According to Microsoft, prices of the Game Pass as well as the Xbox Series X consoles are about to go up. The prices for Game Pass, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, will see its first hike since 2017.
While many consider that this price hike is the result of Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is firmly denying this claim. Head of communications for Xbox, Kari Perez recently stated,
“The Game Pass price adjustments are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal, and are intended to match local market conditions.”
Revised pricing for Xbox Game Pass
Price for the base variant of the Game Pass will be hiked from $9.99 per month to $10.99. The ultimate variant will be priced at $16.99 per month, increasing from the current price of $14.99 each month. Prices for the PC variant, however, will remain steady at $9.99 per month.
These prices will be applicable from July 6 for the new customers, while the members who have already subscribed to the service will have to pay updated prices from August 13. Existing customers in Germany, however, can enjoy the current prices till September 13.
The increased prices for Game Pass have certainly taken netizens by surprise. However, judging by the dates for implementation of revised prices, it surely seems that Microsoft is trying to prepare for the massive amount of AAA content that is about to release on this service in last four months of 2023. In September, Starfield, Lies of P, and Payday 3 are set to release on Game Pass, while October and November will see the release of Forza Motorsport, Cities: Skylines 2, and Persona Tactica on the service.
Microsoft set to increase Xbox Series X price in certain markets
The price of Microsoft’s latest console has been steady ever since its release in 2020. The tech giant is raising the prices for Xbox Series X only in select markets, while Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and the US will not see the price hike. From August 1, 2023, Xbox Series X will cost:
- €549.99 in Europe
- CAD $649.99 in Canada
- AUD $799.99 in Australia
- £479.99 in the UK.
Kari Perez explained in a recent public statement that these prices have been tweaked in order to “reflect the competitive conditions in each market.” The revised pricing for Xbox Series X is at par with PS5, the console’s mainstream rival from Sony. The hike is set to affect only the Game Pass service and Xbox Series X, while the Xbox Series S will remain at the $250 mark.
Fans react to Game Pass and Xbox Series X price increase
Some consider this pricing increase to be a bold move, with netizens wondering if Game Pass will really be the best option after July 2023. The main feature that set this service apart from its key competitor, PS Plus, was its prices.
PS Plus Premium for 12 months in the UK is £99.99 a year upfront or £8.34 a month.
GamePass Ultimate for 12 months in the UK works out to £155.88 or £12.99 a month.
Xbox service is £55.89 more expensive than its competitor come August! 🤔
It'll now be 50% more expensive! Bold!
— Lewrian (@Lewlian) June 21, 2023
Worst service, greater cost. The universal trend of all companies in the past decade.
— Autumn💙🌸🤍🌸💙 (@autumnlocrian) June 21, 2023
However, many dedicated Xbox players have declared their support for the revised pricing, claiming that mere $1 or $4 increase in the pricing is justified after almost seven years of static pricing.
Honestly not a bad thing. For over a year it's been expected. And #XboxGamePass continues to be the best deal in gaming with the best library, period. Add onto that the fact that network is solid and they aren't stealing your credit card details like PSN has; Solid. pic.twitter.com/y0rMaCUokr
— ✮EWZine✮(Or maybe just X) (@TheEWZine) June 22, 2023
Source: The Verge
