Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increase Sparks Outrage

Main Insights from ZDNET

In a notable move, Microsoft has once again raised the monthly fee for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, marking the second such increase within a year. The new monthly cost is now set at $29.99, representing a substantial 50% rise. Over a year, this adjustment totals an expenditure of $360.

In the summer of 2024, Microsoft previously adjusted the price to $19.99. However, this time, the corporation compensates for the higher cost by introducing additional benefits.

Updated Pricing and Added Benefits

The Game Pass Ultimate subscription broadens its appeal by offering more than 400 games. Starting October 1, it also opens the door to over 45 new titles. While the complete list is accessible on Microsoft's official portal, some notable additions include the likes of Hogwarts Legacy, over 14 entries from the Assassin's Creed series, Far Cry 3, and Watch Dogs.

With time, the library will further expand. Notably, the popular Fortnite Crew subscription—offering the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks, and exclusive character skins—will integrate into the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

In addition, Xbox Cloud Gaming is transitioning out of its "Beta" phase. Users can expect reduced waiting times coupled with enhanced streaming quality, now supporting 1440p resolution.

Enhancements to Core and Premium Plans

The pricing for Xbox Game Pass Core and the standard subscription will remain unchanged at $9.99 and $14.99 respectively. Nevertheless, both are set to undergo rebranding and service enhancements. The Game Pass Core will be renamed to Game Pass Essential, while the standard subscription will adopt the name Game Pass Premium. Subscriptions will seamlessly update to the new service levels, requiring no action from existing users.

Essential subscribers will gain access to a collection of over 50 games across both PC and console platforms, alongside unlimited cloud gaming options. Additionally, they can earn up to $25 annually through Microsoft's reward schemes.

The Premium tier also sees enhancements. Subscribers gain access to over 200 games on both Xbox and PC platforms. While the plan does not feature immediate access to new releases, unlike the Ultimate subscription, Microsoft guarantees new Xbox-published games within a year post-launch.

Reactions from the Player Community

The response from the gaming community has largely been negative. Many subscribers swiftly headed to the Xbox Game Pass site to terminate their memberships, leading to a significant surge in website traffic.

Recent years have presented challenges for gamers, with frequent price increases for services, individual games, and even consoles. Earlier in the year, Sony adjusted its pricing, while Nintendo raised its costs to $340.