Microsoft’s Redesign For Xbox Game Pass Could Imply Coming Changes For The Service

Edging closer to the next-generation of console hardware, Microsoft has illustrated to be emphasizing its efforts to expand its user base further for Xbox Game Pass. The firm during last week’s Xbox Games Showcase continued to amplify that all titles present during the virtual press conference would be available for Xbox Game Pass owners when the respected title releases.

Now, the firm in anticipation to continue developing new hooks for the platform has revealed to be reimagining the look for Xbox Game Pass. Instead, the service will now be titled ‘Game Pass’, negating the Xbox name from the titling. Similarly, Xbox Game Pass for PC will also be doing the same adopting simply ‘Game Pass for PC’.

Despite the minor adjustment to what Microsoft has done to relabel Xbox Game Pass could evolve into a greater direction for the service and ultimately the platform in the long run. This past week, it has been reported that the firm has delisted both 12-month & 24-month options for Xbox Live Gold. The decision has fundamentally suggested that Microsoft could be doing away with the online-required subscription fairly soon.

In our recent Games with Gold editorial, Rectify Gaming elaborates on the possibility of Microsoft removing Xbox Live Gold. Taken from the previous forecast of weak Games with Gold lineups these past few months, it is suspected that the firm has redirected its attention solely towards Xbox Game Pass. Even more, with more invigorating titles appearing on Xbox Game Pass in contrast to Games with Gold, it is evident the Netflix-esque service is overshadowing the online service.

Additionally, this new approach for Xbox Game Pass can also lead Microsoft to include new additions to the service later on. With Xbox not in the titling, this could also open new forms of media to be available for subscribers – that including film and television. Previously, the firm has bundled other services to Xbox Game Pass like Discord Nitro and EA Access, so this is certainly not a first time.

However, the possibility to include other forms of entertainment would be game changing for Game Pass in long term for returning users. Recently, Sony has indicated to already begin including entertainment for PlayStation Now with David Ayer’s The Tax Collector listed for the service. You can read the full report by heading here.

What do you think will ultimately result from the recent rebranding for Xbox Game Pass?