Xbox has recently implemented a significant price increase for its Game Pass subscription service, a move the company says is aimed at providing “more flexibility, choice, and value” to its customers. The new pricing structure includes a substantial jump in monthly costs for the popular Ultimate and PC Game Pass plans.
Major Game Pass Price Hike
The price of Game Pass Ultimate has seen a 50% increase, rising from USD 19.99 to USD 29.99 per month. PC Game Pass also saw a notable hike, with its monthly cost increasing by nearly 40% from USD 11.99 to USD 16.49. These changes come alongside the introduction of new subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
The announcement has been met with widespread criticism from the public, with many questioning the company’s justification for the price hikes. A YouTube video detailing the changes has accumulated far more dislikes than likes, reflecting the negative sentiment among consumers.
Industry experts have also voiced concerns, with some calling the Game Pass model “unsustainable” and a potential “danger” to the gaming industry. A former Xbox vice president has previously stated that the subscription service negatively impacts retail revenue. While the price adjustment may have been seen as inevitable to address these sustainability issues, it risks alienating the broad audience that has been key to Game Pass’s success. The annual cost of the Ultimate plan is now USD 360, a price point that could buy several new games outright.
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