Microsoft adds value amid Game Pass price increases, the company has said, as it defends its recent subscription cost hikes for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The new changes include more day-one game releases, additional cloud gaming improvements, and richer rewards for members.
Dustin Blackwell, director of gaming and platform communications at Microsoft, admitted that the price rise “is never fun for anybody” but insisted it was weighed carefully. He said the team is “reinforcing by adding more value to these plans as well.” Blackwell noted that feedback from players has been heard and used to guide the enhancements.
Among the added features is an expanded library of games across tiers, Fortnite Crew access, and inclusion of Ubisoft+ Classics. Ultimate subscribers are now promised over 75 games on release day each year, alongside quality enhancements for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
However, reactions have been mixed. Many users feel the price increase is steep, especially considering not everyone will utilize the day-one releases or cloud gaming features fully. Some argue that the extra value does not match the higher cost. Microsoft says most subscribers will benefit, particularly those who heavily use the service.
Microsoft’s new tier names—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—are meant to clarify what each level offers. Essential and Premium now include cloud gaming access and larger game libraries, whereas Ultimate keeps all premium perks. Pricing for Ultimate leaped to about $29.99/month in many markets, up from $19.99.
This restructuring aims to sustain the Game Pass ecosystem amid rising development costs and competition. The company believes that players who see value in frequent content drops, improved streaming, and better rewards will view the changes more favorably over time.
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