November 13, 2023, 1:11 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
For Xbox users, the Game Pass is almost a must-have. Microsoft has made some changes to its subscription model and added a completely new subscription. TECHBOOK provides an overview.
In June 2017, Microsoft launched the Xbox Game Pass subscription service for its Xbox console. Through it, users gain access to various games and extra content. But what exactly does it include, and who is it worth it for? The Xbox Game Pass is structured somewhat differently than most comparable subscriptions. There are three or four options in total: the Game Pass for the console, the PC, the Ultimate model, and the newly added Games Pass Core.
Overview
How does the Xbox Game Pass work?
With the Game Pass, players gain access to a wide variety of games. These can be played on all Xbox models as well as on the PC. Once access is purchased, users can utilize the library to download and play titles. Additionally, through Game Pass Quest within the bonus program, points can be collected and redeemed for rewards like Xbox credit. To do this, players must complete challenges within the available games.
Requirements include an Xbox and a Microsoft account. This account can also be used for other Microsoft services like the Office suite or the authentication app. PC players must also download the Xbox app.
Xbox Game Pass vs. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The standard subscription for PC or console is nearly identical. It offers a wide selection of video games, ranging from smaller indie titles to major triple-A games. Naturally, all in-house Xbox games are included. Under the umbrella term Xbox Game Studios, big names like Obsidian and Bethesda are now included. Brands like “Halo,” “Age of Empires,” “Forza,” “Fallout,” and the well-known Microsoft simulators are therefore a staple of the catalog—new games from their own studios are available directly upon release.
Additionally, there are special discount promotions for members. Xbox Game Pass subscribers for PC also gain access to EA Play, and thus to various titles from the well-known studio Electronic Arts—including FIFA and Sims.
The Ultimate option is the next higher tier in the subscription model and applies to both console and PC. Otherwise, it offers the same access as the previously explained subscriptions. However, it also includes various in-game content for subscribers and special partner offers.
Otherwise, it offers the same access as the previously explained subscriptions. However, it also includes various in-game content for subscribers and special partner offers. Additionally, the Ultimate subscription grants access to Cloud Gaming. This means users are no longer tied to a specific device, as games are accessed from a cloud rather than the device itself.
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New: Xbox Game Pass Core
Recently, the Xbox Game Pass Core was added, replacing the well-known Live Gold offering. The new subscription is a scaled-down version of the Game Pass in terms of content and price. Access is granted to “only” about 25 games, but the Game Pass Core is comparatively affordable at 6.99 euros per month. Additionally, the plan also includes the online multiplayer function.
In general, the Game Pass is aimed at Xbox players who play a lot and are eager to regularly discover new games. Especially those who want to play online multiplayer games need a paid subscription.
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The Pricing Models
Since the Xbox Game Pass is a subscription, monthly costs are incurred for the Game Pass, which vary depending on the chosen model.
The standard version costs 10.99 euros per month and is initially only usable for the console. Slightly cheaper at 9.99 euros is the PC Game Pass, which also grants access to a lot of titles from Electronic Arts. The Ultimate access costs 14.99 euros per month, offering the aforementioned benefits. Both or all three models can be canceled monthly.
Additionally, there is the All Access Pass, which is significantly more expensive at 24.99 euros. This model also includes hardware: In addition to the Ultimate Game Pass, players receive an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S from a corresponding retailer. The term is 24 months.
Xbox Game Pass: These Games Are Available
The aforementioned 100 titles available to subscribers with the Game Pass are updated monthly by Microsoft. New games are added, and some titles are removed regularly.
- A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Doom Eternal
- EA FC (formerly FIFA)
- Assassin’s Creed (Odyssey, Origins)
- Doom Eternal
- EA FC (formerly FIFA)
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Sea of Thieves
- Halo Infinite
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Lies of P
- The Outer Worlds
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Since 2020, EA Play has also been part of the Xbox Game Pass, exclusively for Ultimate and PC Pass subscribers. This means the library also includes many major titles from Electronic Arts. It’s worth regularly checking the available games, as titles are added or removed periodically.