Summary
Microsoft isfinally rolling out Xbox Game Pass Standard, the new $14.99 tierreplacing Xbox Game Pass For Console. While it has some benefits, such as granting access to online play, there’s one major downfall to this version of the subscription — you don’t get day one releases.
Speaking toKotaku, Microsoft said that day one games (like the upcomingAvowed,Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, orDoom: The Dark Ages) “may be added to the library at a future date”, which isn’t much of an answer. Youmightget new releases with Standard, you might not.
If they do get added, it could take “up to 12 months”, but it will “vary by title”. There’s a very real chanceIndiana Jones will be on PS5before Xbox Game Pass Standard.
The Cheaper PC Game Pass Will Still Get Day One Releases
What’s especially strange about this change is that PC Game Pass, which is just $11.99, still comes with day one games. It’s a much better deal as you also get EA Play, something that console players can only get with Ultimate.
In fact, PC Game Pass is closer in price to Xbox Game Pass Core, which is $9.99 per month. Not only is the name confusing (Core and Standard could easily be swapped), but it only comes with 25 games, a mere fraction of the Game Pass library that the similarly-priced PC tier has access to.
Fans have been voicing frustration at this new tier ever since it was announced, asking instead for a cheaper option that comes with no games, just online play. With no concrete window on day one releases, a confusing naming scheme, and a PC subscription that doesn’t line up with the revamp, that frustration only seems to be growing.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service, offering hundreds of games for modern Xbox consoles and PC, all for a regular monthly fee.
