Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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Xbox Game Pass Is Going Somewhere You Probably Forgot About
Xbox Game Pass is now available as a starter edition for Meta Horizon+ subscribers, offering over 50 games via cloud streaming on Meta Quest headsets. This partnership allows Horizon+ users to access a selection of AAA and indie titles, though cloud streaming is limited to 10 hours per month and requires a high-speed internet connection. Meta Quest controllers will soon emulate Xbox controllers, with the option to pair an existing Xbox controller.
Meta Horizon+ subscriptions now include Xbox Game Pass starter edition
Meta is now including a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass with its Meta Horizon+ subscriptions. This bundle aims to enhance the value proposition for users of Meta's VR platform.
XBOX and Meta: More Ways to Enjoy XBOX Game Pass
Xbox and Meta are expanding their partnership, integrating a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass into the Meta Horizon+ subscription. Eligible Meta Horizon+ subscribers will now receive access to over 50 games, 10 hours of cloud gaming monthly, and rewards. This builds upon existing access to Xbox and Game Pass on Meta Quest devices.
Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed"
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept but failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers at necessary price points, leading to studio closures and layoffs. He noted that while the service was player-focused and funded many games and studios, the financial reality did not align with Microsoft's ambitious expectations. Brown also expressed admiration for former Xbox leaders Sarah Bond and Asha Sharma.
Sony Quietly Retracts PlayStation Plus Premium PS5 Game for July
Sony has corrected an earlier announcement regarding a PlayStation Plus Premium game for July, clarifying that Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit is not receiving a new PS5 port. Instead, the PS4 version from 2016 is being added to the catalog, which the article notes does not perform optimally on the PlayStation 5.
"The concept of [Xbox] Game Pass was good" despite its eventual faceplant now contributing to mass job losses, reckons Forza Horizon 5 director
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, believes the concept of Xbox Game Pass was fundamentally good, despite its current struggles leading to significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. He suggests that while the service was a well-intentioned, player-focused idea, it failed to gain enough subscribers at the necessary price point to be financially viable. Brown also defended Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, acknowledging their roles in the Game Pass push while noting the harsh criticism they face on social media.
The Biggest Critics Of Xbox Game Pass May Be Inside Xbox
Internal criticism within Xbox suggests that Xbox Game Pass has devalued games and negatively impacted the industry, with some leaders viewing it as a detriment. Despite its initial promise, the subscription service has faced challenges including price increases and shifting tiers, with even its own leaders questioning its success and impact on major franchises like Call of Duty.
Games Leaving PlayStation Plus in August 2026 Confirmed
Several games are confirmed to be leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in August 2026, with Earth Defense Force 6 and Unicorn Overlord among the titles departing. Some games originally slated for a July departure have been pushed to August. The full list of games leaving the service by August 18th has been revealed from the Japanese and Asian PlayStation Stores.
PlayStation Plus Extra, Premium July 2026 Games Rolling Out Now
Sony's PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers are rolling out their July 2026 game additions, with staggered releases by region. Titles available this week include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Rise of the Ronin, and Dying Light, among others. Specific release dates vary, with some games launching globally on July 21st and others on July 28th in the US, UK, and Japan.
Game Pass Was A Good Idea But It Didn’t Work, Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass, while a good idea, failed to attract enough subscribers to be a viable business model, contributing to current struggles at Xbox. He expressed sadness over potential studio closures and job losses resulting from the service not meeting expectations, despite significant investment from Microsoft. Brown believes changes are coming to Game Pass, such as delaying the inclusion of new major titles to maximize initial sales.
Premium Budget Entertainment at Modern Entertainment Platforms in New Zealand
Modern players evaluate games beyond their upfront price, considering factors like time investment, updates, social value, and ongoing costs. Free-to-play titles like Valorant and established franchises like Grand Theft Auto VI demonstrate how pricing models and player expectations for value have evolved. Players now scrutinize incentives, terms, and the perceived fairness of digital offers before committing.
The 7/10 Game Is Quietly the Best Thing on Game Pass
This article argues that the true value of services like Xbox Game Pass lies not in its blockbuster day-one releases, but in its vast library of "7/10" games. These competent, enjoyable titles offer a low-stakes way to discover new experiences without the commitment of a full-price purchase, making the subscription worthwhile even after recent price increases.
From Game Pass to Free Sweeps Slots: The Free Gaming Models Xbox Players Should Try
Xbox offers various gaming models to fit modern lifestyles, including subscription services like Xbox Game Pass for discovering new titles and cloud gaming for cross-device play. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite and Rocket League foster community, while casual browser games provide quick entertainment between longer sessions. These flexible options allow players to seamlessly integrate gaming into their daily routines.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Reports indicate that leaders within Xbox studios have expressed significant dissatisfaction with Game Pass, believing it has devalued their games, which are now perceived as being available for a fraction of their original $40+ price. This sentiment suggests internal conflict regarding the impact of the subscription service on traditional game sales and perceived worth.
Xbox Studio Leadership Has “A Lot of People” Who “Absolutely Detest Game Pass” – Rumor
According to a report by Jason Schreier, a significant number of Xbox studio leaders reportedly "detest" the Game Pass subscription service, believing it devalues their games and the industry. This sentiment comes amid questions about Game Pass's sustainability and subscriber growth targets, even as Xbox continues to add new titles to the service.
Why Game Pass Still Matters
Game Pass remains a significant factor in the evolving video game industry by changing how players discover, test, and experience games. Its large library and subscription model reduce the financial barrier for trying new genres and smaller titles, fostering experimentation and wider audience reach for developers. The service aligns with modern player habits of variety and convenience, and its role is expected to continue evolving with technological advancements.
Apple Music and Apple One prices rise for the first time in years
Apple has increased the prices for Apple Music and Apple One for the first time in years, citing rising licensing costs as the reason for the hike. This change affects the subscription services offered by the company.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved On Game Pass?
Halo: Combat Evolved will be available on Game Pass on day one for Ultimate and PC subscribers, with other tiers receiving it later. Preordering the game is necessary to receive additional bonuses, and Game Pass subscribers can upgrade to the Premium Edition for early access and customization options.
Nintendo Download – July 16, 2026 (North America) – Culdcept Begins, Moss: The Forgotten Relic, more
The North American Nintendo Download for the week of July 16, 2026, features new releases like Culdcept Begins and Moss: The Forgotten Relic on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update also includes details on eShop sales, a closed network test for The Duskbloods, in-game events for Pokémon Pokopia and Donkey Kong Bananza, and sweepstakes related to Pikmin and Super Mario.
PlayStation 5 Players Can Get GTA Online Without PS Plus for Limited Time
Rockstar Games is offering PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X players the chance to play Grand Theft Auto Online without a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription until July 20, 2026. This promotion coincides with the release of The Kortz Center Heist update, which is speculated to be the final major content addition for Grand Theft Auto V ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI's launch on November 19, 2026.
