Update: Some X users are reporting that the website to cancel Xbox Game Pass subscriptions has overloaded (via DiscussingFilm). While this happened after Xbox announced it was raising the price of Game Pass Ultimate, we can't say for certain this is the cause for the seemingly mass cancellations, but it's possible.
Original story: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is getting a price hike. As posted on Xbox Wire, the Ultimate tier will go up from $19.99 a month to $29.99 a month. In the U.S., that’s an extra $120 per year. Folks in the UK will see a price increase from £14.99 to £22.99, an extra £96 a year. However, the other tiers aren’t getting a price increase. In Australia, the Ultimate tier is now priced at AU$35.95 a month, up from AU$22.95 a month, which is AU$156 extra per year.
“Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate," said Xbox. "Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience. Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan.
Xbox says Ultimate subscribers will now have access to 75 day-one releases a year. These are in addition to the over 400 games currently available on Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud. Starting on November 18, Fortnite Crew is coming to Ultimate. The library of Ubisoft Classics will also be available to Ultimate subscribers.
Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to the Essential tier, while Standard subscribers are now subscribed to Premium. As I said before, the price of these tiers will remain the same in the US at $9.99 and $14.99, respectively. Premium and Essential subscribers will also get access to more games on supported platforms.
Xbox says the new pricing is due to all the new games being added to Xbox Game Pass. Updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming (which boost the streaming and performance quality) is another justification the company uses for the price hike. While the increase isn’t ideal, you can earn money in Store rewards by playing games, according to Xbox.
The updated pricing goes into effect starting today (October 1) for new subscribers, while current subscribers will see changes enacted on October 4.
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