According to some industry insiders, it’s possible that we may see a new Game Pass subscription that combines Xbox and PC into one service. It’s no secret that Microsoft is currently exploring many options regarding its Xbox division, which range from new consoles to gaming handhelds and further development of its Xbox OS, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it would also be looking into ways to increase profitability for its gaming subscription services after setting a record for the previous fiscal year.
Microsoft ruffled more than a few feathers within the gaming community when it raised its PC Game Pass prices by 40% last fall, with many stating they would be cancelling their subscriptions. It also confused some in August when it included some features of its Ultimate tier for standard subscribers. Now, according to The Verge & Windows Central (via TechPowerUp), it looks as if there could be a new merger on the horizon combining the Xbox and PC Game Pass services. Tom Warren (The Verge) has stated that testing for a free Xbox service is in the works, but Microsoft is also looking into other ways to expand its range of services that could include a merged Xbox/PC option.
“Specifically, Warren says that the firm might be planning to merge the PC Game Pass tier with another, such as Xbox Game Pass Premium; Windows Central can corroborate this with our own sources.”
– Brendon Lowry, Windows Central
This rumor could align with another regarding the Xbox PC hybrid console. It would make sense for Microsoft to further support its efforts to expand its Xbox OS on Windows-based devices, whether mobile, desktop, or console, by offering a service that encompasses them all. Clearly, regardless of what comes to pass, Microsoft is looking in all directions to expand its Xbox gaming division as it targets multiple deadlines ranging from game releases to hardware launches, software adoption, and now the revamping of its subscription options.
Discussion (7 replies)
Join Discussion →I thought it was the one service. Thats silly (to be 2 things).
You mean an even more expensive Game Pass. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Game Pass options have always been a mixed bag of crappy options.. unless you just fork over for Ultimate whatever.
Sad but likely true, at least that's what I was thinking but it's always nice to be wrong on these type of guesses.
Lol, I had to remind myself of this when doing this post. I don't use it and had forgotten they were different.
If a company needs to be failing before implementing consumer friendly features then it deserves to fail. Why are these companies unable to learn from Steam?
Instead of copying the model they'd rather destroy it thinking then all gamers would just flock to them. Like EGS. But if steam was yanked out of existence tomorrow most users would just go back to pirating and not use their service.
PC Game Pass is $16.49/m and includes day 1 games. It is still the best deal in gaming (if you play multiple games).
From the article - MS is going to screw over PC Game Pass and force PC users to get Ultimate to get day 1 games essentially doubling their monthly cost.
How they think this will help them gain users/money boggles my mind.
The only way they would gain users is to add PC and day 1 to Premium (currently $14.99/m) but in no world do I see them doing that.
EDIT --- MS hides PC only Game Pass when you sign up for a reason. It's a drop down below the default 3 tiers.