Microsoft is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing more new Game Pass tiers.
According to Windows Central‘s sources, these include cloud-only and ad supported tiers, and potentially the return of a family subscription option.
Microsoft is reportedly working towards a cloud-only Game Pass tier that would be relatively cheap and accessible as users wouldn’t need to own a console.
It’s claimed that subscribers to this tier would also be able to purchase digital games, which would tie in with Microsoft’s plan to let players stream titles they own through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Windows Central also claimed to have heard “very tentative rumours” that the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan could return in some form.
Testing of a family membership which allowed five people to access a single subscription for $24.99—a price reportedly considered to be too generous by publishers—took place across eight countries between the summers of 2022 and 2023.
And while Microsoft previously said it was exploring the possibility of offering access to Game Pass in exchange for viewing advertisements, Windows Central claimed the company isn’t currently actively working towards an ad-based subscription tier.
Earlier this month Microsoft raised Xbox Game Pass prices and announced plans to introduce a new Standard subscription tier that doesn’t include day one releases.
Modern Warfare 3 will reportedly join Game Pass for console and PC this week, while Black Ops 6 will be the first Call of Duty title to launch on the subscription service on day one, when it’s released on October 25, 2024.