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When something feels too good to be true, it often is, and that’s been the case with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. At the launch of the Xbox Series X/S, it was a dream come true: a fantastic library of games, including day-one releases from Microsoft, all for just ten bucks a month.
However, time has marched on and so have the prices. Over the past few years, as the world grappled with post-pandemic financial challenges, the cost for Game Pass has edged upward. By 2023, the console version hit $11, and the Ultimate plan, which offers access on both PC and console, rose to $16.99. It still felt like a solid value, even if it coincided with Microsoft’s eye-popping acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. At that point, the increase was just below inflation.
Then came 2024, bringing less welcome news. In July, the cost of Game Pass Ultimate jumped from $17 to $20—a hefty 18% spike well beyond inflation. Worse yet, Microsoft eliminated the $11 console-only option. In its place, they introduced Game Pass Standard at $15, but without the perk of same-day releases. That’s nearly a 50% increase for a service that offers less.
For those relying on Game Pass to enjoy the full range of games and snag Microsoft’s latest releases as soon as they drop, this meant seeing the monthly fee jump from $11 to $20. Now, with the monumental Activision Blizzard deal finalized, it seemed clear this was a major factor.
So, in 2024, Game Pass transformed from an incredible bargain to a source of frustration, costing a massive $240 annually with no option for discounted yearly pricing. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. – John Walker
