Microsoft Is Making Game Pass (and Series X) More Expensive

Microsoft has recently announced that it will be raising the price of its popular Game Pass subscription service, as well as the cost of its upcoming Xbox Series X console. The move has caused some controversy among gamers, who are questioning the company’s decision to increase prices during a time when many people are struggling financially due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

First, let’s take a look at the Game Pass price increase. Currently, the service costs $9.99 per month for access to a rotating library of over 100 games. However, starting on September 22, the price will go up to $10.99 per month. The price of the Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which includes access to Xbox Live Gold, cloud gaming, and EA Play, will also increase from $14.99 per month to $15.99 per month.

Microsoft has stated that the price increase is necessary to continue offering the same level of quality and value to its customers. In a blog post announcing the change, the company said, “We’re confident that when you look at the choices and benefits that come with Game Pass, including the latest blockbuster titles from Xbox Game Studios and our partners, the value of this service is unmatched.”

While it’s true that Game Pass offers a lot of value for its subscribers, some gamers are still upset about the price increase. Many have pointed out that the timing of the announcement is especially poor, given the current economic climate. With so many people out of work or struggling financially, a price hike for a non-essential service like Game Pass may be seen as insensitive.

In addition to the Game Pass price increase, Microsoft is also raising the price of its upcoming Xbox Series X console. The company recently announced that the console will cost $499 when it launches later this year, which is $100 more than the current Xbox One X. While the price increase isn’t as significant as the Game Pass increase, it’s still notable, especially since the Xbox Series X is marketed as Microsoft’s flagship gaming console.

Microsoft has defended the price

Microsoft has defended the price increase by pointing out the advanced hardware and features that the Xbox Series X offers. In a blog post announcing the price, the company said, “Xbox Series X delivers a true generational leap in console performance with cutting-edge features and technologies that make games look and feel incredible.”

While it’s true that the Xbox Series X is an impressive piece of hardware, some gamers may be hesitant to pay $499 for a new console, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has made many people more cautious about their spending. Plus, with the PlayStation 5 launching at the same time for the same price, Microsoft may face stiff competition in the console market.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to raise the price of Game Pass and the Xbox Series X has caused some controversy among gamers. While the company argues that price increases are necessary to continue offering high-quality products and services, some gamers feel that the timing of the announcement is poor given the current economic climate. It remains to be seen how the price increases will affect Microsoft’s sales and reputation in the gaming industry, but it’s clear that the company will need to continue offering top-notch products and services to justify the higher prices.

One potential upside to the Game Pass price increase is that it may encourage more gamers to purchase the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription instead. While the Ultimate subscription is increasing in price as well, it still offers a lot of value for its $15.99 per month cost. With Ultimate, gamers get access to an extensive library of games, cloud gaming, and Xbox Live Gold, which is necessary for online multiplayer gaming.

Gaming feature

The cloud gaming feature, in particular, is a major selling point for Ultimate. With cloud gaming, gamers can play Xbox games on their Android devices, which is especially useful for people who don’t own an Xbox console or who prefer to game on the go. This feature has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people are spending time at home and looking for ways to stay entertained.

Another potential benefit of the Game Pass price increase is that it may allow Microsoft to invest more in its gaming division. Microsoft has been making a big push into the gaming industry in recent years, acquiring several game studios and investing in new technologies like cloud gaming. By generating more revenue from Game Pass, Microsoft may be able to invest even more in these areas, which could lead to even better games and services in the future.

Of course, the Game Pass price increase isn’t the first time that Microsoft has raised the price of one of its gaming products. In fact, the company has a history of doing so. For example, the price of Xbox Live Gold has gone up several times over the years, and the cost of Xbox Game Pass for PC increased from $4.99 per month to $9.99 per month earlier this year.

Despite these previous price increases, Microsoft has remained a major player in the gaming industry, thanks in part to its commitment to delivering high-quality products and services. The company’s Xbox Game Studios division has released several critically acclaimed games in recent years, including the popular Forza Horizon and Gears of War franchises. Plus, Microsoft’s Xbox Live service remains one of the most popular online gaming platforms in the world.

Ultimately, the success of the Game Pass price increase will depend on how gamers react to it. If enough gamers perceive the value of Game Pass to be worth the extra dollar per month, then Microsoft may not see a significant drop in subscribers. However, if the price increase is seen as too steep or too insensitive given the current economic climate, then Microsoft may need to reconsider its pricing strategy.

So far, the reaction to the Game Pass price increase has been mixed. Some gamers have expressed frustration and disappointment on social media, while others have defended Microsoft’s decision and continue to support the company’s gaming products and services. Only time will tell whether the price increase will have a significant impact on Microsoft’s bottom line and reputation in the gaming industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to raise the price of Game Pass and the Xbox Series X has caused some controversy among gamers, but it may also lead to benefits like increased investment in the gaming division and more subscribers for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. While the timing of the announcement may be poor given the current economic climate, Microsoft remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. It will be interesting to see how the gaming community responds to the price increase and whether Microsoft’s gaming division can continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.