Microsoft is very clear that xbox game pass It is the present and future of its video game division. However, even though the service is quite attractively priced in many territories, it remains expensive in others due to the local economic situation. Those from Redmond know this and would already have an idea to reach a larger audience: a cheap ad-driven subscription.
Over the past few years, streaming video platforms have jumped on the bandwagon of ad-supported budget plans. The idea, clearly, is to adjust to the pockets of those users, who, for one situation or another, do not have the possibility of making a monthly expense for a paid subscription. This is how the free or cheap levels arose, which are sustained by showing ads from time to time.
At Microsoft they are surely observing how this type of proposal has an acceptable reception, and they would seek to replicate it in Xbox Game Pass. A user of resetterthe forum of gaming most popular on the internet, shared a screenshot of a poll that Microsoft is spreading among some players.
The document, whose objective is to measure the interest of users on hypothetical subscriptions, exposes a level of only €2.99 per month. Today, the cheapest Xbox Game Pass subscription is priced at €9.99 (€12.99 for the Ultimate variant). But the interesting thing comes later.
Cheap Xbox Game Pass, but with disadvantages
This cheap Xbox Game Pass subscription would do without one key feature: it would not be possible to enjoy the exclusive games on launch day. Of course, the time that members of this level would have to wait to access them is not mentioned.
Also, advertising “before game” would be displayed. This point is crucial, as Microsoft does not intend to interrupt your gaming session with an annoying ad; as it happens in streaming video platforms…
The above makes a lot of sense, since video games are an active entertainment medium. That is, users intervene directly in what happens on the screen. Can you imagine being in the multiplayer of an online game and being interrupted by advertising at a crucial moment in the game? Inconceivable. For that reason, Xbox Game Pass ads would only be seen before the contest started. In a title with a single player campaign, on the other hand, it could be shown between each chapter of the campaign.
Of course, the survey carried out by Microsoft does not ensure that we will have a lower priced Xbox Game Pass plan with ads. However, it does show that in the company, at least, they have considered it.
It would not be strange if those directed by Phil Spencer opt for this type of proposal to promote their service. In fact, they recently began testing the Xbox Game Pass family subscription, with which it is possible to share membership with up to four friends or family members. For now it is only available in Colombia and Ireland for $49,900 or €21.99, respectively. Its expansion to other territories in the world is expected to begin during the first half of 2023.