I’ll subscribe to Premium on/off (as I did with Standard). But I won’t keep it all year. Ultimate is a no-no. It’s not just the price, it’s the content. It just doesn’t have the library of titles to justify that fee. There’s just far too many top games I enjoy that are on the system or soon to be released (From Software games, Resident Evil, Silent Hill 2 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Remake etc.) that aren’t on Game Pass. So I really don’t see the sense in paying that much for rentals of games I might not even be interested in.
What interview and when, I ask because it would have made sense if it was before they were acquired. Since Game Pass as been around they’ve always had their games releasing on both Xbox and Steam. I definitely think it’s great to be able to support the developers, but the reality is you’re actually supporting the publisher unless the developer self publishes like Team Cherry.
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Like here or in the interwebs in general?
But yeah 
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I think with Sawyer it was on an interview justifying Grounded and Pentiment coming out on PS5, which meant obviously they were justifying sales - although I can’t find it either so it may actually have been someone else or “inferred” by much of the shite gaming media.
One I can find though is him saying without Game Pass, Pentiment wouldn’t have been made - as it allowed an audience to give it a try without risk (and for me at least, discover the awesome little game hidden below the crazy but cool style lol).
As I mentioned above though, I’ve no doubt studio heads and game directors / heads of departments might prefer pure sales as it’s an easier metric to push for bonuses and raises with, compared to engagement etc (and they’re often much better cushioned against blip years where the studio if independent didn’t make much money) - while those in lower positions I’ve no doubt are just happy to get their salary and a subscription helps keep that regular money coming in and keep the studio viable.
So as usual, those who’ve got plenty (studio heads, PlayStation) don’t want subscriptions that gives value to customers and security to developers, but those who haven’t and would benefit are ignored as it doesn’t fit the media’s narrative (who funnily enough benefit from the groups that have plenty)…
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The problem though is sales is not working unless you’re a COD, GTA, FIFA,2k or so. It’s now rare for a title to sell 5million or more on multiplatform much less exclusives. It’s usually 1 million to maybe 4. Breaking 5 is now for well-established IPs. I doubt Ghost of Yotei will even reach 5 assuming it manages to go over 3million. At least on consoles game sales are down just looking at Mat Piscatella’s charts and figures. I can understand and do agree with you, sales definitely benefit them more, but I think subscription or the mix is the better flow. Oversaturation has lessened that fomo.
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I don’t have an active sub right now but for the last couple of years I was subbing for 3 months to play the games that I was interested in. For example I was planning to re-sub for 3 months in late November to play Expedition 33, Ninja Gaiden 4, Blops 7’s campaign and some smaller games like Blue Prince e.t.c. but I don’t think I will after the price raise, instead I am planning to buy Expedition 33 and Ninja Gaiden 4 (ideally retail versions) and put Blue Prince on my wishlist for a deep sale in the future.
MS will still get some money from me even if I won’t be a GP subscriber but I guess from now on my habits as a customer will change since I won’t sub to GP as much as I did in the past. 
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Oh yeah I completely agree subscriptions are likely better for the companies themselves, and for the developers - all I meant is that some of the studio heads etc. may be stuck in the old mindset of “having a game make 5 million sales makes me more successful and I can demand more money / fame / whatever” or allow them to boast, particularly when around other studio heads or for media attention.
For everyone else, consumers and devs alike who just want a regular paycheck, subs are clearly the more sustainable model as they provide that regular income while giving us a way to risk-free try games given so few nowadays offer demos
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I must admit, after seeing the uk price on the store for the first time, it’s weirdly made me change my mind from keeping it to getting rid. For a long time Gamepass was at that price where i could almost afford to forget i have a monthly subscription and be like “ah it’s only £10.99 that’s come out my account”. But with the price increase it’s nearly as much as my gym membership and other proper bills. At £22.99 it feels like it’s gone over that threshhold and i start to think “can i afford to keep this around”. The downside is it’s unlikely to mean i’ll buy more first party games. Stuff like NG4 i’d have played as part of gamepass but i’m not a big enough hack and slash fan to drop £50 or £60 on it. I look at the games i know i’m definitely buying in the next few months FF7, Resident Evil, Yakuza 3 and 0 and it probably means having to sacrifice stuff like Outer Worlds 2 (until it drops waaaaay down in price at the very least).
I do love the service but £22.99 is just too big an increase for me personally to keep the subscription.
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In the UK, check Loaded (used to be Cdkeys) - currently £32.99 for a 3 month card or £12.99 for 1 month, and while they’ll eventually go up they’re usu significantly cheaper than the monthly price.
Can stack them too - I’ve stacked till April 2027 or so now so it’ll be ages till the price increase hits me
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It’s been everywhere, socials, yooutube, even mentioned here briefly.
I’m probably keeping Game Pass for now, but I’m more selective with how I use it. I don’t play every month, yet when a big release drops or I’m between games, it still feels worth it compared to buying titles at full price. That said, the price hike does make me think twice about staying subscribed year-round instead of pausing when I’m busy.
I’ve started paying more attention to deals and timing renewals better. Sites like https://poundsavingdeals.com/ can be useful to get a general idea of where savings might pop up. It helps put the subscription cost into perspective when comparing options.
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So its true, all the hording and locking in so to speak by some was never necessary, so long as u simply stay on your current auto plan ur set at current prices ?
Do indie games and smaller releases come under the ‘day one’ releases banner ?
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It depends from what I’ve seen online. I think Xbox sent out emails to those who were locked in. It might be based on region and other factors. Though no one knows how long they’ll be paying the old price.
Indie and AA day one releases will definitely count, especially that includes the likes of say Silksong or Expedition 33 this year. Next year will be interesting to watch as I don’t think they hit 75+ day one releases this year even including everything. I think people will judge Game Pass Ultimate much harder based on the day one games and be more critical of the choices.
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I have no communication and am just paying a locked in $11.95 still, all it says in my account / profile is ‘Console’.
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Interesting. Technically the console tier doesn’t even exist anymore.
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I was on the fence but I’m a real sucker for reward points and the fact there’s now a weekly multiplier for playing Game Pass games every day makes that 27 euros per month seem like a less bitter pill to swallow.
It totally depends on how people ‘have fun’ but I find Game Pass Ultimate in its current iteration to be pretty decent.
Yes I just bought ultimate gamepass cards from Newegg on Black Friday and I’m subscribed until September of 2028. I’ll wait to see what Xbox has plans for us for next generation
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We just bought GPU for another year. Before we did three or even four years but it’s just too much money all at once. Even with good deals from sites the price hike is very significant, Jesus. Had it not been possible to share GPU I probably would have stopped it since I’m busy with my actual backlog now, thankfully it IS shareable.
Who knows, we might get free cloud by then
Honestly that on itself would be a killer app to be honest.
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