Microsoft is introducing significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass, impacting players worldwide. Since its 2017 launch, Xbox Game Pass has provided millions of subscribers with access to hundreds of games on PC and Xbox consoles. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, there have been rumors about substantial updates to the subscription service, which Microsoft has now confirmed.
Starting July 10, 2024, new subscribers to Xbox Game Pass PC and Ultimate will see a price increase, with existing subscribers experiencing the hike from September 12, 2024. Xbox Game Pass PC will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will rise from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. The entry-level Xbox Game Pass Core will also see its annual fee increase from $59.99 to $74.99, though the monthly rate remains at $9.99. Despite these price changes, all current benefits, including EA Play, will remain intact.
Additionally, the Xbox Game Pass Console option will be discontinued for new subscribers from July 10, 2024. Existing subscribers can continue using the service if their accounts are set to auto-renew, with a limit of 13 months for gift card top-ups starting September 12. A new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, priced at $14.99 per month, will replace the Console option, offering access to hundreds of games and online play, but without cloud streaming or day-one releases. This new tier aligns more closely with the Xbox Game Pass Core, though it lacks some of the perks of the PC and Ultimate tiers.