Microsoft wants to give gamers more options to jump into its console and today it announced the arrival of Xbox Game Pass, a Netflix-style service for gamers with a library of 100+ games.
The service, to be available on Xbox One, will cost $9.99 per month, with no limit for the number of titles players can download. In other words, players won’t need to stream games like people do with PlayStation Now.
Though Xbox One owners will be able to play Xbox 360 compatible games on their console with Xbox Game Pass, this new service will only be available for Xbox One owners, but not for Xbox 360 ones.
As for the availability of the titles, people will only be able to play games under this program offline for up to 30 days. Fortunately, if there are games players like, they can buy them and get 20% off the price, as well as 10% off for any add-ons.
Also, gamers won’t need Xbox Live Gold membership to access Xbox Game Pass, though said membership will allow gamers to play multiplayer games online.
Among the companies participating in this program: 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.
As to why Microsoft is going in a different way when compared to Sony’s PlayStation Now streaming service, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass page says: “Based on fan feedback, streaming/connectivity issues were identified as a major pain point for competing game subscription services. That’s why games on Xbox Game Pass will be downloaded to your Xbox One, providing fans with a native, full-fidelity gaming experience and the ability to play downloaded games offline for up to 30 days.” Fortunately, if there are games that players like, they can buy them and get 20% off the price, as well as 10% off for any add-ons.
About the service coming to Windows 10, the Xbox Game Pass page first mentioned the presence of this service on Windows 10, but it was later removed. Microsoft told Polygon: “Right now, we’re focused on launching Xbox Game Pass on Xbox One consoles and look forward to bringing the service to the broader Xbox community later this spring.”
Will MS eventually bring Xbox Game Pass to Windows 10?
[Sources]: Microsoft: Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Wire: Introducing Xbox Game Pass: Unlimited Access to More Than 100 Games. Polygon: Microsoft announces Xbox Game Pass, Netflix-style gaming for the Xbox One (update).
