Microsoft is making some big plays with Xbox Series X this year, though not just necessarily with the console itself. While the technical specs of the Series X shows the console has some very capable hardware, the changes to theXboxecosystem are what’s most important. Game Pass is the most prominent change in recent years, with Microsoft fundamentally shifting the way gaming fans play games. Now with the new console, Xbox Game Pass is becoming a focal point of the Xbox ecosystem.
With a stronger focus on Game Pass, there’s a valid possibility that the subscription price may increase over time as the service’s offering expands. Granted there’s a couple ways this could happen, depending on howXboxwants to implement the changes. Rumors based on some preliminary Xbox Live subscription changes have pointed to Game Pass being integrated into Xbox Live, but Microsoft hasn’t made an official statement on a price change. Still, it’s very possible with the expansion of Game Pass, that the subscription rate may adjust to account for all of the new games and features coming to the service.
Keeping Separate Pricing Between Live and Game Pass
There’s no real evidence to support this; if anything, raising the price of Game Pass alone isn’t likely. Based on Microsoft’s recent decisions with the Xbox brand,Xbox Live and Game Pass likely won’t stay separated for long. PlayStation does the same thing with PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, a comparatively less comprehensive games subscription. Even then, the price discrepancy between both services has been a significant barrier even for hardcore PlayStation fans to get a similar experience to Game Pass. Xbox likely doesn’t want to make the same mistake, so a price increase for one or both simply wouldn’t make sense.
Integrating Xbox Live and Game Pass Together
What’s more likely is that Xbox Live and Game Pass will be bundled permanently, rather than keeping both subscriptions separate. One of the most popular subscription choices among Xbox fans is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which already bundles both subscriptions together under one monthly price of $14.99. Of course there are plenty of fans who likely already paid the $59.99 for the yearly subscription, but for those who are renewing Xbox Live and want Game Pass,Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best value and perfect deal. That deal could become status quo considering Xbox’s good faith and consumer-positive business changes in the last few years.
Microsoft has already seemingly discontinued the yearly subscription of Xbox Livefrom its store, so the plans may already be in place to bring Xbox Live and Game Pass together. Considering the only Xbox Live subscription rates available for purchase now are 1-month or 3-month subscriptions, that’s only enough time to last before the Xbox Series X launches this holiday. Even putting all that aside, considering Game Pass' massive popularity and success, combining it with the necessity of Xbox Live just makes the most sense.
Xbox’s Consumer-Friendly Approach
The future of Xbox looks great as they refocus their position in the market. The idea of the “console war” was outdated before, but now the concept doesn’t even make sense.PlayStation and Xbox are crafting two completely different ecosystems of gaming. Xbox’s consumer friendly approach is unlike anything realistically seen in gaming yet, and is only good for gaming fans. Whether you’re a hardcore Xbox fan, or even a PC player who wants more gaming variety in a budget-friendly manner, Game Pass is quickly becoming the best option. If a slightly higher price can make the service even better, then it won’t be a deal breaker for enthusiasts.
Xbox Series Xlaunches this fall.
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