- Microsoft has delayed its Xbox Game Pass price increase for some users
- The measure only affects current subscribers in certain countries
- Everyone else will have to pay the new, higher prices
Microsoft recently announced a massive overhaul of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service along with a series of painful price hikes, and to say those cost increases went down like a lead balloon would be an understatement. The outcry was surprisingly vociferous, and Microsoft just revealed that it will be backing off the changes slightly, but perhaps not for the reason you might expect.
We say ‘step back slightly’ because the face is limited in scope, even though Microsoft defends its decision. Microsoft is pausing price increases for some users in select countries, meaning many other players will have to pay the new, higher prices.
Specifically, Microsoft says the price increases will only affect new subscribers in countries such as Germany, India, Ireland, Poland, and South Korea. Users in those nations that are already Xbox Game Pass members will be able to continue paying the old rates, at least temporarily. In Ireland, for example, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will remain €17.99 a month for existing users instead of the new price of €26.99. That’s according to The Verge, which cited social media posts from users in those countries.
In an email sent to affected subscribers, Microsoft said: “At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an automatic recurrence plan. If you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”
The key phrase in that email is “at this time,” suggesting that Microsoft is temporarily setting itself on fire, perhaps to let the anger fade. However, the implication is that costs will return to the original plan at some point in the future.
A temporary relief
The Edge confirmed with Microsoft that the email was genuine, with Microsoft commenting that “current subscribers in certain countries will continue to renew at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements.” The line about “local requirements” could indicate that regulations played a role in the decision, rather than any player backlash.
Adding to that sentiment is the fact that the price changes will remain in effect immediately in many other places, including the United States and the United Kingdom. If user discontent was the main reason for the change, you can expect the rollout to stop everywhere.
Microsoft has also stated that it will give users 60 days notice before implementing any additional changes. That should give you time to cancel your subscription if you’re worried about the new, higher prices coming into effect.
If you live in one of the countries where Microsoft has hit the pause button, you have a temporary reprieve on the monthly cost you’ll have to pay for Xbox Game Pass. If you live elsewhere, however, you’re out of luck, although thanks to GameStop, there’s still a way to sign up for the above price. For now, that might be your best option.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and Add us as a preferred source To get our news, reviews and expert opinion in your feeds. Make sure you click the Force button!
And of course you can too Follow TechRadar on Tiktok For news, reviews, decryptions in video form and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
