Microsoft recently faced criticism from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the pricing and offerings of its Xbox Game Pass. The introduction of a new tier, known as the Xbox Game Pass Standard, sparked controversy as it did not include new first-party titles on the day of release. The FTC called this new tier “degraded” in a court filing, leading to Microsoft’s response to defend its decision.
In a new court filing, Microsoft argued that the previously discontinued Game Pass for Console tier did not offer multiplayer functionality, which had to be purchased separately at an additional cost. The new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, priced at $14.99, offers access to a library of hundreds of games and online multiplayer, providing more value to players than the discontinued option.
FTC’s Criticism and Microsoft’s Defense
The FTC claimed that the newly introduced Standard tier was a “degraded” product that cost 36% more than the previous Console Game Pass and withheld day-one releases. Microsoft refuted these claims, stating that the Game Pass Ultimate tier would include new titles “day-and-date,” such as the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The company emphasized that its new offerings were not withholding popular titles like Call of Duty from users who wish to play them.
Microsoft also pointed out that Sony’s PlayStation Plus game subscription service continued to thrive despite only offering a few titles at launch. This comparison aimed to showcase that changes in service offerings were common in the industry, and Microsoft’s decisions were not intended to harm consumers but to enhance the overall gaming experience.
Changes in Xbox Game Pass Pricing
In response to the criticism and feedback, Microsoft hiked the prices of various Game Pass tiers, including Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Core, and PC Game Pass. The company also discontinued the Game Pass for console for new subscribers, signaling a shift in its subscription model. The newly introduced Game Pass Standard tier, set to launch in the coming months, will offer a vast library of games and online multiplayer access.
Despite these changes, Microsoft assured players that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 would be available on Game Pass day one when it launches on October 25. However, members of the Standard tier would not have access to the title through their subscriptions. This decision further highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to providing value to its users while adapting to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Microsoft’s response to the criticism surrounding Xbox Game Pass pricing demonstrates the company’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience for its players. While the introduction of a new tier may have sparked debate, Microsoft’s rationale for the changes aims to provide a wider range of options for subscribers and ensure that popular titles remain accessible to all users. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Microsoft’s approach to subscription services reflects its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.
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