Xbox has increased the price of its Game Pass service. Depending on where you live, you might not feel the change yet. Some regions are still paying the old rate, at least for now.
Xbox has increased the price of its Game Pass service. Depending on where you live, you might not feel the change yet. Some regions are still paying the old rate, at least for now.
Game Pass Is Changing, But Some Players Still Dodge The Price Rise
After the recent 50 percent price increase for Xbox Game Pass, gamers were understandably upset. It sparked outrage across the gaming community. However, it seems that the price hike is not affecting everyone immediately. Depending on where you live, you might be one of the lucky ones.
Parts of Europe and Asia Are Spared For Now
Microsoft announced that the price increase will not affect certain countries, including Germany, Austria, Ireland, Poland, India, and South Korea. However, this only applies to existing subscribers. Anyone joining Xbox Game Pass now will be charged the higher rate. Meanwhile, customers in the UK and the United States will have to pay the new prices right away.
Microsoft’s Reasoning
Microsoft’s decision to hold off on price increases in some regions seems less about generosity and more about timing. The reason for this delay is likely related to country-specific regulations on subscription price changes. What the company can do, however, is announce the price hike 60 days in advance. So even though customers in these countries are not affected yet, that might change over the next few months.
In short, Microsoft isn’t cancelling the price hike. It is simply delaying it in some countries to comply with local rules.
Where This Leaves Players
For now, players in parts of Europe and Asia can still enjoy their existing Xbox Game Pass subscription at the old price. Nonetheless, this situation will not last forever, at least that’s what Microsoft’s actions suggest. In the end, every Xbox Game Pass subscriber has to decide whether or not the service is still worth the higher price.
