Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
Latest coverage
iCloud+ vs. Apple One: Which is worth it for you?
This article compares Apple's iCloud+ and Apple One subscription services, highlighting that both offer more than just cloud storage. It aims to help users determine which service provides better value and savings based on their individual needs.
PlayStation Plus Premium July 2026 Game Revealed Early
Sony has announced that the PlayStation 2 action-adventure game Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy will be added to the PlayStation Plus Premium classics lineup in July 2026. The game is expected to be available on July 21st, though Sony is testing staggered release schedules in some regions. The full July lineup will be revealed on June 15th.
Is Black Flag Resynced on Game Pass?
The remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled 'Black Flag Resynced,' is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass, and no release date has been announced. While many previous Assassin's Creed titles have eventually come to the service, there is no guarantee for the remake. The original 2013 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is available on Game Pass, and 'Black Flag Resynced' is also accessible via the Ubisoft+ Premium subscription on PC.
We're making some changes to the RPS Supporter Program, all of them good
Rock Paper Shotgun is implementing several improvements to its Supporter Program to offer more value to subscribers. These changes include more exclusive posts, increased ad-free browsing including sponsored content, regular 'Letters from the Editor', behind-the-scenes content, and monthly roundups of exclusive articles. Pricing for the Standard and Premium tiers will remain unchanged.
Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems: 20 Games Worth Playing Right Now (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights 20 under-the-radar games available on Xbox Game Pass, categorized by their time commitment. It focuses on titles that are either new, forgotten, or obscure, offering recommendations for various playstyles and schedules. The article emphasizes that these games are worth owning even if they leave the service.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Europe: Nintendo Store standard delivery now free for Nintendo Switch Online members
Nintendo is offering free standard delivery on orders over £1 from the European Nintendo Store to members with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This perk is in addition to the existing benefits of online play and access to classic games.
Games Leaving PS Plus in August 2026 May Include Hit Day-1 Title
Sony is expected to announce the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in August 2026. Based on past patterns, titles added a year ago are likely to depart, with 'Sword of the Sea' being a predicted casualty. First-party titles like 'Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered' may also leave, though their contracts can differ.
There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or Xbox
The author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass will be adding Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, The Planet Crafter, and Palworld 1.0 to its service. The article also touches on broader topics of cloud gaming and game streaming.
State Of Decay 3 Might Not Come To Xbox Game Pass, After Being Promised Last Month
State of Decay 3, previously confirmed for Xbox Game Pass, may not launch on the subscription service due to the terms of its developer's acquisition. The deal between Microsoft and the unknown buyer reportedly lacks any Xbox-controlling clauses, contradicting earlier announcements. This news follows significant layoffs at Xbox and the sale of studios like Undead Labs and Ninja Theory.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
Xbox Game Pass reportedly boasts around 30m subscribers
Xbox Game Pass reportedly has around 30 million subscribers, a figure below Microsoft's 2026 projection of 77 million users. New CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that while the service and multi-platform strategy have provided value, growth has not met expectations, leading to recent staff cuts and a strategic reset for Xbox. The service has seen fluctuations in subscriber numbers previously, with a price increase in 2025 followed by a reduction that reportedly improved acquisition and retention.
PlayStation Plus Offers Rare 50% Discount to Users Quitting
Sony Interactive Entertainment is offering a rare 50% discount on PlayStation Plus subscriptions to select users who are attempting to cancel their membership. This offer is primarily seen on three-month PS Plus Extra subscriptions, with longer terms receiving smaller discounts. The timing of this promotion is notable, as it follows player backlash against Sony's decision to end PlayStation 5 disc production.
PS Plus Essential July 2026 Monthly Free Games Rolling Out Now
Sony has begun rolling out the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for July 2026, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This announcement comes amidst backlash over Sony's decision to end disc production for PlayStation 5 games and speculation about upcoming price increases for the PlayStation Plus subscription service.
Xbox’s Game Pass Subscriptions Currently Hovering Around 30 Million – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are currently around 30 million, a figure lower than the 34 million reported in February 2024 and significantly below Microsoft's goal of 77 million by fiscal year 2027. Despite this, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the service did not grow as expected but indicated continued investment in higher priority projects, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
Germany’s Mobile Games Market: Growing Revenue and a Diverse Community
Mobile games revenue in Germany reached approximately 2.7 billion euros in 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year, continuing a 25% growth trend since 2021. Over 28 million people play mobile games in Germany, with the average player age at 38.8 years and women making up 56% of the player base. The majority of revenue is generated through in-app purchases, driven by the free-to-play model.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 3: Nintendo Summer Sale continues
Nintendo's Summer Sale continues for another week, featuring discounts on first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Various digital deals are also available across PlayStation and Xbox platforms, including PlayStation Plus member exclusives and Xbox Game Pass discounts.
Xbox Cancelled a Marketing Campaign of Physical Copies of Games vs Digital in 2025 – Rumor
A rumored marketing campaign by Xbox for 2025, intended to discuss the advantages of physical versus digital game copies, was reportedly cancelled. This decision may hint at future Xbox consoles eschewing disc drives and aligns with a broader industry trend towards digital media, as seen with Sony's recent announcement to cease physical game production for its consoles by 2028.
