Key highlights:
- Microsoft increases Xbox Game Pass prices across all tiers.
- New Xbox Game Pass Standard tier introduced at £14.99 per month.
- Changes effective immediately for new subscribers, September for existing ones.
In a significant move that’s set to reshape the landscape of gaming subscriptions, Microsoft has announced substantial changes to its popular Xbox Game Pass service.
These alterations, which include price hikes and the introduction of a new subscription tier, are poised to impact millions of gamers worldwide.
Xbox Game Pass, often dubbed the “Netflix for games”, has been a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming strategy since its launch in 2017.
The service allows subscribers to access a vast library of games across Xbox consoles and PC for a monthly fee.
However, following Microsoft’s landmark £56 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, industry analysts have been anticipating changes to the service.
Price Increases Across All Tiers
The most immediate and noticeable change for subscribers will be the price increases across various Game Pass tiers. Here’s a breakdown of the new pricing structure for UK customers:
| Tier | Previous Price | New Price | Downloadable Game Library | Xbox Studios Same-Day Releases | Streaming Game Library | Online Multiplayer | EA Play Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Core | £9.99 per month / £49.99 per year | £9.99 per month / £55.99 per year | Selection of Xbox titles | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Xbox Game Pass for console (converted to Xbox Game Pass Standard) | £10.99 per month | No change for existing members | More than 100 games – consoles only | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| New | Xbox Game Pass Standard | N/A | £14.99 per month | More than 100 games – consoles only | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Xbox Game Pass for PC | £7.99 per month | £9.99 per month | More than 100 games – PC only | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | £12.99 per month | £14.99 per month | More than 100 games for console and PC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
For the list of pricing in your country, Microsoft have released that info too which you can find here.
For younger readers or those new to gaming subscriptions, it’s worth explaining that Game Pass Ultimate is the premium tier, offering access to games on both Xbox consoles and PC, as well as additional perks.
PC Game Pass, as the name suggests, is for computer gamers only, while Game Pass Core is an entry-level option for Xbox console users.
These price changes will take effect immediately for new subscribers. Existing members, however, will see the new prices reflected in their bills from September.
Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at £14.99 per month.
This new option replaces the previous standard console subscription and is designed for Xbox gamers who want access to a large game library and online play, but don’t need features like cloud gaming or day-one access to new releases.
Speaking of new releases, Microsoft made waves in May by announcing that the highly anticipated “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” would be available on Game Pass from its launch day.
This move is seen as a potential game-changer in an industry that has traditionally relied on sales of physical titles and digital downloads.
To help understand the impact of these changes, let’s break down what each tier now offers:
- Game Pass Core: A basic selection of Xbox titles and online play
- Game Pass Standard: Hundreds of games for console, online play, but no day-one releases
- PC Game Pass: Over 100 games for PC only
- Game Pass Ultimate: Over 100 games for console and PC, cloud gaming, and day-one releases
It’s important to note that existing subscribers to the basic console tier can keep their current subscription until it expires.
After that, they’ll need to choose between the new Standard tier or upgrade to Ultimate if they want access to the latest game releases on day one.
These changes have sparked discussion in the gaming community. Some view the price increases as a necessary step to support the inclusion of big-budget titles like Call of Duty on the service. Others worry about the rising cost of gaming, especially in the current economic climate.
For parents and younger gamers, it’s worth considering which tier best suits your gaming habits and budget.
While the Ultimate tier offers the most comprehensive package, the new Standard tier might be sufficient for many console gamers who don’t need immediate access to new releases.
This is not a great day in the gaming sphere, nobody likes an increase price in anything. Let us know what you make of all this in the comments section below