Xbox Game Pass Pricing Revamp Under Consideration, Report Says
▼ Summary
– New Xbox boss Asha Sharma is exploring ways to lower costs for Xbox Game Pass.
– She is considering making consoles and Game Pass more enticing, potentially through new pricing tiers.
– Rumors suggest a low-cost Game Pass tier could be supported by advertisements.
– Netflix’s co-CEO has discussed potential subscription bundle partnerships with Sharma, though no plans are final.
– These are early considerations, and Sharma’s new role involves exploring many possibilities that may not be implemented.
Since Asha Sharma assumed leadership of Microsoft Gaming last month, reports indicate a focus on making the Xbox ecosystem more accessible. A recent article suggests she is actively exploring strategies to broaden the appeal of Xbox Game Pass and future hardware, with a key consideration being the introduction of new, lower-priced subscription tiers. This potential pricing revamp aims to attract a wider audience of gamers by making the service more financially flexible.
The report, citing individuals familiar with her discussions, states Sharma is evaluating how to make consoles and services more enticing. While it does not specify methods, industry speculation has long included the possibility of an ad-supported tier to facilitate a reduced cost. Separately, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters mentioned conversations with Sharma about potential future partnerships, such as subscription bundles combining services. Peters noted there are no concrete plans but expressed enthusiasm for collaborative thinking, emphasizing the need for any arrangement to benefit consumers and both companies equally.
He specifically referenced the challenge of structuring a Game Pass bundle that works for Microsoft, praising Sharma’s forward-looking approach. It is crucial to view these insights as part of a broader exploratory phase. As a new leader in the gaming industry, Sharma’s role inherently involves considering a wide range of strategic options, not all of which will come to fruition. Historically, Game Pass adjustments have involved price increases rather than reductions, so any move toward more affordable tiers would represent a significant shift in strategy.
Ultimately, these discussions reflect early-stage planning as the new leadership team evaluates its roadmap. Clearer indications of Microsoft’s direction for Game Pass and console strategy will likely emerge in the coming months.
(Source: Pure Xbox)
