It’s hard to argue against the sheer effect Game Pass has had on the video game industry, and now Microsoft have introduced a big revamp on how it’s all going to work – Xbox Game Pass is undergoing big changes.
In a new blog post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft have shared new details on what’s next for Xbox Game Pass. “Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience. Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan.“
Xbox acknowledges that not all players ‘want the same thing’ when it comes to how they experience Xbox, so this is all about evolving Game Pass to offer more ‘flexibility’ and ultimately, choice.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $29.99 | £22.99
First up, let’s detail what’s happening to Game Pass Ultimate – according to Xbox, they’re giving Ultimate subscribers the most ‘expansive upgrade yet’.
- Access to over 75 Day One Releases
- A Growing Library of 400+ Playable Games
- Fornite Crew included in Ultimate, which includes the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks each month, and more.
- Ubisoft+ Classics joining Ultimate – offers access to curated selection of Ubisoft games playable on console, PC, and cloud
- Cloud Gaming is now out of Beta – Higher Quality Streaming (1440p), Stream Your Own Game
- Perks – for titles like Call of Duty, League of Legends and more.
- Rewards with Xbox – Per Microsoft, “Ultimate subscribers can now earn up to $100 per year (100k points globally) in the Store just by playing games. With our upgraded Rewards program, players can get up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, with 4x points on purchases of games and add-ons, 10% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and up to 20% off select Game Pass games.“
Xbox Game Pass Premium – $14.99 | £10.99
Next up, we have the newly named Xbox Game Pass Premium – it’s also got a bunch of new upgrades. Let’s take a look.
- Access to new Xbox published games ‘within a year of launch’.
- Access to more games than ever before, from gaming’s biggest hits to hidden gems, now with access to 200+ games on Xbox console, PC, and supported devices.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming – Subscribers can enjoy unlimited cloud gaming, including select games you own.
- Perks – for titles like Call of Duty, League of Legends and more.
- Rewards with Xbox – Per Microsoft “Premium subscribers can also get up to $50 per year (50k points globally) in the Store just by playing games, earning 2x points on purchases of games and add-ons, plus 5% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons.“
Xbox Game Pass Essential – $9.99 | £6.99
Lastly, we have Xbox Game Pass Essential – which is the cheapest tier, but still has plenty of benefits.
- Unlimited Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Online Multiplayer
- In-Game Benefits
- Rewards with Xbox – “Essential members can earn up to $25 per year (25k points globally) in the Store just by playing. You’ll also get points on purchases of games and add-ons.“
- A Curated Catalog of 50+ games playable on Console and PC.
What if I’m on Game Pass PC?
If you only subscribe to Microsoft’s Game Pass PC service, this is also getting a price increase – from $11.99 to $16.49 a month. While there’s plenty of extra benefits on the console side, there’s not much here outside of new games – 50 Ubisoft classics.
What happens to my existing Game Pass Subscription?
Obviously if you’re already on Game Pass, be it Game Pass Core, Standard or Ultmate, everything has just changed. Ultimate is going up in price to $29.99/£22.99, to reflect in Microsoft’s words, the expanded catalog.
Standard Game Pass subscribers are going to be upgraded to Premium, remaining at $14.99/£10.99 a month, and Core Subscribers will now be on Essential, remaining at $9.99/£6.99 a month.
Oh, and because of these changes, even more games are joining Xbox Game Pass today – head here for the full list.
What do you think about these changes? Let us know in the XboxEra Forums or our lively Community Discord.
