In recent weeks, things seem to be moving in the range of services at Xbox. We were talking about the disappearance of the 12-month subscription for Xbox Live Gold. Today, it is the Xbox Game Pass that benefits from a change that one might think of as minor. But it could actually hide something else.
Indeed, the Xbox Game Pass officially becomes le Game Pass. Likewise, the Xbox Game Pass PC becomes the Game Pass PC. However, it should be noted that the Xbox logo is still present, thus keeping the link with Microsoft’s video game division.
Trying out a new look
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) August 1, 2020
This name change refers to current Xbox policy of make the subscription accessible on as many media as possible (excluding direct competition). We think of smartphones and smart TVs. Indeed, the integration of xCloud in the “Ultimate” version of the subscription from September will allow the service to go directly to many screens. This name change in a way allows detach the offer from the world of game consoles.
In addition, the Game Pass tends to group together all the services offered by Microsoft’s gaming division. We know that Xbox Live Gold is already integrated into Game Pass Ultimate. Timdog, one of the very popular Xbox insiders on Twitter, recently had an experiment in this direction. In fact, when you buy a prepaid card for a one-year Xbox Live Gold subscription, the system automatically offers (if you are already a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber) to convert it into additional months for the flagship service of Xbox.
So if you buy a xbox year gold card prepaid , this happens , thinking xbox live gold is done . pic.twitter.com/7sEiUtQ8P1
— Timdog (@XcloudTimdog) August 2, 2020
Does that mean Xbox Live Gold is going to be phased out eventually or is it just going to merge with Game Pass Ultimate pushing players to subscribe to the service? The first option seems more logical following the announcement of the multi from Halo Infinite as free-to-play in order to guarantee access to the game to as many people as possible, without barriers. 343 Industries mentioned in its tweet that “Halo is for everyone”.
As a reminder, today, the Xbox Live Gold is € 6.99, the PC Game Pass at € 3.99 (limited time offer) against € 9.99 for the console version and € 12.99 for the Game Ultimate Pass including the Gold subscription, the two Game Pass formulas, the future xCloud and various monthly advantages (bonus on certain games, spotify trial for three months…).
The August event is approaching! We should learn more about where Microsoft is going in terms of its many services for the next generation.
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