Recently, Microsoft made headlines by increasing the pricing for Xbox Game Pass and introducing a new ‘Standard’ tier for the game subscription service. However, it seems like the tech giant is not done yet, as rumors suggest that more changes could be on the horizon. According to sources cited by Windows Central, Microsoft is reportedly working on new Game Pass tiers that could revolutionize the way players access its vast library of games.
Cloud-Only Subscription Tier
One of the potential new tiers that Microsoft is said to be working on is a cloud-only subscription tier. This tier would allow players on devices outside of the Xbox ecosystem to access the Game Pass catalogue of games. Not only would this make gaming more accessible to a wider audience, but it could also potentially open up new revenue streams for Microsoft. The cloud-only tier is rumored to be cheaper than the current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and there is even talk of it being available on competing console platforms.
In addition to the cloud-only tier, Microsoft is also reportedly exploring the idea of an ad-supported tier for Game Pass. Similar to ad-based tiers for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, this tier would cater to players who are not willing to pay a subscription fee. Instead, players would have access to an ad-based version of the service at no cost. This move could help Microsoft attract a larger audience and monetize its gaming platform in a new way.
Another potential addition to Xbox Game Pass is the rumored return of the Friends and Family Plan. This plan, which was previously tested in select regions but never widely rolled out, would cater to multiple users in a family. Similar to family plans offered by other subscription services, the Friends and Family Plan would allow multiple users to access the Game Pass library at a discounted rate. This move could further solidify Microsoft’s position in the gaming subscription market and attract more users to the platform.
Microsoft recently launched its Xbox cloud gaming service on the Xbox app on Amazon Fire TV Stick, allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play Xbox titles without the need for a dedicated console. This move signals Microsoft’s commitment to expanding the reach of its gaming platform and making gaming more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Microsoft’s decision to raise Game Pass pricing across tiers and territories comes on the heels of the announcement that the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Game Pass at launch. This move could potentially attract more subscribers to the service and solidify Game Pass as a must-have gaming subscription.
Overall, Microsoft’s plans for Xbox Game Pass show the tech giant’s commitment to innovation and growth in the gaming industry. By introducing new tiers, expanding its reach to new platforms, and offering enticing titles on its service, Microsoft is poised to revolutionize the way players access and enjoy games. With these potential changes on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft continues to evolve its gaming subscription service in the coming months and years.
Leave a Reply