Microsoft has shaken things up in the world of Xbox gaming with a recent overhaul of their popular subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. The changes involve a price hike and a new tier structure, leaving many gamers questioning the value of their subscription.
The most significant shift is the removal of the Xbox Game Pass for Console tier and its replacement with the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. While the new Standard tier boasts a $15 USD monthly subscription fee, it comes with a significantly reduced library of games. Notably absent are several highly anticipated and recent releases, including first-party titles like Starfield, Diablo 4, Forza Motorsport, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, along with third-party gems like Core Keeper and Dungeons of Hinterberg. The removal of these titles has sparked widespread criticism, particularly concerning the exclusion of Starfield, a highly anticipated game that was just released.
The absence of these high-profile games raises concerns about the value proposition of the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. It seems subscribers will now face a long wait before access to the latest first-party Xbox titles. While the new Standard tier is aimed at Xbox Series X|S owners, it appears that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes access to PC Game Pass, is the only tier that offers a truly comprehensive gaming experience.
Fortunately, existing Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers will retain access to their current library as long as they remain subscribed. However, the changes have left many subscribers wondering if the new tiers provide the same value for the price. It’s a situation that’s likely to fuel ongoing discussions and debates within the gaming community.
