Microsoft Is Reportedly Working On A Cloud-Only Game Pass Tier

Summary

• Recently, Microsoft shocked the industry when it introduced new changes to its Game Pass subscription service, and it appears that those changes aren't done just yet.
• According to reliable insider Jez Corden, Microsoft is exploring the possibility of a Cloud-Only Game Pass plan, meant for those who have no interest in purchasing a console.
• Elsewhere, Microsoft is also looking into the possibility of an ad-supported plan, like the ones Netflix and Spotify have.

Nearly two weeks ago, Microsoft sent shockwaves through the gaming industry when it announced new upcoming changes to its Game Pass subscription service. As part of those changes, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass received price hikes, while announcing a new tier called "Game Pass Standard," which won't have day one releases. Shortly after, the FTC blasted the changes, insisting that they make Game Pass a "degraded product."

I’m Glad I Sold My Xbox

The last two generations of Xbox have been a whimper, and I'm finally ready to let it go.

Now, it looks like Microsoft isn't done making changes to Game Pass just yet. Quite the contrary, actually. According to recent reporting, the software giant might be preparing to introduce several new tiers into the Game Pass hierarchy, including a Cloud-Only tier, as well as a tier supported by advertisements.

Game Pass Could Get Even More Confusing Soon

News of these purported changes comes by way of reliable insider Jez Corden of Windows Central. In a new report published Monday, Corden outlined some of the things he's been hearing as it relates to Game Pass changes.

First, Corden says he's heard of Microsoft introducing a Cloud-Only tier. It would be cheaper than Game Pass Ultimate, and potentially more appealing to consumers as a result. Per Corden's reporting, the Cloud-Only tier is meant for consumers who have no interest in purchasing an Xbox series console. That development makes a ton of sense, especially in light of an Amazon Prime Day deal in which everything that's needed to play cloud games via Fire Stick was bundled together for a low price.

Elsewhere, Corden reports that Game Pass Friends and Family isn't necessarily dead. While the initial experiment didn't quite work out, there are still murmurs about a return. If it did return, though, expect a price increase to account for the other changes. Still, for a family of gamers, it would be much cheaper than individual plans.

Rounding things out is the potential for an ad-supported plan of Game Pass. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have ad-supported tiers, as well as music services, like Spotify. In that vein, it's entirely possible that Game Pass could get its own ad-supported plan down the line. That said, Corden says Microsoft is exploring the possibility, but isn't actively looking to introduce one.

In all, it's clear that Microsoft isn't ready to give up on Game Pass just yet. Instead, it's actively looking towards multiple avenues in order to gain subscribers, whether that be through cloud streaming or via ads. It'll be interesting to see how these plans are priced when, and if, they do debut.

We Have To Move On From Shallow And Meaningless Video Game Crossovers

The current trend of shoehorning popular IP into every game has got to stop.