Microsoft is reportedly working to add a cheaper “cloud-only” and ad-based tier to Xbox Game Pass
The tiers would be more affordable than the Ultimate tier
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Microsoftis reportedly considering adding more tiers toXbox Game Pass.
That’s according toWindows Central, who reports that the company is planning on introducing additional membership tiers to its subscription service, including an ad-based tier and a cloud-based tier, with the latter aimed at being “cheaper”.
“I’ve heard thatMicrosoftis working towards a cloud-only version of its subscription that would be cheaper and more approachable to buy thanXbox Game PassUltimate,” the publication said.
This new tier is said to be designed around users who don’t want to buy an Xbox console and don’t like upfront costs, but could also include the ability to “‘double dip’ by offering digital ownership of games within the service,” - so they can play their games through the cloud and also own them digitally.
As for the ad-based tier, this is something Microsoft is “currently actively working towards” and could potentially be aimed at those who prefer not pay anything on Xbox Game Pass at all.
This report comes after Microsoft implemented new changes to its Xbox subscription service earlier this month byincreasing the prices of its membership tiersacross the board. The changes affected the most expensive Ultimate tier, and also introduced a brand-new Standard tier that will replace the Console version.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - who has been actively appealing Microsoft’s acquisition of ActivisionBlizzard- recently submitted a new filing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,calling the latest Game Pass price hike “consumer harm” and “product degradation”.
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These changes also arrive right before the apparent imminent launch ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3on Xbox Game Pass, which will be followed by theday-one Game Pass launch ofCall of Duty: Black Ops 6.
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