Microsoft's introductory Xbox game pass offer is gone.
The tech giant recently stated in a missive to The Verge that it has decided to end its $1 introductory Xbox Game Pass offer, withdrawing a proposal that helped many Xbox gamers get a feel of Xbox's offer.
Microsoft didn't reveal why it decided to end its $1 Xbox Game Pass introductory offer in its statement to The Verge.
Xbox Game Pass $1 Introductory Offer End Details
Kari Perez, head of global communications at Xbox, said in the statement that Microsoft ended its introductory offer for Xbox Game pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and that it is evaluating different marketing promotions for new members in the future.
Though Perez didn't mention why Microsoft ended its introductory offer into Xbox's Game Pass, IGN's report may have provided some insight on the matter. The publication cited a statement from Xbox head Phil Spencer, who previously said that the company could raise some prices on certain prices, including the Xbox Game Pass.
As such, it is possible that Microsoft saw that giving people an introductory offer to access the content provided by Xbox's Game Pass is not worth the asking price any longer and that a pricier alternative in the form of a different marketing promotion could deliver the same result but with better pay off.
As for the alternative introductory offer, Microsoft has yet to say anything on the matter. The company had already removed its $1 introductory offer on its Xbox Game Pass webpage without any replacement as of press time.
Kotaku noted in its report that a replacement for Xbox's introductory offer could be on the horizon - Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family Plan. It lets you share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefits with up to four other friends or family members for $24.
Although Microsoft has yet to give Xbox gamers the same deal in the US, the company did test the offer in several international markets since late 2022, including Ireland and, more recently, New Zealand, Africa, Chile, Hungary, Israel, and Sweden.
When will Microsoft offer this plan to Xbox gamers in the US is still up for debate; the company has yet to share what it wants to do with the plan going forward since it announced its expansion in February.
Xbox's $1 Introductory Pass Details
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultiamte's introductory offer previously provided Xbox gamers with the content of a regular subscription to the game pass for $1 for a month before its regular pricing kicks in.
For those unaware, the Game Pass Ultimate has three subscription options to choose from: a console- or PC-only subscription, or a subscription that offers both. the first two options are priced at $9.99, while the latter option costs $14.99.
For a dollar from an Xbox Game pass Ultimate subscriber for their first month, Microsoft allowed them to access over 100 high-quality games, Xbox's Cloud gaming service, and all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, allowing them to play online multiplayer games.
It also includes an EA Play membership at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to get "instant access to a collection of EA's best-loved series and top titles, exclusive in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, and trials of select games for up to 10 hours."
