Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft is considering a new lower-priced Game Pass tier to make cloud gaming more affordable and accessible.
2. Currently, only the Ultimate tier of Game Pass, priced at $20 a month, includes cloud gaming.
3. There is no specific information on when the new tier will be available or how it will be structured.
4. Concerns exist about the impact of Game Pass on game developers and the sales of AAA games.
5. The potential for subscription services like Game Pass to influence game development raises ethical questions in the gaming industry.
Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that gives gamers access to a large collection of games, plus some discounts and deals. There are several levels of Game Pass, with the highest one featuring cloud gaming. Recently, it seems that Microsoft wants to make cloud gaming cheaper with a potential new lower-priced Game Pass tier.
New Developments in Cloud Gaming
In the latest Xbox podcast (linked below), Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation, talked about cloud gaming around the 7:15 mark. He mentioned that many gamers are using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to enjoy cloud gaming. Ronald emphasized that this is a great chance to “make it much more affordable, and make it easier for players to access.” This could involve providing cloud gaming in regions where it isn’t available yet or finding new methods to access cloud gaming.
Possible Changes Ahead
This hints that a new, more affordable Game Pass tier may be on the horizon. At present, only the Ultimate tier, which costs $20 a month, includes cloud gaming. It’s not clear whether Microsoft plans to create a new tier that offers cloud gaming or if they will add it to the Standard, Core, or PC tiers. In any case, gamers who enjoy playing on the go will likely find this news appealing, although Microsoft has not provided any details on when this new tier might be available.
Concerns Over Game Pass
These discussions come at a time when there are concerns about the ethics of Game Pass and its impact on game developers. A recent study indicated that the subscription service may negatively affect sales of AAA games. The former head of PlayStation pointed out that services like this could allow companies to control which games are developed, posing potential risks for both developers and the gaming industry as a whole.
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