Lower Game Pass prices and a Netflix bundle? New Xbox boss has big plans
Asha Sharma wants to make Game Pass more accessible and is in talks with Netflix about a partnership
The new boss of Xbox wants to make Game Pass subscriptions more affordable, according to a new report that also mentions the possibility of a partnership with Netflix.
The Information’s sources says a key priority for new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma – who recently took over from erstwhile Xbox bigwig Phil Spencer – is to help make “future consoles and products like Game Pass more enticing to a broader range of customers.”
That could include new tiers that are more accessible, but could also mean lowering the cost entirely. It could also mean the long-tipped introduction of an ad-supported version of Game Pass that could offer some titles in the library for free if gamers are prepared to put up with a few ads.
Microsoft angered gamers in October with an insane 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to coincide with the launch of new Call of Duty as a Day 1 Game Pass release.
While Ultimate went up to $30 a month, the Premium tier still costs $15. That offers access to less games and no access to those big first party games for the first 12 months. EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics are also absent, although gamers can stream select library games (plus those they own) from the cloud. GamePass Essential is $10 a month and offers access to only 50 games.
As for the possibility of a partnership with Netflix, there’s word from Netflix’ co-CEO Greg Peters who says he has spoke with Sharma about the possibility for a subscription bundle. He said the pair have “kicked around ideas” and he “wouldn’t eliminate any possibilities” at this point.
He said (via GameSpot): “You would have to do it in a way that works for the consumer and works for both companies, and frankly, I think Microsoft’s still trying to figure out how to make the Game Pass bundle work for Microsoft. But what I like about Asha’s thinking is, it’s all about, ‘How do we do more?’ And it’s already been exciting to watch.”
Chris Smith
