Earlier this month, Microsoft announced an increase in the pricing of Xbox Game Pass along with the introduction of a new ‘Standard’ tier for its subscription service. However, reports suggest that further enhancements and additional tiers may be in development.
Planned Expansion of Xbox Game Pass Tiers
According to sources cited by Windows Central, Microsoft is exploring new tier options for Game Pass. One of the proposed additions includes a cloud-only subscription, which would allow gamers on non-Xbox devices to access the Game Pass library. This tier is expected to be more affordable than the current Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and could be made available on rival console platforms.
Additionally, the report mentions “very tentative” rumors about the potential return of the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan. This plan, previously tested in select areas, targeted multiple users within a family, similar to existing family plans offered by various subscription services.
The discussion also extends to a potential ad-supported Game Pass tier, akin to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video’s advertising models. Such an option would appeal to players who prefer not to pay a subscription fee, providing them access to the service through an ad-based model, a concept that had been hinted at last year by Xbox Gaming CFO Tim Stuart.
In recent developments, Microsoft has launched its Xbox cloud gaming service on the Xbox app available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Now, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy Xbox titles through cloud gaming on this platform without needing a dedicated Xbox console.
Upcoming Call of Duty Titles on Game Pass
The recent increase in Game Pass pricing follows Microsoft’s announcement that the upcoming installment of the popular Call of Duty series will launch on Xbox’s gaming subscription service. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, scheduled for release on October 25, will be the first title in the franchise to debut on Game Pass.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to Game Pass towards the end of July, although confirmation from Microsoft and Activision regarding this addition is still pending.
