By cleaning up its Game Pass subscription gaming service, Xbox has decided to gradually eliminate the historic subscription for console players. This cleanup has sparked mixed reactions from loyal users, some of whom have had trouble with the removal of the Game Pass Console plan.
No more multi-year subscriptions
According to information shared on the official Xbox website, it will no longer be possible to accumulate subscriptions over several years as before. From September 18, the maximum extension period will be limited to 13 months. Microsoft explains this decision by the desire to put an end to this type of subscription, while preparing the ground for the launch of Game Pass Standard. The smartest players used to accumulate many months (and years!) with subscription cards to avoid price increases.
This new offer, which is scheduled to launch in the coming months, will replace Game Pass for Console. It will bring notable changes, in particular the disappearance of the "day one" additions which until now allowed access to new features as soon as they were released. This absence is a real upheaval for the service, since these additions had always been highlighted as a key benefit.
In addition to these structural changes, Microsoft also announced a price increase for all Game Pass subscription tiers. Starting September 12, the new prices will apply to all subscribers (this is already the case for new customers):
- Game Pass Core: €69.99 per year (+€10), with a monthly rate unchanged at €6.99.
- Game Pass PC: €11.99 per month (+€2).
- Game Pass Ultimate: €17.99 per month (+3€).
Each plan provides access to multiplayer, and the PC and Ultimate plans also include the EA Play subscription and a vast catalog of games. Game Pass Core, which replaced the old Xbox Live Gold, offers a selection of 25 games.
Game Pass Standard will cost €14.99; the plan will include access to the full catalog and multiplayer, but without the new features from day one. To keep this advantage, users will have to turn to Game Pass Ultimate, the most complete and also the most popular offer, according to Microsoft. It is also the most expensive subscription.
These changes were expected since the acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the integration of ultra-popular franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo into the Game Pass. This revaluation, positive in terms of content, also translates into a price increase that could make some players grind their teeth.
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