Microsoft Hints at Discord and Xbox Game Pass Alliance
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is teasing a new partnership between Discord and Xbox Game Pass, following recent subscription price cuts.
– The partnership’s exact details are unclear but will likely involve perks for Game Pass subscribers, potentially related to Discord Nitro.
– Microsoft is preparing to test these changes, with some users possibly seeing early code, and will share more information soon.
– This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader exploration of bundling third-party services, like Netflix, with Game Pass subscriptions.
– Microsoft and Discord have a history of collaboration, including profile linking, voice chat integration, and console streaming features.
Microsoft is signaling a deeper collaboration between Discord and Xbox Game Pass, following closely on the heels of recent subscription price reductions. The company’s Gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, announced a renewed partnership with the popular communication platform, framing the move as part of an ongoing effort to enhance flexibility for Game Pass players. While specific details remain under wraps, the focus on Game Pass strongly suggests the alliance will center on delivering new perks for subscribers.
The immediate speculation points toward an expansion of the existing Discord Nitro benefit. Currently, Game Pass Ultimate members receive a complimentary month of Discord Nitro. The new partnership could evolve this offering, potentially bundling features from Nitro Basic or other premium elements directly into the subscription. This strategic tease coincides with Microsoft entering a testing phase for these changes. Sharma noted that users may soon encounter hints in the wild, with fuller details to follow.
This development aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to bundle third-party services with its flagship gaming subscription. Earlier this year, reports indicated the company was actively exploring such integrations. The concept has garnered interest from other industry leaders, including Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters, who confirmed he and Sharma had discussed potential ideas for collaborative subscription bundles.
The history between Microsoft and Discord provides context for this latest step. Their partnership began in 2018 with the linking of Xbox Live and Discord profiles. Collaboration intensified in 2022 when voice chat integration arrived on the Xbox dashboard, a feature that was later refined. By 2024, the integration advanced further, allowing users to both stream and watch Discord streams directly from their Xbox console. This evolving relationship now appears poised to enter a new, more integrated phase centered on the Game Pass ecosystem.
(Source: The Verge)
