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, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. The most popular tier of the service, which offers access to a vast library of games on PC and Xbox consoles, will now cost $22.99 per month, up from $14.99.
The price hike was announced in a blog post by Microsoft, which also introduced three new tiers: Essential ($10), Premium ($14.99), and Ultimate ($22.99). The basic package is required for online multiplayer gaming, while the more expensive versions offer additional perks and access to a wider range of games.
"I'm shocked and disappointed by this decision," said Georgia Levy-Collins, a gamer who has been using Xbox Game Pass since its launch. "I understand that Microsoft needs to make money, but increasing the price by over 50% is just too much."
The reaction on social media was swift and intense, with many gamers announcing their intention to cancel their subscriptions. According to reports, the service's cancellation page crashed due to high demand, suggesting that a significant number of players are planning to ditch Game Pass.
Microsoft has not commented on whether the outage was related to the price hike or simply a coincidence. However, in a statement, the company said it is "committed to providing the best possible gaming experience for our customers" and that the new pricing structure will allow it to "continue investing in new games and features."
The Xbox Game Pass service has been a huge success since its launch in 2017, with over 20 million subscribers worldwide. The service offers access to a vast library of games, including popular titles such as Call of Duty and Halo.
The price hike is the latest development in Microsoft's efforts to rebrand itself as a gaming company. In 2020, the company acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion. The acquisition gave Microsoft access to some of the biggest game franchises in the industry, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
As the gaming community continues to react to the price hike, it remains to be seen how many players will stick with Game Pass or opt for alternative subscription services such as PlayStation Now or Google Stadia. One thing is certain: Microsoft's decision has sparked a heated debate among gamers, with many calling for a reversal of the price increase.
In related news, Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, has announced that it will continue to support Xbox Game Pass despite the price hike. "We are committed to providing our players with the best possible gaming experience," said an Activision spokesperson. "The new pricing structure may affect some of our fans, but we believe it is a necessary step for Microsoft to take in order to continue investing in new games and features."
*Reporting by Bbc.*
