All articles tagged with #subscription services
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Eurogamer
A new report reveals that in the US, a third of gamers buy less than one game per year, with 63% purchasing two or fewer annually, highlighting a small core of highly engaged players who sustain the industry. This trend raises questions about the future of game sales, the impact of subscription services like Game Pass, and the viability of smaller studios amid changing consumer habits.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by TechRadar
Microsoft defends its recent Xbox Game Pass price increases, claiming added value, despite consumer backlash and cancellations. The price hike, especially for the Ultimate tier, has led to dissatisfaction, but Microsoft shows no signs of reversing the decision. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass remains a cheaper and more appealing option for gamers, with broader affordability and access to new titles, potentially making PC gaming more attractive compared to console options. The situation hints at a possible future where PC gaming gains an edge over console gaming due to pricing strategies.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Eurogamer
The article discusses the recent price increase of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and questions whether it is now more cost-effective to cancel the subscription and buy games individually, considering the value, competition, and personal gaming habits.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by VGChartz
Microsoft reportedly lost $300 million in Call of Duty sales last year due to the game being available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, which impacted traditional sales. Despite efforts to grow Xbox Game Pass, including price increases and new tiers, the service has not met expectations for explosive growth, and the shift has raised concerns about market consolidation and pricing. The last known subscriber count was 34 million, with the service generating nearly $5 billion in revenue.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by GameSpot
Microsoft's Xbox boss Chris Charla announced that 2025 will see the largest investment in Game Pass to date, with over 150 developer deals signed for the service, which continues to expand its diverse game catalog despite mixed opinions from industry figures about its sustainability and impact on the industry.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by GameSpot
Former industry executives, including a former Xbox VP, criticize Xbox Game Pass for potentially harming retail game sales and not adequately compensating content creators, raising concerns about the long-term health of game development and the industry.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Wccftech
Ex Bethesda executive Pete Hines criticizes subscription services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus for not properly rewarding content creators, highlighting industry concerns about fair compensation and the impact on game developers, despite rising subscription spending.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by GameSpot
Pete Hines criticizes gaming subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, highlighting concerns about their economic sustainability and impact on content creators, and emphasizing the need for proper valuation and compensation for game developers amidst industry upheavals.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by ABC News
The FTC is suing LA Fitness operators, alleging they make it excessively difficult for customers to cancel memberships through complicated processes and inadequate disclosures, leading to consumers paying unwanted recurring fees. The complaint highlights issues with in-person and mail cancellations, and the company’s online options still impose burdens, with the FTC seeking remedies including a court order and refunds.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Push Square
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden criticizes Xbox Game Pass, warning it may harm game developers by discouraging creative risk-taking and turning them into 'wage slaves,' raising concerns about the long-term health of the industry.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The Game Post
Former PlayStation CEO Shawn Layden criticizes subscription models like Xbox Game Pass, arguing they harm AAA game development by reducing profitability, turning developers into 'wage slaves,' and potentially damaging the industry's long-term health, similar to issues faced by the music industry with streaming.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by MacRumors
Verizon is ending free access to Apple Arcade and other perks for customers on legacy plans starting September 2025, as part of a shift to more expensive, unbundled plans and the removal of loyalty discounts, encouraging customers to switch to new myPlan options.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Verge
A federal appeals court invalidated the FTC's 'click-to-cancel' rule, which would have required subscription services to make cancellations as easy as signing up, citing procedural errors in the rule's implementation by the FTC. The ruling suggests the future of the regulation is uncertain, especially with a shift in the agency's leadership.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Windows Central
The article discusses Microsoft's recent integration of the Xbox PC app with other storefronts, including Steam, allowing users to launch games from various platforms through the Xbox app. The author expresses a desire for Microsoft to also bring Game Pass directly to Steam, citing usability issues with the Windows Xbox app and the potential benefits of such a partnership for gamers and both companies. The article explores possible reasons for the absence of Game Pass on Steam, including financial and strategic considerations, and encourages readers to try the new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC app.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by GAMINGbible
PlayStation Plus has released nine free games for its Extra and Premium tiers, but fans are unhappy with the selection, feeling it pales in comparison to Xbox Game Pass offerings, leading some to consider switching services due to perceived quality and value issues.