Game Pass has evolved into an essential service for gamers since first emerging from beta testing in 2017. Offering instant access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, it aims to be the "Netflix for games."
But with multiple plans available and new features constantly rolling out, it can be difficult to parse what exactly Game Pass provides across Xbox and PC. This guide will walk through everything you need to know, from cost breakdowns to cloud gaming capabilities and tips for new subscribers.
A Brief History of Game Pass
Microsoft first unveiled Game Pass in February 2017 as a Netflix-style subscription with a curated games library. It was envisioned partly as a way to get more gamers excited about the Xbox platform again after a shift away from gaming with the Xbox One.
The closed beta debuted that spring for Xbox Insider testers. It initially consisted of over 100 games from publishers like 2K, 505 Games, and Microsoft‘s own Xbox Game Studios. Sea of Thieves from Rare was notably included on release day.
Game Pass formally launched for Xbox Live Gold subscribers in June 2017 priced at $9.99 per month. The standard subscription opened up to all Xbox owners that October.
In 2019, a separate Game Pass specifically for PC launched alongside cloud gaming functionality in beta. And by 2020, subscriptions had exceeded 15 million.
Game Pass Subscription Options
There are currently three main Xbox Game Pass plans available:
Xbox Game Pass ($9.99/month) – Library of downloadable games for Xbox consoles
PC Game Pass ($9.99/month) – Library of downloadable games for Windows PCs
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99/month) – Combines Xbox console, PC, AND cloud gaming access into one subscription, plus Xbox Live Gold benefits
Game Pass Ultimate is the most fully featured option, while PC and console plans suit users focused on one platform. All subscriptions auto-renew monthly until canceled.
Notably, Xbox exclusives now launch day-and-date on Game Pass. So Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and upcoming games like Redfall and Starfield will be playable to subscribers immediately instead of requiring a separate purchase.
The Games Library and New Releases
The driving appeal behind Game Pass is simple: access to hundreds of games for a low monthly price. While the exact catalog shifts slightly week-to-week as licenses expire, there is always an extensive variety to dive into.
As mentioned above, all new Xbox Game Studio releases are included day one now. So Microsoft franchises from Halo to Gears of War to Age of Empires are perpetually available.
Major third-party publishers also offer numerous games through longer-term agreements. Square Enix, Ubisoft, Sega, Capcom, Electronic Arts, and more are consistently represented.
And since Microsoft acquired Bethesda (and now is moving to acquire Activision Blizzard), new games announced from studios like Arkane, MachineGames, and Blizzard should come to Game Pass on release as well.
The library spans indie darlings, double-A games, decade-old classics, and the biggest blockbusters—leaning into both breadth AND depth. While not every title may appeal to any one player, exploring and finding unexpected gems is part of the joy.
Cloud Gaming Library and Performance
Alongside conventional game downloads, Game Pass Ultimate includes a Netflix-esque cloud streaming option in beta. Rather than needing hefty installs sucking up hard drive space, cloud gaming streams video straight to devices.
As of 2022, Xbox reports over 100 cloud-playable games available. These include popular multiplayer titles like Sea of Thieves as well as big open worlds like Skyrim. Performance currently maxes out at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second.
In our testing, cloud gaming works surprisingly well—game visuals hold up nicely on smaller screens especially. However, fast-twitch competitive genres like fighters and shooters risk lag spikes interfering with play. The technology improves regularly though.
While current cloud capabilities don’t fully match Stadia’s 4K potential yet, it’s a very worthwhile bonus part of Game Pass Ultimate for many gamers. Playable across phones, tablets, PCs, and browsers with no installs required makes it super convenient to hop into games anywhere.
Runaway Growth and Glowing Reception
Game Pass proved so appealing out the gate that subscriptions ballooned rapidly. From just over 10 million in 2019, it vaulted to 18 million by early 2021 and exceeded 25 million this year as of January 2022.
Both critics and fans praise Game Pass as an unrivaled value in gaming. For the cost of buying just a few $60 games per year, subscribers gain unlimited access to play hundreds. New Xbox exclusives alone make Game Pass a no-brainer for their ecosystems.
Reviewers positively highlight the diverse games options, lack of barriers to play different genres, and constant influx of new content. Users on the Xbox store rate console Game Pass at 4.7 stars and PC Game Pass at 3.8 stars—though complaints about PC client bugs drag down that score.
Altogether, Game Pass first gave existing Xbox fans tremendous value. Now, its runaway success is attracting newcomers to join the platform solely for this Netflix model.
Tips for Getting Started
If you still aren’t already subscribed to Game Pass, several techniques can ease you into trying the service out:
Pick the Right Plan – Casual or budget players are well-served by base Xbox Game Pass at $9.99 monthly. However, Game Pass Ultimate unlocks the most benefits for just $5 more. Evaluate your platform and online multiplayer preferences.
Claim Limited Time Discounts – Microsoft frequently offers Game Pass promotions like $1 for three months to attract new members. And even outside deals, prepaid 3-6 month codes offer lower effective rates.
Maximize Cloud Gaming Convenience – For Ultimate subscribers, enable cloud play for easy access across devices without waiting for downloads. Cloud performance varies by connection quality, but makes gaming on the go painless.
Overall, Game Pass poses little risk given the free trials and cancel anytime policies. Try not to get paralyzed by the overwhelming options early on—just jump in!
How Game Pass Compares to the Competition
No competitor matches Game Pass in terms of mainstream gaming value, but a few services bear mentioning to understand Xbox’s market positioning:
PlayStation Plus/PlayStation Now – Sony bundles free monthly games and online multiplayer into Plus. Now separately offers downloads and streaming on demand, but with fewer hits. PlayStation excludes new exclusives whereas Game Pass includes them immediately.
Google Stadia – With the closure of Stadia Games & Entertainment, Google now purely provides a technology platform for game publishers. Maximum 4K quality outstrips Game Pass cloud streaming currently, but Stadia’s future relevance is uncertain.
Apple Arcade/Google Play Pass – For mobile gaming, these subscriptions let users freely download from curated App Store/Play Store collections. But far smaller monthly game additions and no major titles make them supplementary services rather than Xbox competitors.
No single competitor can beat Game Pass in its specific niche of Netflix-style access for console/PC gaming content. Instead, they mostly serve adjacent spaces. This market freedom fuels massive growth potential looking forward.
The Future Looks Bright
Given Game Pass’s wild success already exceeding over 25 million subscriptions, Microsoft is investing heavily to expand the service even further in coming years.
Owning mega-franchises like Call of Duty after the pending Activision Blizzard acquisition should continue enticing new members to join. Integrating legendary series that have never been included before will help sustain the diverse appeal.
And as cloud gaming performance keeps improving with global datacenter expansion, streamable access to games could one day nearly replace expensive hardware purchases. Xbox head Phil Spencer envisions a world where billions play via the cloud—no console required.
Even in the next few years, expect Game Pass to enable groundbreaking new kinds of gaming applications through cloud technology. Microsoft is clearly playing the long game, looking far beyond just this console generation.
For the players themselves, Game PassVariety
will continue lowering barriers to play more games at lower costs. The ultimate goal is crafting a platform that offers something fun for literally everybody.
In Conclusion
Xbox Game Pass definitively represents the future of video game monetization as audiences embrace subscription models over one-time purchases. And with competitive pricing, hundreds of varied quality titles supported long-term, and cloud gaming enabling unprecedented access flexibility, Game Pass delivers insane value at a sustainable scale.
Both hardcore loyalists and casual dabblers can find plenty to love. So what are you waiting for? It’s truly the golden age for gaming subscriptions. Hop aboard now and never look back!
