Game Pass
News, coverage and analysis tracking Game Pass across the outlets.
Latest coverage
‘Let’s make sure it’s affordable:’ Xbox chief Asha Sharma sets lodestar for Game Pass
Xbox 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 storage
Seagate 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 Swing
Project 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 Everything
Valve'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 Tier
Microsoft 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 solution
The 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 Zuckerberg
Meta 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 Asha
Xbox 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.
Microsoft is Having Discussions About Xbox Exclusives, Ecosystem and Publishing – Rumor
Microsoft executives are reportedly engaged in significant discussions regarding the future of Xbox, including its exclusivity strategy, ecosystem approach, and publishing model. These conversations are prompted by concerns over the rising cost of Game Pass and the desire to define Xbox's identity as either an ecosystem-first or publisher-first company. Internal memos suggest a need to re-evaluate Game Pass's value proposition for players and explore more flexible system designs.
Gamer Loses Entire Library After Microsoft Account Hack Goes Wrong
A PC gamer lost their entire digital game library after their Microsoft account was hacked and subsequently deleted by support. The incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and the vulnerability of game collections stored on corporate servers. This event serves as a cautionary tale for both gamers regarding account security and for companies like Microsoft on how to handle compromised accounts.
Subscription service for indie games gets a rough reception
A new subscription service called Indie Pass has launched, offering a curated catalog of indie games for $6.99 per month. The service has faced criticism regarding its revenue model, which compensates developers based on playtime, and concerns about not owning the games. While some see potential for discoverability, many express skepticism about adding another recurring charge and launcher.
Xbox could make Game Pass cheaper, and even bundle it with Netflix
Microsoft is reportedly exploring new strategies for Xbox Game Pass, including the introduction of cheaper subscription tiers and potential bundles with services like Netflix. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is investigating ways to make Game Pass more accessible to a wider audience, with discussions already underway between Microsoft and Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters regarding bundle possibilities.
Windows 11 Xbox Mode Turns PCs Into Gaming Consoles This April
Microsoft is releasing an "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 in April 2026, transforming PCs into a console-like interface optimized for controllers and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. This feature aims to improve performance by reducing background processes and freeing up RAM, while also integrating Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Store. The move has generated excitement for handheld PC gaming but also concerns from PC purists about increased Xbox integration and potential privacy issues, with some questioning its necessity compared to existing solutions like Steam Big Picture mode.
Game the Halls: GeForce NOW Brings Holiday Cheer With 30 New Games in the Cloud
NVIDIA's cloud gaming service GeForce NOW is adding 30 new games to its library this month, including Hogwarts Legacy. The Game Pass edition of Hogwarts Legacy will be supported when the Steam and Epic Games Store versions launch on the service later this month.