Microsoft has announced a notable increase in the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which will now cost $29.99 a month, reflecting a 50% rise in the U.S. The new pricing takes effect for new subscribers on October 1, 2023, and for current members on November 4, 2023. Alongside the price hike, Microsoft is introducing multiple new features and over 45 new games, including popular titles like Hogwarts Legacy. The Game Pass now features upgraded tiers: Essential at $9.99 a month, Premium at $14.99, and Ultimate at $29.99. Customers will gain access to expanded game libraries, unlimited cloud gaming, and exclusive in-game benefits. The news raises concerns about the sustainability of such a subscription model amidst industry scrutiny.

What are the new features included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

The new features in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include access to over 75 day one game releases per year, improved cloud gaming quality, inclusion of Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics. The service also now boasts enhanced streaming performance and broader in-game rewards.

Xbox Game Pass, launched in 2017, has evolved into a subscription-based service that gives players access to a vast library of games across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud platforms. Its model has significantly changed how players engage with gaming, allowing them to play a variety of titles without purchasing them outright. This innovation has disrupted traditional sales paradigms in the gaming industry, leading to ongoing debates about its long-term viability and impact on game developers.