Microsoft Announces Price Hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and New Standard Subscription

Starting in September, Microsoft will implement a price increase for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions. The monthly cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will rise from $16.99 to $19.99, while PC Game Pass will go from $9.99 to $11.99.

Despite these changes, both subscriptions will continue to offer access to day-one titles. The new prices will take effect on September 12th.

Introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard

In addition to the price hikes, Microsoft is launching a new subscription tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard. Priced at $14.99 per month, this new option will not include day-one access to first-party Xbox games but will offer online console multiplayer access, a feature previously missing from the Xbox Game Pass for Console.

The Xbox Game Pass Standard is expected to become available in the coming months.

Impact on Current Subscribers and Availability

Current subscribers to the Xbox Game Pass for Console can maintain their subscriptions, but new subscribers will not have this option starting July 10th until the Xbox Game Pass Standard becomes available.

Existing subscribers will also have the ability to stack their subscriptions for up to 13 months from September 18th without impacting their existing stacks.

Reasons Behind the Price Hike

The price increase for the Ultimate tier is partly due to the addition of Activision's Call of Duty series to the Game Pass service. Microsoft has been contemplating this adjustment since confirming the inclusion of Call of Duty.

The new pricing and subscription structure aim to accommodate these significant game additions and enhance the overall value of the Game Pass offerings.

Timing and Strategic Considerations

These changes come just over a year after the last price increase, which raised rates by $1-$2 per month. The timing of the new price adjustments coincides with the planned addition of major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to the Game Pass service later this year.

Microsoft's strategy includes these pricing adjustments to balance the cost of new game acquisitions and improve the subscription service's value.

Conclusion

Microsoft's decision to raise prices and introduce a new subscription tier reflects its ongoing efforts to provide a comprehensive gaming experience through its Game Pass service. The introduction of Xbox Game Pass Standard offers a new entry point for gamers who want multiplayer access without the premium cost of day-one titles. As the company prepares to add high-profile games to the service, these changes aim to ensure that Xbox Game Pass remains competitive and valuable to its subscribers.