Game Pass, one of the most popular gaming subscription services, is preparing for significant changes in the near future. A leak from a ResetEra moderator has revealed some upcoming adjustments that could affect how gamers access games and how much they pay.
Goodbye PC Game Pass, Hello New Tiers
The traditional PC Game Pass is set to be phased out. Instead, there will be two new tiers: Game Pass Standard and Game Pass Core. Neither of these will include day-one game releases, which means if you want the latest games on release day, these tiers won’t have them.
Price Increases on the Horizon
The price of the Game Pass Ultimate is expected to jump to $25. While this might be postponed until 2026, it’s clear that gamers should prepare for an increase in subscription costs.
New Tier Names Inspired by PlayStation?
The names of the subscription tiers may also change, conceptually similar to how PlayStation Network names its plans. It’s suggested that Game Pass Core could become Game Pass Essential, and Game Pass Standard might be renamed Game Pass Premium. These changes are not confirmed but are worth keeping an eye on.
Ad-Supported and Streaming-Only Options Coming
Looking further ahead into 2026, the service might introduce a cheaper ad-supported tier alongside a streaming-only option that’s either free or low cost but with timed advertisements. This move is likely an attempt to reach more gamers with different budget options, but it understandably raises concerns about ads interrupting gameplay.
What This Means for You
- If you are a PC Game Pass subscriber, expect to be moved into the new Standard tier.
- Day-one game access will only be available for Ultimate subscribers going forward.
- The introduction of ads may change how some players view the service, especially if ads interrupt gameplay.
- More expensive subscription fees mean you may want to reconsider how you spend on gaming subscriptions, possibly going back to buying games outright.
Community Reactions
The gaming community is already buzzing about these changes. Many players feel the price increase is steep and worry about the impact of ads on their gaming experience. Some have expressed frustration, saying they might cancel their subscriptions and return to buying games outright. Others see it as a necessary evolution to keep the service viable.
These changes show how the game subscription market is evolving, and gamers will have to adapt to new pricing structures and service models.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I still get day-one access to new games?
- Only if you subscribe to the Ultimate tier. Other tiers will lose day-one access.
- When will the price increase take effect?
- The increase to $25 might happen in 2026, but no exact date has been confirmed.
- What about the ad-supported tier?
- It is expected sometime in 2026 and will offer a lower cost or free option with ads during gameplay.
- Will PC Game Pass disappear?
- Yes, it will be merged into the new Standard tier.
- How do the new tier names compare to current ones?
- Core may be renamed Essential; Standard may become Premium. These names resemble PlayStation’s subscription plans.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes to Game Pass mark a new chapter for the subscription service. While new tiers and pricing may cause some frustration, the introduction of ad-supported options and tier restructuring show Microsoft’s attempt to diversify offerings and adapt to market demands. Gamers should stay informed and evaluate which subscription best fits their gaming habits and budget.