Microsoft recently raised the pricing for Xbox Game Pass and introduced a new ‘Standard’ tier for the game subscription service. However, reports suggest that the tech giant could be gearing up to introduce even more new Game Pass tiers. These new tiers could potentially include a cloud-only subscription tier, an ad-supported tier, and a friends and family plan. According to sources cited by Windows Central, Microsoft has ambitious plans for its popular game subscription service.
One of the new tiers that Microsoft is reportedly working on is a cloud-only version of Game Pass. This tier would allow players on devices outside of the Xbox ecosystem to access the extensive catalogue of games offered by the service. Not only would this tier be more affordable than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but it could also potentially be available on competing console platforms.
There are also rumblings that Microsoft is considering bringing back the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan. Although this plan was previously tested in select regions, it never received a wide rollout. The Friends and Family Plan would cater to multiple users within a family, similar to the family plans offered by other subscription services.
In addition to the cloud-only and friends and family plans, Microsoft is said to be exploring the option of introducing an ad-supported Game Pass tier. This tier would cater to players who are reluctant to pay a subscription fee for Game Pass and would instead prefer to have access to an ad-supported version of the service at no cost. This concept was first reported last year, with Xbox Gaming CFO Tim Stuart hinting at the possibility of a free version of the subscription service supported by ads.
Microsoft has recently expanded its Xbox cloud gaming service by making it available on the Xbox app on Amazon Fire TV Stick. This move allows Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to access the platform’s cloud gaming service and play Xbox titles on the Amazon Fire TV Stick without needing a dedicated Xbox console.
The decision to hike Game Pass pricing and introduce new tiers comes on the heels of Microsoft’s announcement that the next instalment in the popular Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, will be available on Xbox’s game subscription service at launch. This marks the first time a COD title will debut on Game Pass. Additionally, there are plans to add last year’s hit title, Modern Warfare 3, to the service at the end of July.
Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the offerings of Xbox Game Pass demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing a wide range of options for gamers. With the potential introduction of new tiers such as a cloud-only subscription, a friends and family plan, and an ad-supported tier, Microsoft is poised to attract an even broader audience to its game subscription service. The addition of popular titles like Call of Duty to Game Pass further solidifies the platform as a must-have for gamers of all types.
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