Microsoft Explores Budget-Friendly, Ad-Supported Xbox Game Pass Tiers Amid Price Hikes

Microsoft might be in the process of developing a more budget-friendly version of Xbox Game Pass that focuses on cloud gaming and incorporates advertisements. This potential addition to their subscription service aims to offer more varied membership options. As reported by Windows Central, the tech giant is contemplating introducing new subscription tiers to Xbox Game Pass. These proposed tiers include a cloud-based option that promises to be less expensive and an ad-supported option. The cloud-based version is particularly interesting because it aims to provide a more affordable and accessible alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The publication noted that Microsoft is striving to create a cloud-only subscription option, designed to be more cost-effective and user-friendly compared to the existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This new tier is expected to cater to users who are not interested in purchasing an Xbox console and who prefer avoiding upfront costs. Additionally, the inclusion of digital game ownership within the service would allow users to play their games via the cloud while also owning them digitally. On the other hand, the ad-supported tier appears to be in active development by Microsoft. This option could appeal to those who would rather not pay for Xbox Game Pass and instead tolerate advertisements. This news surfaces shortly after Microsoft recently revised its Xbox subscription service by increasing membership prices across all tiers. The adjustments impacted the costly Ultimate tier and introduced a new Standard tier to replace the Console version. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has been contesting Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, recently filed a new appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The filing criticized the recent price hike for Game Pass, labeling it as harmful to consumers and a degradation of the product. These upcoming changes and the price hikes precede the much-anticipated launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Game Pass. This will be followed closely by the day-one Game Pass debut of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.