It has been widely reported that Xbox will add around $5,000 worth of games to Game Pass in 2023. This is a big number. You might say, the price is staggering, considering that Game Pass Ultimate, the most expensive version for a year, costs just over $200.
The following statement is incorrect, but this statistic may lead some to say you Save $4800 per year. excellent! Of course, you’re unlikely to buy every game added to Game Pass in 2023. But (and please excuse the use of “but” to start a sentence, I needed some dramatic effect) making Game Pass entirely about value is doing a disservice to a massive game catalog subscription. To me, Game Pass is mostly about discovery…the freedom to experiment (without being hampered by ever-increasing costs).
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Getting big, hyped games on Game Pass is obviously great. By the end of 2023, we have Starfield and Forza Motorsport – two games I would buy if Game Pass didn’t exist – but when something surprises you, Game Pass makes it feel more special . Without giving it too much thought (mainly because I’ve only allotted 45 minutes to write this article), I have this for Tunic, Cocoon, PowerWash Simulator, Everspace 2, and Remnant 2 Feel. Of course, all well-reviewed games, but not safe to buy as far as I’m concerned.
I’ve always liked the look of tunics, but overall I don’t get along too well with old-school Zelda/Soul clones. I won’t buy it. Cocoon is an incredible puzzle game, but its trailer didn’t appeal to me, and I’ve been addicted to sluggish puzzle games in the past. I won’t buy it. PowerWash Simulator is a game about cleaning things with water. I won’t buy it. Everspace 2 is an epic space adventure, but you can’t leave your ship. I won’t buy it. Remnant 2 is a Souls sequel to a game I haven’t played, and I strongly dislike most Souls games. I won’t buy it. Do you understand what I’m saying?
Three of those games are now among my favorite games of all time, and two are among the best games of 2023. I’m not sure what would have happened if I didn’t have a Game Pass sub, but there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be playing any of them. I’d be missing out on some incredible gaming experiences and just be left with Starfield and Forza Motorsport – one of which bored me, the other is unfinished, you decide which one.
I’m old enough to remember magazine cover discs, before I spent hours thinking about death or worrying about my pension. In my world, the Official PlayStation Magazine in particular represents the pinnacle of discovery that era had to offer (sorry, PC fans, I’m a console boy). I’m looking forward to trying new games, most of which I would never have had the opportunity to play without demos. Today we were lucky enough to get a beta version of a multiplayer game months ahead of release. I love the fact that today, my son can use Game Pass to go wild and see what sticks. £5 in 1995 was probably about the same price as Game Pass today, so the comparison makes some sense.
So, yes, if you look at it purely from a money perspective, Xbox Game Pass is an incredible value. I’m sure this would be great for sparking debate on social media, but I prefer what Game Pass offers people that they’re simply missing out on. To me, this is Game Pass’s greatest achievement.
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Subscribe to Game Pass nowBecome a Game Pass member and get access to hundreds of great games on Xbox and PC. Benefits include day one access to new games, access to new games every month, plus you get exclusive member discounts and other free perks. Choose from an Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Ultimate subscription so you can play all your favorite games on your console, gaming PC, or your phone, tablet, or TV using the cloud. Prices from Microsoft start at £7.99 per month, or you can support our website when you purchase a Game Pass subscription from our eShop. Buy it now |
