In a move set to reshape the gaming landscape, Microsoft has announced the upcoming launch of Xbox Game Pass Core, a comprehensive subscription service that will replace the much-loved Xbox Live Gold. The tech giant has initiated initial tests of the service, granting exclusive access to Xbox testers in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings this week. These testers, already members of Xbox Live Gold, are now among the first to experience the new offering.
Xbox Game Pass Core promises to revolutionize the gaming experience by consolidating the features of Xbox Live Gold and adding exciting new benefits. Subscribers will enjoy the traditional online console multiplayer support, exclusive deals, discounts, and access to a handpicked collection of over 25 games. The service is set to launch next month on September 14, 2023.
Xbox Insiders Get an Exclusive Preview
As part of the initial testing phase, Xbox Insiders will be granted a sneak peek into the Game Pass Core library. This exclusive preview will provide testers with access to popular titles such as Psychonauts 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, State of Decay 2, and Doom Eternal. However, it’s important to note that the complete library will only become available at the official launch in September.
Lily Wang, a senior product manager at Xbox, has encouraged testers to actively participate during this preview period. She requested their feedback to help identify any remaining references to Xbox Live Gold in the Xbox dashboard, with the aim of ironing out any inconsistencies before the official launch.
Adjusting Prices and Discontinuing Plans
Microsoft’s announcement of Xbox Game Pass Core comes hot on the heels of recent price adjustments for its overall Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Effective July 2023, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers access to Game Pass across console, PC, and cloud gaming, received a price increase from $14.99 to $16.99 (€14.99 / £12.99) per month. Simultaneously, the base Xbox Game Pass for Console, focused on console gaming alone, saw its price rise from $9.99 to $10.99 (€10.99 / £8.99) per month.
In addition to the price adjustments, Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of the Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan. Effective August 15, 2023, this plan will no longer be available to subscribers. The future status of this plan remains uncertain, leaving fans wondering if it will ever return in the future.
Xbox Game Pass Core: The Future of Gaming
With Xbox Game Pass Core, Microsoft aims to provide a compelling and comprehensive gaming package that caters to the diverse interests of its vast user base. By combining multiplayer gaming with exclusive titles and a continually expanding game library, the tech giant seeks to elevate the gaming experience for millions of Xbox enthusiasts worldwide.
The service’s launch is anticipated with enthusiasm, as fans eagerly await the official release of Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023. Microsoft’s dedication to creating an all-in-one gaming subscription signals a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of gamers and fostering a thriving gaming community.
As the preview program continues and the official launch date approaches, Xbox enthusiasts are encouraged to participate actively, providing valuable feedback to help shape the future of gaming with Xbox Game Pass Core. With Microsoft’s innovation and the gaming community’s support, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever.
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