Microsoft has stopped offering its proof of $1 for Xbox Game Pass service. This was a promotion that allowed new users to try Xbox Game Pass Ultimate o PC Game Pass for a month at a fraction of the cost, before upgrading to the full subscription. Why did Microsoft make this move? And what are the alternatives for new members?
Microsoft halts $1 trial of Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft says the $1 trial has been discontinued because it is evaluating several future marketing promotions. “We have discontinued our previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are evaluating different marketing promotions for new members in the future”says Kari Perez, head of global communications at Xbox, after questions from The Verge.
We don’t know exactly what these promotions will be, but they could iInclude discounts, bundles or other special offers. It will therefore be advisable to keep an eye on the official site or social channels of Microsoft for any announcements.
Meanwhile, the company has launched the piano Friends & Family. This is a shared subscription that allows you to share the costs and benefits of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with four other people. Each group member has access to over 100 PC and console games, cloud gaming, Xbox Live Gold and EA Play.
The Friends & Family plan is currently only available in a few select markets, but Microsoft may soon expand it to other countries – including European ones. This may be one of the reasons why it eliminated the $1 trial, to incentivize people to form groups and subscribe together.
Xbox Game Pass is one of the most popular services and convenient for PC and console gamers. With a huge selection of quality games, regular updates, and exclusive features, it offers great value for heavy gamers. Microsoft believes in this very much, so we expect several promotions to replace the one-dollar trial.