XboxGame Pass remains one of the best dealsin gaming, but it is getting worse.
Weve seen enough apps and streaming services go down this road to know this is a bad sign.
Once you start raising prices and restricting common features, youre already on the path toward enshittification.
Game Pass for Xbox and PC is getting more expensive across the board. Photo © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
Even with anFAQ, Microsoft struggled to clarifywho gets whatunder their new payment scheme.
Starting that same date, new Game Pass customers were now required to pay more per subscription.
U.S.-based customers paying for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will see a $3 increase to $20 a month.
It will be $15 more annually if youve opted for Game Pass Core.
PC Game Pass is going from $10 to $12 a month.
Theres a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard for $15 a month.
But that wont be available until sometime down the road.
That tier is effectively replacing Game Pass for Console.
After Sept. 12, existing members will see the new prices reflected on their monthly bill.
Are you confused yet?
Microsoft is changing the expectations of what youll receive depending on your subscription tier.
So, remember howCall of Duty: Black Ops 6is coming to Game Pass?
If you still have Game Pass for Console or PC Game Pass, youll continue to receive day-one games.
You cant simply pay for Game Pass, you have to pay for theright versionof Game Pass.
That can no longer be said for Game Pass.
What Does this Mean for Game Pass Future?
The term has gotten a lot of mileage in the past few years.
it’s possible for you to see it with some of the mostpopular social media apps.
If youve struggled withdigital concert ticketsorrestaurant reservations, youve experienced the results of enshittification.
Enshittification isnt inevitable, though it is consistent.
According to The VergesTom Warrenquoting anonymous sources, Microsoft is scaling back Xbox sales in Europe.
Xbox head Phil Spencer hit on the central theme with the news,tweetingNo console?
The companylaid off close to 2,000 stafffrom its newly-purchased studios earlier this year.
Despite all that, Game Pass is still very, very good.
Game Pass is currently better than Sonys PlayStation Plus subscription service.
PlayStation Plus also increased in price last year, withexecs blaming market conditionsfor the move.
Game Pass Ultimate is $2 more monthly than PlayStation Plus Premium.
Streaming services have continuously increased fees across the board.
What seems inevitable is that Microsoft and Sony will eventually demand players pay even more for their games.
But what if its worse than that?
If Microsoft cant make those returns, a worse service seems inevitable.
Like streaming, the only outcome is a race to the bottom.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
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