Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 15 hrs ago
Microsoft reportedly plans a more flexible Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft is reportedly planning a major Xbox Game Pass overhaul under CEO Asha Sharma.
The service would keep its subscription tiers but let players pay separately for options such as cloud gaming, multiplayer and console-only games.
The plan could give subscribers more choice about which features they pay for.
Microsoft has struggled to grow Game Pass as much as it hoped, and reports differ on its subscriber count and earlier targets.
The company also faces tension between subscriptions and game sales because access to new first-party games through Game Pass may reduce full-price launch sales.
The reports do not say whether those games will remain available on day one, or when the changes will arrive.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to let Xbox Game Pass subscribers choose some features à la carte while retaining subscription tiers.
The options could include cloud gaming, multiplayer and console-only games.
The reported plan comes as Game Pass subscriber growth has fallen short of Microsoft’s expectations.
Fortune reported the plan; the articles do not specify when Microsoft will announce or introduce it.
The sources differ on current subscriber numbers, reporting roughly 30 million and around 35 million.
- Who
- Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly planning the overhaul.
- What
- Game Pass may let subscribers select and pay for some features individually while keeping tiered subscriptions.
- When
- The overhaul is reportedly planned for the near future; no specific date is stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The plan could help control costs and attract subscribers, amid growth concerns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Xbox Game Pass lost day-one access to Call of Duty in exchange for a price cut, according to Kotaku.
The next batch of Xbox blockbusters is expected to begin with Fable, according to Kotaku.
- Reported source
- Fortune
- Reported plan
- Keep tiers while offering some features à la carte
- Potential add-ons
- Cloud gaming, multiplayer and console-only games
- Subscriber goal
- 77 million by the end of fiscal 2026, according to Digital Trends
- Current subscribers
- Roughly 30 million per Digital Trends; around 35 million per Kotaku
- Next Xbox blockbusters
- Fable begins in February 2027, according to Kotaku