Microsoft has re-initiated the Xbox Game Pass trial period for new or lapsed subscribers at $1 for 14 days. Initially, Microsoft had begun offering a $1 per month trial period to attract new subscribers. Nonetheless, the offer was withdrawn in March 2023, granting Microsoft another chance to overhaul their subscription models. Following the new ones announced by Microsoft in July 2023, the company has decided to re-initiate their plans for offering a 14-day trial period for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at $1 for new subscribers.
The recently announced restructuring and effective increase in the subscription prices was met with a cold reception. Many existing Game Pass subscribers were unhappy with the increase in prices. Although it seems like Microsoft is trying hard to gain new subscribers, they are also trying to gain back existing subscribers who could easily opt out after the revision in pricing comes into effect from October 2023.
Xbox Game Pass trial period restructured weeks before Starfield release
Microsoft’s decision to cut the trial period in half surely comes as a surprise. In a world divided between two major household gaming console fractions, Sony’s PS Plus service has always been deemed expensive. Many gamers report that Xbox Game Pass offers more value based on its price compared to PS Plus. Only time can tell if Microsoft’s decision to increase the prices, which will result in $1 more per month for Xbox and PC Game Pass and $2 more per month for Game Pass Ultimate, was worth it or not.
However, it’s highly possible that the return of the trial window can be a promotional strategy to get gamers excited about Bethesda’s upcoming massive space-faring RPG. Starfield is set to release for Xbox consoles and PC on September 6 (and September 1 as early access). Starfield is set to appear as a day-one offering for Xbox Game Pass. And it looks like Microsoft’s attempt to encash the hype around the game to attract a large number of subscribers.
With over a thousand planets and numerous DLCs planned, Starfield will surely offer gamers hundreds and hundreds of hours of gameplay. If the players get their hands on the game as a trial period offering for 14 days, it’s highly likely that many would eventually continue with their subscriptions at full prices to keep playing the title. Right now, it’s unsure whether the $1 trial period for Xbox Game Pass will be around when Startfield releases. However, as things stand, it certainly seems highly possible.
Source: Xbox Official Website
