In a move that’s stirring up the gaming community, Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The revamp, set to roll out in stages starting July 2024, includes price increases, the introduction of new tiers, and the discontinuation of existing options.

The most notable change is the price hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which will increase from $17 to $20 per month in the United States. This adjustment takes effect immediately for new subscribers and will apply to existing members from September.

Microsoft is also introducing a new “Game Pass Standard” tier, replacing the current “Game Pass for Console” option. Priced at $15 monthly, this new tier comes with a significant caveat: it won’t include day-one access to new game releases, a feature that has been a cornerstone of Game Pass since its inception.

The Xbox Game Pass Core service (formerly known as Xbox Live Gold) is also affected, with its annual subscription increasing from $60 to $75, while the monthly rate remains unchanged at $10.

PC gamers aren’t spared from the changes either. The PC Game Pass will see its price rise from $10 to $12 per month, though it will retain the day-one game release feature.

In addition to these alterations, Xbox is implementing changes to its prepaid card system. From September 12, 2024, users will be limited to stacking Game Pass for Console prepaid cards for a maximum of 13 months.

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These modifications have left many gamers puzzled and concerned about the future value proposition of the service. The introduction of multiple tiers with varying features has added a layer of complexity to what was once praised for its simplicity and value.

The move to remove the day-one release and offering it at a higher tier isn’t very surprising since they are known to cannibalize the sales of the games. Since, for the first time we are getting a Call of Duty game on the Xbox Game Pass, this move is most probably to protect the sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and any future “big” games.

Microsoft’s Game Pass strategy is evolving and it needs to be seen whether these changes will strengthen or weaken the service’s position in the competitive gaming market. For now, subscribers are advised to carefully review the new structure to understand how these changes will affect their tiers, plans, and prices.