Microsoft launches new Xbox Game Pass tier for $15 monthly

On Tuesday, Microsoft introduced a new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier priced at $15 per month, which replaces the previous Game Pass Console tier. This new tier offers subscribers online multiplayer access for consoles, a vast library of games, and discounts of up to 50% on select non-Game Pass titles. However, it notably lacks access to new games on their release day, meaning subscribers will need to purchase these titles separately or wait for them to be added to the Game Pass library later. The decision to launch this new tier comes after Microsoft announced in July that it would discontinue the Game Pass Console tier for new subscribers, which was available for $11 a month and included Day 1 releases. The company also raised the price of its Game Pass Ultimate subscription from $17 to $20 a month, marking the second price increase in two years. This shift reflects Microsoft's strategy to streamline its offerings while adjusting to market demands. Subscribers now have four tiers to choose from, each providing varying levels of access and benefits. The Game Pass Core tier, priced at $10 a month, offers online multiplayer and a limited game library, while the PC Game Pass tier, at $12 a month, includes access to hundreds of games and EA Play, but is exclusive to PC users. This restructuring aims to cater to different gaming preferences and budgets. Overall, the introduction of the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier signifies Microsoft's ongoing evolution in the gaming subscription landscape, balancing competitive pricing with the need to provide value to its subscribers while navigating the complexities of game releases and access.