When Microsoft first announced the Xbox Game Pass program, the gaming community had mixed opinions on Microsft’s newest offer; for months, the community was divided between gamers that were either skeptical about the offer or excited seeing an opportunity that could potentially rival Gamefly. Xbox Game Pass offered gamers the opportunity to play some of the top Xbox One an Xbox 360 games for an annual price of $59.99.
Since E3 2017, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has offered members a library of over 100 games to play including Mad Max, Halo 5, Gears of War 4, and Sunset Overdrive to name just a few of the vast titles. With the Xbox Game Pass (XBGP), members are able to down and play each title in the library at any point so long as it remains part of the XBGP library. With an ever-expanding library, XBGP is great for achievement hunters and gamers who are working with a limited budget. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that all future Xbox exclusive titles will launch the same day as part of the XBGP. Although this exciting news for a majority of Xbox gamers, the increase of price alongside it may make some Xbox Live members reluctant to participate in the program; as of March 20th, the Xbox Game Pass price will increase to $59.99 for a six-month membership.
For those who purchase Xbox Game Pass membership before that date will be able to experience the program for the same price as a new game but for a whole year. After sampling what the XBGP has to offer, it is easy to say the program definitely does have its perks. Luckily, a Maroonersrock staff member, Adam Bankhurst, and I received a free year’s long membership to the XBGP as part of the Xbox Fanfest. Since then the XBGP has impressed with its diverse assortment of titles and its increasing library. Even with the price increase, the XBGP will have a lot to offer Xbox members besides upcoming Xbox exclusive titles; it is exciting to know that XBGP members will have the opportunity to play Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, and State of Decay 2 without having to go out and purchase the game. Below is the official announcement from Phil Spencer and the Microsoft team:
When we launched Xbox Game Pass in June 2017, we knew we wanted to craft a service with gamers in mind. That meant a diverse, expanding library of over 100 games and counting, matched with one monthly price and unlimited access to download and play full-fidelity experiences.
We’ve been blown away by the incredible response. Following launch, we heard from fans around the world who wanted Xbox Game Pass in their country. In September, we expanded globally and Xbox Game Pass is now available to fans in 40 countries. We’ve also continued to expand the catalog with new games added to the Xbox Game Pass library every month, so there is always something new to play.
We know our fans value having a variety of games to play at a low monthly price. We’ve also heard from fans that the ability to play new blockbuster games in Xbox Game Pass is important. So we’ve continued to explore new ideas to make this possible.
Today, we’re excited to announce plans for a major expansion to Xbox Game Pass that underscores our commitment to deliver our fans the ultimate gaming subscription service.
Moving forward, we plan to release all new Xbox One exclusive games from Microsoft Studios into Xbox Game Pass on the same date as their global release. This means that when Sea of Thieves launches on March 20, it will be included in Xbox Game Pass to all members.
This plan to bring new games timed with their global release into Xbox Game Pass not only includes announced titles like Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, and Crackdown 3 but future unannounced games from Microsoft Studios including new iterations of our biggest Xbox One exclusive franchises such as Halo, Forza and Gears of War, on the same day they launch.
Our fans have also asked for more choice in the subscription offerings available for Xbox Game Pass. As part of today’s library expansion, we are also pleased to announce that we are working closely with our retail partners, such as GameStop, to offer a 6-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card for those fans who look for a variety of ways to purchase and enjoy new games and services. The 6-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card will be available at select retail partners for $59.99 beginning March 20. By working closely with retail partners, Xbox Game Pass will have valuable ambassadors in popular destinations for gamers to discover new and exciting games and enjoy community.
With the addition of more great games, new blockbuster releases and a new subscription offer, we are giving fans more choice and value in how they discover and enjoy games – purchase games for their permanent library or play through Xbox Game Pass for one low price.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the opportunity this new model brings to the industry and what we can deliver to our fans. We firmly believe Xbox Game Pass will be a catalyst to create new opportunities for game developers and publishers to innovate in the way games are developed and delivered, leading to entirely new ways to play.
We’re truly humbled by the incredible response we’ve received to date for Xbox Game Pass, and we look forward to offering an unprecedented choice and value with Xbox Game Pass this spring and beyond.
Source:
Xbox Game Pass Expands To Include New Releases From Microsoft Studios
