Microsoft has officially launched its new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which has now become available to everyone interested. Introduced as part of Microsoft’s revamped Game Pass subscription plans, the Standard tier is priced at $14.99 per month. This new subscription replaces the previous Xbox Game Pass Console tier for new subscribers.
The Xbox Game Pass Standard tier packs quite the punch, offering users access to online multiplayer gaming and hundreds of titles from the expansive Game Pass library. The subscription includes legendary franchises such as Halo, Age of Empires, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5, among many others. Notably, it does not include access to the EA Play library or the cloud gaming feature, which are benefits available only to those who subscribe to the more expensive Ultimate plan.
This shift is part of Microsoft’s response to increasing competition as the gaming industry gradually shifts its focus toward subscription-based services. The company has openly struggled to match the PlayStation's continued success during this console generation, and the introduction of the Standard tier is seen as both a competitive advantage and necessary evolution.
Despite the attractive features, there is one significant catch. Game Pass Standard members will not have immediate access to day-one game releases. For example, the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set for release on October 25, and Standard subscribers will have to wait, potentially for months, to access it through their subscription or may need to purchase it outright. This has raised eyebrows among gamers who had become accustomed to receiving new titles as part of their membership.
Microsoft clarified this limitation, explaining, "Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other game entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date (this could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title)." This announcement is sure to stir discussions among the gaming community, particularly among those who prioritize playing new titles as soon as they hit the market.
When Microsoft initially revealed the new Game Pass tier back in July, it accompanied the announcement of price increases across its other Game Pass options. For regular players, the Ultimate tier will now set users back $19.99 per month, reflecting the increasingly competitive and expensive gaming market. The four tiers of Game Pass now available include:
- Game Pass Core: $9.99 per month, offering over 25 games, online console multiplayer, and various discounts.
- Game Pass Standard: $14.99 per month, featuring hundreds of games, online console multiplayer, and discounts, but lacking day-one access.
- PC Game Pass: $11.99 per month, providing hundreds of games, including recent day-one titles, EA Play, and discounts.
- Game Pass Ultimate: $19.99 per month, encompassing hundreds of games, day-one access, EA Play, online multiplayer, and other perks.
Interestingly, for those already subscribed to Game Pass Core, Microsoft has introduced friendly conversion terms. Existing time on the Core subscription can be converted at a ratio of 3:2 to the new Standard tier. For example, if you have 90 days remaining on your Game Pass Core plan, it would convert to 60 days on Game Pass Standard. This offers gamers flexibility as they navigate their subscription choices.
Microsoft’s strategy appears to be focused on appealing to both casual gamers who want multiplayer access without breaking the bank and hardcore gamers who are eager for exclusive content and the latest releases. The introduction of the Game Pass Standard might just be what Microsoft needs to attract new subscribers who were previously on the fence about signing up. It provides access to a solid library of games for those who don’t mind waiting for the newest titles to roll out. Yet, for consumers who thrive on the cutting edge and value immediate access to new titles, the Standard tier might leave them wanting more.
Gamers will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes peeled for future announcements as Microsoft continues to adapt its offerings to the changing gameplay environment. With competitors like Sony continuously ramping up the stakes, Microsoft’s decision to rework its offerings could set the stage for exciting new developments. Just as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gears up for launch, attention will linger on how the gaming community reacts to the revised tier structure and the associated limitations.
Lastly, as this new Game Pass Standard tier rolls out, it remains to be seen whether it has the desired impact on Microsoft’s Game Pass subscriber base, which was reported at 34 million earlier this year. There are undoubtedly many gamers out there eager to test the waters of what this fresh subscription model has to offer.
