stacking limit of 13 months for Xbox Game Pass for Console subscriptions.

Conclusion

The updates to Xbox Game Pass reflect Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience through a diverse range of subscription tiers catering to different gaming preferences. While the price hike may impact some subscribers, the introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard provides a more accessible option for those primarily interested in console gaming and core benefits. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Xbox Game Pass remains a cornerstone of Microsoft’s strategy to deliver value and innovation to gamers worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as these changes take effect and the subscription service continues to evolve.