When something seems too good to be true, it often is, and those who jumped on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon might now be feeling this harsh reality. The buzz that accompanied the launch of the Xbox Series X/S largely stemmed from the attractive offering of the Game Pass. Picture an extensive library, featuring day-one releases from Microsoft, all available for just $10 a month. It seemed like a gamer’s dream.
But as we navigated through the years, prices didn’t stay static. While the global financial landscape was reshaped by the aftermath of the pandemic, so too was Game Pass pricing. In 2023, the console version’s cost nudged up to $11, and the Ultimate edition—which includes PC games—rose to $16.99. Despite whispers linking these increments to Microsoft’s astonishing $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the hikes were actually slightly below inflation at that time.
However, 2024 ushered in a different story. By July, Game Pass Ultimate saw a jump to $20, marking an 18% leap that outpaced inflation. Worse still, Microsoft decided to scrap its $11 console-only tier. Its replacement, dubbed Game Pass Standard, was priced at $15 and notably excluded day-one releases. Essentially, this was about a 50% price hike for a downgraded service.
The bottom line for gamers was clear. Those seeking the full library experience, with the coveted day-one Microsoft games, saw their monthly Bill shoot from $11 to $20. Suddenly, that huge acquisition deal didn’t seem like a mere coincidence.
In the broad context of 2024, Game Pass morphed from revered status to something many might grudgingly accept. Priced at $240 annually, with no breaks for upfront yearly payments, it left a bitter taste. Indeed, a tough pill to swallow. – John Walker
