Xbox Game Pass Standard Tier Excludes Major Titles Like COD and More

Microsoft's recent changes to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service have shifted the landscape for gamers, particularly with the introduction of the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. Priced at $14.99 a month, this new tier notably excludes major titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Starfield, and Diablo 4, which are only available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at $19.99 a month. The Ultimate tier retains full access to the library, including day-one releases, EA Play, and various gaming perks. Subscribers to the Standard tier now have access to 370 games, a notable drop from 508 available in the previous model, sparking discussions among gamers about the value and features of each tier.

The primary differences include access to day-one releases, EA Play, and a full library of Xbox Game Pass games, which are exclusive to the Ultimate tier. Standard offers a limited library without these high-profile titles and perks.

Xbox Game Pass has evolved significantly since its launch in 2017, growing from a $9.99 monthly service encompassing all features, to a more tiered structure that reflects the rise in game offerings, including beloved franchises from Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. The gaming community has closely monitored these changes, debating the balance of price and value in subscription gaming as Microsoft positions itself competitively in the market.