Microsoft Hikes Xbox Game Pass Prices Up to 50% as Free, Ad-Supported Tier Looms
Microsoft has revealed a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass, with costs set to rise by up to 50%. The tech giant aims to provide 'more flexibility, choice, and value' with the hike, but users of the free version may face reduced streaming quality. Meanwhile, Microsoft is exploring a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which could launch in 2023.
The price increase, announced recently, follows the expansion of Xbox Game Pass to include cloud gaming options. These range from the Essential tier with unlimited cloud gaming on over 50 games, to Premium and Ultimate tiers. Microsoft CFO Tim Stuart hinted at an ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier in 2023, which would allow streaming of some owned games and eligible trials. However, the specifics of what PC-only Game Pass subscribers will have access to remain unclear.
Internally, Microsoft has tested a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming with preroll ads and session limits. This could provide an alternative to self-hosting Sunshine on a gaming PC and streaming via Moonlight for local network game streaming. While no official release date has been set, the ad-supported tier is expected to launch later, following the successful internal tests.
Microsoft's up to 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass takes effect soon, offering more flexibility and choice to subscribers. Meanwhile, the potential launch of a free, ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier in 2023 could further expand access to gaming, though details remain uncertain.
