The promotional offer of getting the first month of Game Pass for US$1 has been discontinued by Microsoft, and new subscribers are no longer eligible for this introductory deal.
“We have stopped our previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are evaluating different marketing promotions for new members in the future,” Perez said.
For years, the US$1 trial has been a key feature of the Game Pass service, enabling new users to experience Xbox Game Pass for a month at a nominal price before renewing their subscription at the standard rates of US$14.99 a month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or US$9.99 a month for PC or console subscription. It remains unclear what alternative marketing promotions Xbox may introduce for Game Pass in the future.
Microsoft is currently testing a new tier for Xbox Game Pass called the Friends & Family Plan, which would permit subscribers to share their subscription with up to four friends or family members. This feature was tested in various countries last year.
Although most of the major video streaming services have increased their prices over the last year, Xbox Game Pass has maintained its price point for a considerable period. However, the current price of $14.99 for Game Pass Ultimate may not be permanent. In a statement last year, Xbox’s Phil Spencer hinted that certain prices might need to be raised eventually, and shortly thereafter, Microsoft and Sony both increased the prices of new, first-party games to $70.
Xbox Game Pass is expected to have a significant year in 2023, with several exciting releases. The unexpected release of Hi-Fi Rush has already thrilled fans, and the upcoming releases of Redfall and Starfield from Bethesda will undoubtedly make major contributions to the Xbox gaming experience.
I’ve even taken advantage of the $1 trial and got myself through some life hack about 3 years for SGD$3, makes me wish I did it even more now. But hopefully Microsoft can come up with another great deal soon.
