Xbox Fans In An Uproar Over Game Pass Overhaul

Xbox is rolling out big changes for Game Pass subscriptions, and seemingly no one's happy about it. Microsoft is restructuring the various tiers of Game Pass and raising prices across the board. The changes take effect July 10 for new subscribers and begin in September for existing members. Here's what the various plans look like going forward:

• Game Pass Core: $9.99 per month
• PC Game Pass: $11.99 per month, includes access to EA Play
• Game Pass Standard: $14.99 per month
• Game Pass Ultimate: $19.99 per month, includes EA Play, cloud gaming, and access to day one titles like "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6"

The basic "Game Pass for Console" plan is getting rolled into Game Pass Standard, and some console gamers feel like they're getting the short end of the stick. No one likes to see a subscription get more expensive, but fans on social media are also upset that Microsoft seems to be changing its plans for day one releases. Starting soon, console players will have to pay a little extra for an Ultimate subscription if they want to play new games on release.

It doesn't help that these changes are arriving alongside other gaming price increases, like the new "Apex Legends" battle pass that has everyone furious. Gamers are fuming right now, with many feeling like Microsoft is breaking its promises.

Fans would be upset about the price hikes no matter what, but some are extra frustrated because just last year Microsoft was telling them the company wouldn't raise prices after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Never forget pic.twitter.com/9OReCJaFAT

— Rätsel Feinschmecker (@Aussenseitter) July 10, 2024

While not quite defending Microsoft's Game Pass decision, some analysts are pointing out that the new prices are probably directly tied to lagging subscription numbers, which Microsoft no doubt wants to bolster with some different incentives.

One factor that influenced this move is that Game Pass is not seeing strong growth beyond the current Xbox console install base.

Therefore, the goal for current console gamers is to incentivise an upgrade to the higher priced Ultimate tier with day one games / cloud gaming etc... https://t.co/ZcpwTXuX0c

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) July 9, 2024

Of course, if new subscriptions sign-ups continue trending down, then this might not be the last price hike we see coming to Game Pass. As long as Microsoft manages to make its multitude of subscription tiers less confusing, some fans won't mind paying a little extra for their favorite games.

Bro, they have to Stop making 50 different subs. It's getting too complicated 😵‍💫

— Keanu (@Ke_a_nu_) July 9, 2024

This isn't the only big change that's come to Xbox in 2024. Between closing studios like Tango Gameworks, bringing cloud gaming to Amazon Fire Stick, and announcing some new Xbox consoles, the company has definitely had a busy year. Some of its fans, however, are feeling less excited and more befuddled by what they've been seeing.

First they close award winning studios, now this. What's going on inside Microsoft?

— Patz (@Grandpatz) July 9, 2024