Highlights
- Xbox Game Pass raised prices, disappointing fans, but future additions could make the increase more bearable for subscribers.
- Specifcally, Activision-Blizzard games could boost the value of the service.
- Despite the hike, Game Pass still offers value compared to Sony and Nintendo subscriptions.
Xbox Game Pass, long considered among the best deals in the gaming industry, saw a recent increase in subscription costs. This came as a disappointment for many Xbox fans who were holding out hope that the games-on-demand service would remain at its remarkably low price point for the foreseeable future, but this disappointment could be mitigated by future additions to the platform.
Since its launch a few years ago, Xbox Game Pass has offered incredible value for its price. For just $14.99 per month on console and $9.99 per month on PC, players could access a massive assortment of high-quality titles, including day-one access to a number of both first-and third-party games. Even as Sony and Nintendo unveiled their competing games-on-demand subscriptions, Game Pass has been seen as the best bang-for-buck proposition, with a strong library and reasonable entry cost. The service still offers great value, but many view the price hike, along with the changes made to day-one release access, as hindrances that lessen the service's dominance in the on-demand space.
Related
Xbox Game Pass: How To Subscribe And What Games Are Available
Xbox Game Pass packs a lot of value into its subscription model — here are all the details you need to know, from price to recently added games.
More Activision-Blizzard Games Could Make the Game Pass Price Increase Worth It
Xbox Game Pass' New Pricing Model Came as a Blow to Many Subscribers
- Xbox Game Pass Core Annual: increased from $59.99 to $74.99
- PC Game Pass Monthly: increased from $9.99 to $11.99
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Monthly: increased from $16.99 to $19.99
- Xbox Game Pass Standard Monthly: remains at $14.99, but no day-one game access
Console players were hit the hardest by the Game Pass price increase. Long seen as superior to the comparable PS Plus Extra due to its similar price point, better library, and access to day-one titles, Game Pass Ultimate's monthly subscription fee is now five dollars more than its main competitor, which has been steadily expanding its library with in-demand games. The standard Xbox Game Pass subscription on console, which does not include access to online services, is still $14.99, but it is suffering an arguably greater blow: the loss of day-one access to new releases.
Aside from the initial blow of the cost increase and removal of day-one access for Standard subscribers, this increase suggests that more Game Pass price hikes could be on the horizon. It's important to note that, from a cost-benefit perspective, Xbox Game Pass is still rather worthwhile investment, especially for gamers who want to experience a wide variety of different titles. However, Game Pass is objectively more expensive now, and many expect an increase in value to correlate with this increase in cost.
Diving Into Activision Blizzard Games Could Be the Spark that Game Pass Needs
It's no surprise that both Activision and Blizzard control the rights to a number of hit titles that would be welcome additions to the Game Pass lineup. Now, Microsoft owns these rights, but the company has been surprisingly vague about which games will make their way to the service, and when. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been confirmed as a day-one Game Pass title, which already massively ratchets up the service's value, but Microsoft shouldn't stop there.
It's been rumored that Xbox could pad out the Game Pass library with Activision-Blizzard's extensive back catalog, which would include the entire Call of Duty franchise, World of Warcraft, and even third-party games published by Activision, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. With these being some of the most popular and critically acclaimed games of the modern age, their arrival on the platform would likely assuage many concerns about Game Pass' diminishing value in light of its increased cost. If Microsoft can commit to bringing these older titles to Game Pass alongside a steady stream of day-one releases, it could help alleviate criticism and disappointment from consumers, while bringing new users to the platform.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft's flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
FAQs
Xbox Game Pass raised prices, disappointing fans, but future additions could make the increase more bearable for subscribers. Specifcally, Activision-Blizzard games could boost the value of the service. Despite the hike, Game Pass still offers value compared to Sony and Nintendo subscriptions.
What is Activision Blizzard goal? ›
We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. Home to iconic franchises like Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, and Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™, we're a global leader in interactive entertainment. Our goal? Delight millions with innovative, fun, and engaging games.
Are Xbox game pass prices rising and a new tier is on the way? ›
Xbox Game Pass' New Tier and Price Changes Explained
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is increasing from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. And PC Game Pass will be increasing from $9.99 to $11.99. Another key change coming is the addition of a new tier for Xbox Game Pass, and the removal of Xbox Game Pass Console.
Who owns Blizzard? ›
In October 2023, Microsoft acquired parent company Activision Blizzard, maintaining that the company will continue to operate as a separate business. While part of the larger Microsoft Gaming division, Blizzard Entertainment retains its function as the publisher of games developed by their studios.
Is Activision Blizzard a public company? ›
Founded in July 2008 through the merger of Activision, Inc. (the publicly traded parent company of Activision Publishing) and Vivendi Games, the company owns and operates additional subsidiary studios, as part of Activision Publishing, including Treyarch, Infinity Ward, and High Moon Studios.
Why does Microsoft want Activision Blizzard? ›
Acquiring Activision Blizzard gives Microsoft access to multi-million dollar IPs such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and WarCraft franchises, as well as studios such as Treyarch and Infinity Ward, at a time when video game IP is proving highly valuable — just see the success of HBO's The Last of Us adaptation.
What is the Activision Blizzard controversy? ›
California's civil rights agency sued Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard in July 2021, alleging that female employees faced constant sexual harassment, that few women were named to leadership roles and that when they were, they earned less salary, incentive pay and total compensation than male peers.
Why is Game Pass increasing? ›
The price rises and attempts to push console users to move to a more expensive tier appear linked to the decision to release the latest Call of Duty straightaway on Game Pass.
What is happening to the Xbox Game Pass? ›
“Microsoft is discontinuing its $10.99/month Console Game Pass product. Users of that product must pay 81% more to switch to Game Pass Ultimate. For consumers unwilling to pay 81% more, Microsoft is introducing a new degraded product, Game Pass Standard, at $14.99/month.
Will Game Pass be more expensive? ›
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's monthly price will jump from $16.99 a month to $19.99 a month, PC Game Pass will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 and Xbox Game Pass Core will stay at $9.99 monthly but rise from $59.99 to $74.99 a year for annual plans, according to multiple outlets.
Call of Duty is often cited as Activision Blizzard's chief moneymaker, and in fact has been singled out as a particular point of contention in Sony's attempts to lobby against Microsoft's acquisition of the company.
Who sued Blizzard? ›
On 15 December 2023, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) won a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, resulting in a $54 million settlement. The lawsuit alleged a “frat boy” culture of sexual harassment where female employees were subject to sexual harassment and discrimination.
Is Blizzard a Chinese company? ›
Blizzard: We are a US based company, China does not own us.
Who is the biggest shareholder of Activision Blizzard? ›
Activision Blizzard operates through three separate business segments: Activision; Blizzard; and King. The top shareholders of Activision Blizzard are Robert A. Kotick, Daniel Alegre, Dennis Durkin, Vanguard Group Inc., FMR LLC, and BlackRock Inc. (BLK).
Does EA own Activision? ›
He added that EA would benefit from this merger disproportionally, as it is one of the few big independent companies left now that Activision is owned by Microsoft. He noted that EA has world-class IP and a community of 700 million players.
Who owns Activision now? ›
Microsoft Now Owns Activision Blizzard: What It Means for Your Favorite Games. Overwatch, Call of Duty and World of Warcraft are now all owned by Microsoft.
What is the purpose of Activision Blizzard? ›
We create the most epic interactive gaming and entertainment experiences. Our platforms immerse players in new, unimagined worlds and offer countless ways to play within them. We build communities that bring people together with purpose and belonging.
What is Blizzard's mission? ›
At Blizzard Entertainment, we don't just make games - we create entire universes that bring people together. Our passion for storytelling, innovation, and community has driven us to craft some of the most beloved and iconic gaming experiences in the world. Creativity. Imagine a place where creativity knows no bounds.
What is the vision statement of Activision Blizzard? ›
Our esports vision is to be the most innovative, scalable, and valuable developer of global competitive entertainment.
What is the strategy of Activision Blizzard? ›
Activision Blizzard's future is geared toward expanding its IP universe across multiple platforms and media. The company is exploring the growth of its franchises through mobile adaptations, new releases, and content that extends beyond gaming into film and television.
