This is something we’ve been talking about for years, and we’re finally starting to see it come about: Monthly subscriptions to hardware platforms allowing access to software. Microsoft just announced this morning a new program called Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Game Pass gives you unlimited access to over 100 Xbox One and backward compatible Xbox 360 games – all for $9.99 per month.
With great games from top industry publishers such as 2K, 505 Games, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Capcom, Codemasters, Deep Silver, Focus Home Interactive, SEGA, SNK CORPORATION, THQ Nordic GmbH, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft Studios, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and you will always find something exciting to play across a variety of genres. Some of the fan-favorite titles coming to Xbox Game Pass when it launches to the broader Xbox community later this spring include Halo 5: Guardians, Payday 2, NBA 2K16 and SoulCalibur II.
The initial wave of games doesn’t appear to be all that stellar for gamers like us who want the newest releases, but the service itself will grow to at least 100 games and be a fairly good value for the average gamer. Different than the PSN’s “streaming” service, the Xbox Game Pass will be a full digital download version of the game as though you bought it. You’ll have access for as long as you have a Game Pass or until they cycle that game out of the program.
I’m a fan of the idea. I think this speaks to the broader audience of gamers who can’t bring themselves to buy games regularly, but love to simply ‘game’. Right now, I don’t see myself falling into this category or using this service. If they were to expand the offering to all titles — including new releases — and not cycling them out (imagine being in the middle of a game and it leaves the program), I would be more willing to jump in.
Nice step forward. Again, I like the idea.
Xbox Game Pass launches in the Spring.