Is Xbox Game Pass Losing Its Charm? The Shocking Truth Behind Game Pass Standard Revealed!
For Xbox Game Pass for Console subscribers, the anticipated excitement for new games has simmered down to a disappointing surprise as they’re being transitioned to Xbox Game Pass Standard. What does this mean for loyal players? Let’s delve into the evolving landscape of Xbox Game Pass and uncover the latest updates that every gamer needs to know!
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As we inch closer to the second half of September 2024, Xbox has disclosed the limited lineup of games headed to Game Pass. Disappointingly, there are only **three games** on the horizon, particularly when compared to previous months where we frequently witnessed **up to ten thrilling titles** being added. What’s worse? All the new selections are exclusive to PC and Ultimate members.
This revelation follows alarming news that nearly **50 Game Pass games** will no longer be accessible to subscribers who transition to the Standard tier. So, Xbox Game Pass Standard players are not just missing out on fresh content; they also face the grim reality of **losing 11 premium games** by September’s close.
Could this be Xbox’s strategy to nudge Console tier subscribers into the higher-paying Ultimate tier? Many gamers believe so. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission weighed in, labelling Xbox Game Pass Standard a “degraded product” and highlighting that Console subscribers must shift to Ultimate for equivalent value.
In a statement, the FTC pointed out the financial implications: “Additionally, Microsoft is discontinuing its $10.99/month ‘Console Game Pass’ product. Users of that product must pay **81% more** to switch to ‘Game Pass Ultimate’.” The commission argues that removing top-tier games combined with price hikes fosters consumer harm, reflecting the FTC’s earlier allegations about the merger.
As Xbox continues to explore every avenue to maximize profits, the fallout of job cuts looms over the company. Earlier this year, around **2,500** employees were let go, encompassing the closures of teams at Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. Amidst this chaos, there is a glimmer of hope for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers this month, but only for those with powerful gaming rigs.
Let’s take a closer look at the meager offerings for Xbox Game Pass subscribers:
Current Xbox Game Pass Standard Games
- Out now
- Expeditions: A MudRunner Game – (Cloud, console and PC)
- Riders Republic – (Cloud, console and PC)
Exclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Titles
- Out now
- Star Trucker – (Cloud, console and PC)
- Age of Mythology: Retold – (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S and PC)
- Train Sim World 5 – (Cloud, console and PC)
- Upcoming Releases
- September 19
- Wargroove 2 – (Cloud, console and PC)
- September 24
- Ara: History Untold – (PC)
- September 19
If you’re curious about the broader changes in the Xbox ecosystem, don’t miss our detailed coverage on the games departing from Xbox Game Pass this September.
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