In a recent announcement, Microsoft has confirmed that it will be increasing the prices of its Xbox Game Pass tiers, a decision that has raised concerns among gamers. Speaking to The Verge, Dustin Blackwell, the director of gaming and platform communications at Microsoft, acknowledged that price increases are never enjoyable for anyone. However, he emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing the value of its offerings in tandem with these changes.
Blackwell stated, "It's something we don't take lightly, and we're listening to the feedback of players and the community to try and provide them with more of what they're asking for." This shows that Microsoft is not only aware of the potential backlash but is also actively seeking to enrich the Xbox Game Pass experience for its users.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a significant increase in the price of its most premium service, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The monthly subscription will now cost $29.99/£22.99, up from the previous $19.99/£14.99. Additionally, the standard tier, which has been rebranded as Xbox Game Pass Premium, along with the PC Game Pass, will also see price hikes.
Blackwell explained that the price increases are justified by the substantial additional content being rolled out, particularly for the Ultimate tier. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now offer access to over 400 titles globally, which includes a commitment from many partners to bring their future games to the platform. This expansion is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the library available to subscribers.
In a notable enhancement, Microsoft will now provide access to more than 75 day one releases each year, representing a 50 percent increase over the prior year. This improvement aims to deliver a fresher and more competitive library for gamers who rely on Xbox Game Pass for their gaming needs.
In addition to the subscription price changes, Microsoft has also announced a second price increase for its Xbox Series X|S consoles in the United States. This adjustment will see prices rise between $20 and $70 across its hardware range, further indicating a shift in Microsoft's pricing strategy.
While the decision to raise the prices of Xbox Game Pass tiers and consoles may not sit well with all gamers, Microsoft seems to be focused on delivering greater value and a more extensive gaming library. As the company evolves its services, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact user satisfaction and subscription numbers in the long run.
