According to several credible resources as well as a ResetEra thread, Microsoft is asking its users what they’d fall if they added a cheaper tier to the Xbox Game Pass, preferably one that’s supported by ads. If implemented, the ad-supported Game Pass tier would cost only $3 dollars a month and give users access to quality games content albeit with limitations. For example, instead of getting new games day and date, subscribers will have to wait for 6 months for new games to hit the service. But, past first-party Xbox games will be available. Also, the only other caveat is you’ll need to view an ad before you start playing a game. The still-unconfirmed service will also include online multiplayer access, which is available for $9.99 a month with Xbox Live Games with Gold. This would imply that Microsoft is also working on a replacement for the much-criticized service. However, this would mean that Microsoft is sacrificing a $10-a-month service for a significantly cheaper one. The decision doesn’t make that much sense financially even if this leads to a massive surge in subscriber count. After all, what’s stopping current Game Pass subscribers from stepping down a tier instead of stepping up to get Ultimate? We’re doubtful Microsoft is willing to go as low as $3 for a “lite” variation of the Game Pass even if it’s supported by ads, but then again, who knows? Nobody would’ve expected the tech giant to pony up $70 billion to buy Activision Blizzard, but here we are. The economics might work out when you consider that a $3-a-month subscription service would be well-loved by millions of potential new subscribers as well as the money that the ads could bring in. If Netflix and Disney are willing to explore ad-supported tiers, Microsoft should at least be considering if it’s feasible.
