Xbox Launches Monthly Game Subscription Service

Microsoft has unveiled a new Netflix-esque monthly gaming pass for Xbox One, which is set to be launched this Spring. The Xbox Game Pass will give subscribers access to a host of Xbox One and Backwards Compatible Xbox 360 games – such as Halo 5: Guardians, Payday 2, NBA 2K16, and SoulCalibur II – for a monthly fee of £7.99/$9.99.

Unlike game streaming services, such as PlayStation Now, Xbox Game Pass will allow users to download available games directly to their console, the same way as with digital purchases. Should the subscriber then decide to keep any of the games they’ve downloaded, they can be permanently purchased for a 20% discount.

“One of the best things about Xbox Game Pass is that you can discover and download the full titles directly on your Xbox One,” says Xbox Chief Phil Spencer. “That means continuous, full-fidelity gameplay without having to worry about streaming, bandwidth or connectivity issues. In addition, all Xbox One games in the catalog – and related add-ons – will be available to purchase at an exclusive discount for Xbox Game Pass members, so you can make the games you love part of your permanent library to play whenever you want. Every month new games will cycle into the subscription with some cycling out, giving you a constantly updating library of games. Xbox Game Pass is your ticket to endless play.”

“It’s important to us that Xbox Game Pass provides an enjoyable and seamless experience. Before the program rolls out to the broader community later this spring, we’ll be testing Xbox Game Pass with select members of the Xbox Insider Program in the Alpha Preview ring, starting today with a very limited number of titles,” Spencer explains. “The titles that are available in Preview are just a small glimpse at the expansive catalog of games that will be available when Xbox Game Pass launches late spring. Xbox Live Gold members will also be receiving exclusive access to Xbox Game Pass prior to the program launching to the broader community. We’ll have more details on timing closer to launch.”

Xbox Game Pass will become available for Xbox Insider members from today, then roll out to Xbox Live Gold subscribers, before becoming available for every Xbox One owner sometime in the next few months.