A cheaper Game Pass tier with cloud gaming could be in the works
Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service that allows gamers to get access to a library of games, along with some deals and discounts. There are a few tiers for Game Pass with the most expensive one adding cloud gaming as a feature. Now, it looks like Microsoft is looking to make cloud gaming more affordable with a possible cheaper Game Pass tier.
During the latest Xbox podcast (linked below), Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation, Jason Ronald, spoke about cloud gaming (around the 7:15 mark) and how a lot of gamers are using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access cloud gaming. He went on to state that this is the right opportunity to “make it much more affordable, and make it more accessible to players.” This includes offering cloud gaming in markets where it isn’t currently available or new ways of accessing cloud gaming.
This suggests a new, cheaper Game Pass tier could be in the works. Currently only the Ultimate tier which costs $20 a month includes cloud gaming. Notably, it is unclear if Microsoft is looking to introduce a new tier that includes cloud gaming or add it to the Standard, Core, or PC tiers. Regardless, those who are invested in gaming on the go should find this appealing, though Microsoft has not shared a timeline on this possible new tier.
This comes at a time when questions about the morality of Game Pass and what it means for game developers are being raised. A recent study showed that the subscription service hurts sales of AAA games and former head of PlayStation stated that with subscriptions like these, companies will get to dictate what games are made, which is risky for the developers and the industry.
