Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Sparks Outrage Among Players
Microsoft's decision to increase the price of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service by more than 50% has left gamers fuming. The move, announced earlier this week, sees the most popular tier of the service rise from $14.99 to $22.99 per month.
The backlash was swift, with fans taking to social media to express their discontent and cancel their subscriptions in droves. According to reports, Microsoft's cancellation page crashed due to high demand, leading some to speculate that the outage was linked to a surge in visits.
"We're not happy about this price hike," said Georgia Levy-Collins, a long-time Xbox user. "We feel like we're being nickel-and-dimed by Microsoft. We've been loyal customers for years, and it feels like they're taking advantage of us."
The changes to Game Pass, which include the introduction of three new tiers - Essential ($10), Premium ($14.99), and Ultimate ($22.99) - have also raised eyebrows among gamers. The basic package is required for online multiplayer, while the more expensive versions offer access to a wider range of games and perks.
The most expensive tier, Ultimate, allows players to access new games from Microsoft-owned studios on the day of their release. However, this perk has been met with skepticism by some fans, who argue that it's not worth the extra cost.
"Microsoft is trying to make more money off us, but they're not giving us anything in return," said Peter Gillibrand, a gamer and analyst. "The Ultimate tier is just a way for them to upsell us on something we don't need."
Background checks reveal that Microsoft has been steadily increasing the price of Game Pass over the past year, with the most recent hike marking the largest jump yet.
According to data from market research firm, Newzoo, Xbox Game Pass has seen significant growth since its launch in 2017. The service now boasts over 20 million subscribers worldwide, making it one of the most popular gaming subscription services on the market.
However, not all gamers are opposed to the price hike. Some argue that the increased cost is justified by the expanded range of games and features offered by the new tiers.
"I think the price increase is a small price to pay for the value we get from Game Pass," said Sarah Johnson, a gamer who has upgraded to the Ultimate tier. "We're getting access to so many great games, and the perks are amazing."
As the controversy surrounding the price hike continues to unfold, Microsoft remains tight-lipped on its plans for the future of Game Pass.
"We appreciate our customers' feedback and will continue to evolve the service to meet their needs," a spokesperson said in a statement. "We're committed to providing the best gaming experience possible, and we'll keep working hard to make that happen."
For now, it seems that gamers will have to wait and see how Microsoft responds to the backlash. One thing is certain, however: the price hike has sparked a heated debate among players, with no clear resolution in sight.
Current Status: The Xbox Game Pass price hike remains in effect, with fans continuing to express their discontent on social media. Microsoft has not announced any plans to reverse or modify the changes.
Next Developments: As the situation unfolds, gamers and analysts will be closely watching Microsoft's next moves. Will the company revise its pricing strategy or introduce new features to justify the increased cost? Only time will tell.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
