With Xbox games prices rising, Game Pass subscriptions look better than ever

Microsoft’s $80 Game It’s no longer an approaching threat – Outer World 2 This is the first Xbox title to feature a large price tag, released in October this year.

The price release for Outer World 2 will be made shortly after the release of Mario Kart WorldNintendo’s first $80 game. These price increases will collide with gamers’ wallets and make players more selective about trying games they’re not sure about.

Only time can tell if Microsoft can move the same number of units at a higher price – Outer World 2 is certainly no Grand Theft Auto 6 -But the company’s strategy may not rely on selling more copies at all.

Xbox first-party games are often included Game Pass Outer World 2 is no exception when it was released. If the Xbox branded $80 gaming becomes a new normal, then the $10 per month subscription service suddenly looks much more appealing in comparison.

There are many games from Xbox Showcase Arrived on the Game Pass on the first day, this could be a gambit to convert more gamers into subscribers.

Microsoft’s Game Pass Strategy

Previously, Xbox-only games have spanned multiple platforms, including releases on PlayStation and PC. Microsoft has been deprived of console hardware sales to deliver a premium gaming experience.

Still, the company has an ecosystem of users to maintain, but giving away all the benefits to Sony remains a poor move. Game Pass is a great equalizer from Microsoft. Because you don’t have access to the PlayStation console subscription services (and PC subscriber pickups take advantage of a completely different part of the market).

PlayStation gamers who want to play the latest Xbox first-party titles should cough $80 for anyone outside of the Microsoft ecosystem.

Creating a Game Pass subscriber will provide Microsoft with a stable stream of game revenue. Xbox and PC gamers, who are being pushed back by rising AAA gaming prices, are attracting attention towards digital gaming services.

This is also a big deal for gamers. It is currently one of the best value propositions on the market. A Core Game Pass subscription costs $120 for 12 months (or $144 for PC Game Pass). So if you only enjoy two of the Xbox titles released on the platform each year, you’re still getting a fair deal.

Microsoft’s showcase has just revealed nearly 20 games that will reach the game pass for next year and a half, so the odds are good and you can find at least a handful of $80 games that you enjoy playing.

In addition to AAA games landing on Game Pass, subscription services include the most highly acclaimed indie darling of all time, including Celeste, Dead Cell and Stardew Valley. These aren’t $80 juggernauts, but they pad out an impressive library of services (and give you a massive selection paralysis in the process).

Game Pass was already one of the best deals in the game. The $80 game rise simply makes the service even more appealing.