In September, changes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will see a $3 monthly price hike, while Game Pass for PC will increase by $2. The Console tier will be replaced by Game Pass Standard, which will cost $3 more, despite the loss of features such as day-one releases and cloud gaming.
These changes have been labeled by the FTC as “product degradation,” and it has been suggested that they contradict Xbox’s commitment to benefit consumers as part of its merger with Activision Blizzard. Xbox has responded to these allegations by Microsoft refuting the characterization of the new Game Pass offerings.
The company contends that the discontinued Game Pass for Console lacked multiplayer functionality, which had to be purchased separately at an additional cost of $9.99 per month, making the total cost $20.98 per month. In contrast, the new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier includes online play but still lacks day-one releases and cloud gaming, unlike the Console tier.
Microsoft also pointed out that while the price of Game Pass Ultimate will rise, the service will offer more value through many new games available ‘day-and-date,’ including the upcoming release of Call of Duty. Furthermore, Xbox stated that it is common for businesses to change service offerings over time, justifying the price increases and tier changes.
