More new Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers could be on the way, including a cloud-only tier and a highly sought-after “family” pass, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden.
Citing unnamed sources, Corden suggests that Microsoft is working on introducing a cloud-based version of Game Pass that would be cheaper than Game Pass Ultimate and would allow players to access Xbox Cloud Streaming from the devices in question. Given the recent debut of its cloud gaming services on Amazon’s Fire TV devices, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry for those who want to play on TV, it would make sense for the company to look into offering a cheaper cloud-only subscription.
Interestingly, Corden also claims that users at this tier would be able to purchase games directly and play them via the cloud – a feature that’s expected to launch later this year – so perhaps the two will coincide.
Finally, the report on Windows Central hints at (admittedly tenuous) rumors that the company is still considering a “Family” plan for Game Pass. This is something Xbox has explored before, running early tests over the past few years where users in a few very select regions could sign up for a Game Pass Ultimate plan for up to five users for just $24.99. Given the price increases since then, it’s safe to say that a new Family plan wouldn’t be enough It’s cheap, but it would certainly be a welcome move for households with multiple users and those hoping to spread the costs of a subscription.
It remains to be seen what portion of these reported changes to the Game Pass service will ultimately come to fruition, if any, but it’s clear that Microsoft is continuing to experiment and reshape its offering in an attempt to attract as many eyes and hands to Game Pass as possible while it struggles to add new players to its traditional console user base.