Xbox has killed its long-running $1 promotional deal for Xbox Game Pass on a global scale, which some users have criticized as "anti-consumer", but it is unclear if the change is permanent or temporary.
Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to hundreds of games and Xbox cloud streaming. Since its launch in 2017, new users were able to try the service for one month for just $1.
However, users have recently noticed that this promotional offer has come to an end. Microsoft has confirmed that they have stopped the previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are currently exploring new marketing promotions for new members in the future.
And as always: Everything gets more expensive.
Microsoft Kills The Best Xbox Game Pass Deal
Microsoft appears to have put an end to its famous $1 promotional offer for new users of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games for a low monthly fee. It also includes access to Xbox cloud streaming for gaming on the go.
Since the service's launch in 2017, new users were offered a trial month for just $1. However, over the weekend, users noticed that the promotional pricing had disappeared. Attempting to sign up to Xbox Game Pass using a new Microsoft account no longer provides access for $1.
Instead, users are directed to the three existing tiers, either $10 per month for Xbox Game Pass on console, $10 per month for Xbox Game Pass on PC, or $15 per month for access to both and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The change seems to be global, with no mention of the $1 promo tier appearing in any country tested so far.
It makes sense for Microsoft to wind down this promotion as the service has matured, and enough people are aware of Xbox Game Pass for organic growth to occur. Microsoft may also want to avoid a scenario where many users sign up for temporary one-month throwaway accounts to avoid paying for upcoming highly anticipated titles, such as Starfield, which is among the most highly anticipated games in recent memory.
Microsoft is also set to close its deal for Activision-Blizzard, which will bring major games like Call of Duty and Diablo IV to the service. Avoiding a situation where tens of thousands of users sign up to temporary accounts for just $1 is likely a high priority for the company.
Microsoft is gradually rolling out Xbox Game Pass for Families and Friends, which will provide up to five Xbox Game Pass Ultimate accounts for around $25, potentially making access to the service cheaper than ever.
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