“This would be designed around users who aren’t…”: Potential New Xbox Game Pass Tier for Users Without an Xbox Being Considered
Playing games without a console may sound like a strange idea, but Microsoft might just make that a new standard for modern gaming.
Microsoft’s stance on console exclusivity may have taken a new turn with a recent announcement regarding its Xbox Game Pass subscription services. With a lackluster response to its new pricing on the Standard and Ultimate tiers coupled with changes to what they offer their players, the company may be looking to further optimize its offerings to bring more players into the fold.
With Xbox’s cloud gaming service making it to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, the company’s push towards streaming games without the need for a console is evident. However, it seems that not all players may be thrilled with a new Game Pass tier that is solely focused on cloud gaming when other variables are considered.
Xbox Game Pass’ Unpopular Pricing Revisions Attract Attention
While Microsoft may have hoped that its revised Xbox Game Pass tiers would help it attract more players to the service, the effects of its revisions have backfired instead. The company once again finds itself under the FTC’s scanner over the new prices, with allegations of misusing the new-found power gained from its merger with Activision Blizzard.
However, subtle changes to what the service offers at different tiers may offset its revised pricing, a notion that Microsoft intends to take even further by taking Xbox Game Pass to devices other than an Xbox. Eliminating the need to own a console to play games could be an imaginative step into the future for the company, but could essentially signal the end of Xbox as we know it.
Could a Cloud-Based Game Pass Work?
Posts from players reacting to the news of Microsoft’s latest idea indicate mixed reactions to a potential cloud-based Game Pass. Considering the backlash the company received over the poor performance of its pilot effort with the Fire TV Stick, it’s clear that the service has a long way to go before it is fully viable to cater to the needs of its players.
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The post below encapsulates the company’s overall vision while responses to it showcase the effort that Microsoft will need to sink in order to succeed at it.
Despite the appeal of a cheaper Game Pass tier and the elimination of the upfront cost of console purchases, other players raise valid concerns about the service’s quality while pointing out that Google has beaten Microsoft at its own game.
Other players find it strange that Microsoft is attempting multiple revisions of its service that could be confusing to its subscribers, suggesting that a well-implemented set of changes at a single time could work a lot better.
However, other players are pointing out that Xbox’s cloud services are not all that great, a fact that is further compounded by its lack of quality titles in recent times.
While the idea of a cheaper Game Pass tier without a console is certainly imaginative and bold, it would take a lot of smart decisions from Microsoft to make it work with players.
However, it could change modern gaming as we know it if it is handled correctly, allowing the company to finally get an advantage over its competition that it currently does not have.
