Game Pass
Game Pass business and news from across the web.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma points the finger at Phil Spencer's strategy for yesterday's sweeping layoffs: 'We…Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has attributed recent sweeping layoffs and studio spinoffs to the previous strategy under Phil Spencer, stating that "we spread ourselves too thin" by making too many bets and not focusing on the core business. Sharma believes a return to a more conventional, console-focused approach is necessary for Xbox's health, despite rising hardware costs and potential customer debt from new financing models.
Report: Xbox testing a disc-to-digital featureMicrosoft is reportedly testing a 'disc-to-digital' feature for Xbox, allowing users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. This process is tied to the original disc, meaning it cannot be transferred to another user. The feature may not be compatible with all Xbox One games, depending on their manufacturing date.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass dealsXbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
Game Pass lost millions of subscribers as a result of last year's controversial price hike, Xbox chief strategy officer revealsXbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball revealed that Game Pass lost millions of subscribers following a significant price increase in late 2025. This occurred despite the addition of Call of Duty to the service's day-one offerings. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma had previously acknowledged in a leaked memo that the service had become too expensive for players, indicating a potential shift in strategy.
After Describing Them as 'Antiquated', Xbox Now Says It 'Must Have Exclusive Content and Services'Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a shift in the company's stance on exclusive content, stating that to be a great publisher, games must reach large audiences, but to be a platform, exclusive content and services are necessary. This contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond, who called exclusives 'antiquated'. The company is now considering an 'exclusive content and services' approach on a case-by-case basis for its titles, potentially experimenting with games like Gears of War: E-Day.- The Subscription Audit Gap: $3,000/Year Unwatched | TAGThis article highlights the significant financial burden of multiple gaming subscription services, estimating annual costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per consumer. It contrasts this with the ongoing instability and layoffs within the gaming industry, such as Embracer Group's struggles and publisher-wide redundancies, suggesting a lack of consumer-facing accountability in the current business model.
PlayStation Plus Is Getting More Expensive AgainSony is increasing the prices for all tiers of its PlayStation Plus subscription service, citing "ongoing market conditions." This price hike comes as the service faces pressure regarding its value proposition compared to competitors like Microsoft's Game Pass, particularly concerning day-one first-party game releases. Subscribers are advised to review their usage and consider options like prepaying at the current rate, downgrading their tier, or canceling before the new pricing takes effect.
Sony Announces PlayStation Plus Price IncreaseSony is increasing the prices for its PlayStation Plus subscription service starting May 20, 2023. Monthly plans will see a $1 increase, and three-month plans will increase by $2-$3. Current subscribers are unaffected unless their subscription changes or lapses, with the exception of users in Turkey and India.
Discord Nitro Now Includes Game Pass Starter Benefits, Game Pass to Get Nitro Benefits “Soon”Xbox and Discord have announced a new partnership that will integrate benefits between Discord Nitro and Xbox Game Pass. Initially, Discord Nitro will include a Game Pass Starter subscription, with Game Pass subscribers gaining access to exclusive Discord Nitro benefits in the future. This collaboration aims to enhance game discoverability and social features for players.
Xbox Revenue Falls as Microsoft Bets Big on Cloud Gaming | HappyGamerMicrosoft's Xbox division is experiencing declining hardware revenue as the company strategically shifts its focus to cloud gaming. While console sales have stalled due to competition and supply chain issues, Xbox Cloud Gaming is experiencing significant growth, offering a more accessible and subscription-based model for players. This pivot aims to increase recurring revenue and reach a wider global market, potentially redefining the future of gaming beyond traditional hardware.- ‘Let’s make sure it’s affordable:’ Xbox chief Asha Sharma sets lodestar for Game PassXbox chief Asha Sharma is prioritizing affordability and flexibility for Game Pass, aiming to reduce prices and offer more customizable subscription tiers. Sharma stated that while Game Pass had become too expensive, the company is exploring new strategies to ensure its long-term viability for both consumers and the business.
Seagate has unveiled the FireCuda X Vault, a huge external hard drive with up to 20TB of storageSeagate has launched the FireCuda X Vault, a new external hard drive available in 8TB and 20TB capacities, starting at $279.99. Designed exclusively for PC, it utilizes a bus-powered USB-C connection and features RGB lighting. While it includes Xbox branding and a month of Game Pass Ultimate, it is not compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles but can be used for PC Game Pass titles or Steam libraries.
Project Helix: Xbox’s Last Big Bet - Asha Sharma's Big SwingProject Helix represents Xbox's critical new hardware strategy, aiming to unify console, PC, and cloud gaming under a single ecosystem. Facing intense competition from PlayStation and Nintendo, this initiative is seen as a make-or-break moment for Xbox's future in the console market. Success hinges on delivering exciting hardware, compelling exclusives, and seamless cross-platform integration, otherwise Microsoft may shift focus solely to software and services.
Today's Game Pass Change Is A Great One. The Next One Will Hurt.Xbox has unexpectedly lowered the price of Game Pass Ultimate back to $23 per month, a move that benefits many subscribers despite removing day-one Call of Duty access. This price drop, preceded by an internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, is seen as a precursor to a potential introduction of an ad-supported tier for Game Pass. The author expresses concern that this could lead to the widespread adoption of intrusive advertising in console and PC gaming, citing examples from other services that have introduced ads over time.
Steam’s Hidden Chrome Extension Support Changes EverythingValve's Steam client, built on the Chromium engine, now supports Chrome Web Store extensions, allowing users to enhance their experience with tools like SteamDB and 'Is It On Game Pass'. This hidden functionality, while unofficial, significantly expands Steam's capabilities beyond a simple game launcher, turning it into a more integrated web browser. Users are advised to exercise caution and stick to trusted extensions due to potential security and performance implications.
Gaming Needs More Ads, Expert Says, And A $6 Game Pass TierMicrosoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly exploring ways to make Xbox Game Pass more affordable, potentially through a lower-priced, ad-supported tier. Industry expert Joost van Dreunen suggests embracing advertising, citing its prevalence in other media, and notes that subscriptions excel at retention but not market growth. Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden expressed skepticism about Game Pass's current trajectory, while Netflix CEO Greg Peters indicated openness to potential bundle collaborations with Xbox.
This mobile controller has fixed a 24 year gripe in one simple solutionThe EasySMX M20 controller addresses a long-standing issue with rotating face buttons, which have caused accidental inputs for 24 years across Xbox and Nintendo platforms. This new controller features swappable face buttons to reduce mental gymnastics when switching between different control schemes or emulating systems. Other companies like GameSir and Hyperkin are also exploring modular controller designs.- The Morning After: Meta is reportedly working on an AI model of Mark ZuckerbergMeta is reportedly developing an AI model trained on Mark Zuckerberg's mannerisms and statements to interact with employees. Separately, a leaked memo suggests Xbox CEO Asha Sharma believes Game Pass is too expensive for players, indicating potential pricing changes. Additionally, Apple is testing up to four styles of smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban Meta model.
Game Pass is now “too expensive for players”, and that’s coming from the head of Xbox – welcome to our world AshaXbox head Asha Sharma reportedly stated in a leaked memo that Game Pass has become too expensive for players, indicating a need for Microsoft to re-evaluate its value proposition. The article speculates on potential changes, such as new subscription tiers or the removal of titles like Call of Duty from the service, suggesting these moves are driven by business strategy rather than player benefit.
Xbox Game Pass is too expensive, new Xbox boss reportedly says: 'we need a better value equation'New Xbox boss Asha Sharma has indicated in an internal memo that the Game Pass subscription service has become too expensive for players. Sharma stated that the current model is not final and that Xbox needs to find a better value equation, with plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system over time.