The Xbox Game Pass tiers: Confusing but Limited?
The new Xbox Game Pass tiers are a confusing mess that offer a limited selection of games and lock out previously available features. The changes to Microsoft's subscription service are already causing frustration among gamers, as the company seemingly moves away from what was one of the most appealing aspects of its console ecosystem.
As someone who subscribes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, I'd consider myself one of the service's biggest advocates. However, I can't help but feel that Microsoft is making a series of moves that feels like it's going against everything that Game Pass once represented. While Game Pass needed some form of simplification, the Core tier is far from a good deal for gamers, and the change feels unnecessary and confusing.
Xbox Game Pass is getting more complicated instead of simpler
The new Xbox Game Pass tiers are confusing, and they add extra options that are unappealing to the average gamer. While Microsoft is hoping that most players will gravitate towards the Ultimate tier, the selection of games included with the more expensive subscription makes me question why more games aren't included with the cheaper options.
Xbox Game Pass Core includes access to over 100 games, with a selection that feels outdated and uninspiring. Older titles like Halo 5: Guardians and Fable Anniversary are included instead of their superior sequels, and I can't help but feel that Microsoft is trying to get rid of its inventory of back catalog games.
The Console and PC tiers also don't include access to online multiplayer, which makes zero sense to me. I can understand the more expensive Ultimate tier gets this feature, along with the entire Game Pass library and day one access to future exclusives, but I struggle to see why the other two options don't get these crucial features included.
Microsoft is clearly hoping that gamers will be willing to pay more for the Ultimate tier, instead of the cheaper options, but I can't help but feel that the company is missing the mark with its selection of games. The recent underwhelming game launches and the Activision Blizzard deal that's been delayed again make this change feel unnecessary and confusing from Microsoft.
The change won't take effect until September 14, but already Xbox's future games like Starfield feel like they're being ignored by the change to Game Pass. Instead of focusing on building a strong library of future games, the service feels like it's trying to get rid of older titles, and the change only adds more complexity to an already crowded service landscape.
If Microsoft is going to change up Game Pass, it needs to offer a better selection of games, and it needs to do a far better job of communicating these changes to consumers. The lack of clarity and answers from Microsoft regarding the new Game Pass tiers raises many questions that the company won't be able to answer until September.
In the meantime, I'd recommend checking out our guide to the Game Pass subscriptions, as well as our best PC games list, as the future of Xbox relies on games like Starfield.
