Xbox Game Pass Price Hike: A Mixed Bag for Gamers
Microsoft recently announced significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, including new features, renamed tiers, and price increases. The price hike sparked strong backlash, particularly among Ultimate subscribers, leading to a surge in unsubscriptions that overwhelmed Microsoft's website.
Price Hike Delay in Europe
In response to the backlash, Microsoft has decided to delay the price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in some European countries. Subscribers in these regions will not have to pay the new, higher price for now. However, users in the US and UK will still face the increased price.
The delay is indefinite and applies only to subscribers who were already signed up for Game Pass Ultimate before the price hike and have an auto-renewing membership. If you cancel your subscription, you will have to pay the new prices if you want to sign back up again.
Notification and Future Adjustments
Microsoft sent an email to Game Pass subscribers overnight, informing those in the affected regions that they won't have to pay the steeper cost for Ultimate for now. The company promised that users in markets where the increase has been delayed will be notified about the end of that delay or any other adjustments to Xbox Game Pass' pricing 60 days in advance. This means the current delay will last at least two months, and likely considerably longer.
Mixed Reactions
The delay is good news for subscribers in the select few countries where it applies. However, it's disappointing for those in the US and UK, leaving many to wonder if Microsoft will reconsider the price hike in any way beyond what law dictates. The delay is not in response to negative feedback, as it has not been extended to the US and UK.
Future of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The price increase may have been a consequence of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's huge spring-summer quarter and the expected costs of fostering game-rich seasons like that again moving forward. Ultimately, the future of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's pricing remains uncertain.
Current Recommendations
If you have a solid gaming PC or a gaming handheld, consider switching to PC Game Pass. It offers an excellent value and might be the best deal in gaming right now.
