Microsoft's recent decision to increase the price of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription by 50%, raising it from $19.99 to $29.99 per month in the U.S., has sparked widespread backlash among gamers. With the price hike translating to an additional $120 annually, reactions have ranged from anger and cancellations to frantic attempts to stack subscriptions before the new rates take effect. A survey revealed that a significant portion of the audience is reconsidering their Game Pass subscription, with 45% indicating no interest in subscribing at all post-price rise. Despite the controversy, Microsoft has expanded the subscription benefits, now including 75 day-one game releases yearly, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics, along with improved cloud gaming quality. The uptick in pricing aims to reflect these enhanced offerings, though many gamers question whether the value still aligns with their gaming habits.
What are the new benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after the price increase?Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes 75 day-one game releases annually, access to Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and improvements to cloud gaming performance, all aiming to justify the increased subscription cost.
As a vital part of the gaming community, Xbox Game Pass has gained immense popularity since its launch, providing gamers with access to a large library of games for a monthly fee. The recent price hike has fueled discussions about value versus cost in gaming subscriptions, prompting players to weigh the convenience and game selection against the expense. With the gaming landscape continuously evolving, subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass play a significant role in shaping how players access and experience games today.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
Man, that price bump stings, but getting Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics bundled in is actually a pretty sweet deal for players who were already paying for those separately. Still makes you wonder if we're hitting peak subscription fatigue though—my wallet can only handle so many monthly fees.
Honestly, it feels like they're trying to turn Game Pass into a premium luxury service rather than keeping it as the gaming buffet we all loved. For some, the new perks might be worth it, but for casual players, that price jump is a real gut check on how much game time they actually get.