Microsoft is set to raise the price of Xbox Game Pass along with introducing a new subscription tier – one that does not include day-one releases.
Starting today (July 10th) for new users and September 12th for existing users, the top tier of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will increase in price by $3 from $17 to $20. PC Game Pass will also increase in price to $12.
The company will retire its Xbox Game Pass for Console tier for new users, replacing that with a $15 Xbox Game Pass Standard tier which will include access to a back catalogue of games, and online play – but no day-one releases, EA Play or cloud gaming.
In terms of those day one releases, Microsoft says in a statement: “Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date.”
Users currently subscribed to Xbox Game Pass for Console will be allowed to maintain their subscription, including access to day one games.
However, any users who turn off their automatic payment renewal or find that their membership lapses will no longer have access to Game Pass for Console and will need to join one of the other plans.
In addition, from mid-September Microsoft will only allow users to stack Xbox Game Pass for Console users for up to 13 months.
Xbox Game Pass Core will receive an annual price increase to $75 (up from $60), but will remain $10 per month.
Later this year, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” will launch day one to Game Pass – the first time any “Call of Duty” game has been included in such a service at launch.
Source: VGC