After price drop, Xbox Game Pass may make first-party and cloud gaming optional

To address affordability concerns, Microsoft has slashed the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price to $22.99 per month. With the PC tier now cheaper as well, the company may be considering further changes. Jez Corden, who predicted the news, believes the subscription service could embrace a “pick your own plan” model.

What choices could Game Pass offer?

Revealed in a new Windows Central article, Corden’s sources have discussed a much more personalized Game Pass. Gamers may be able to prioritize first-party Xbox games or cloud gaming. World of Warcraft or Minecraft Realms subscriptions would be likely candidates. Suggested in past leaks, bundles including Netflix are another possibility.

Although fans have welcomed the lower-cost Ultimate tier, some critics still don’t see enough value in the plan. Using an à la carte approach, gamers could craft an even cheaper alternative with only their favorite content. Conversely, dedicated players could build an expensive package that includes all available options.

Corden’s report explains why Microsoft determined day-one Call of Duty releases were not the best fit for the service. As suspected, the addition cannibalized sales of the shooter. At the same time, it didn’t attract as many new subscribers as expected. By removing the first-party game, the company hopes to regain lost revenue while making Xbox Game Pass prices more palatable.

A focus on varied content

The strategy hinges on Activision supporters paying full price, at least until the titles arrive later on selected tiers. Still, it’s anticipated that other gamers prefer choices. The Xbox blog post hinted at more future customization:

“Our players cover a wide breadth of geographies, preferences, and tastes.” Microsoft also admitted that “there isn’t a single model that’s best for everyone.”

Although added flexibility sounds promising, it’s complicated to implement. Game Pass already offers Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers. Previous rumblings proposed that the PC plan could be absorbed into one of these levels. Allowing subscribers to disable/enable cloud gaming and other perks would complicate, rather than streamline, the options.