As we count down to the Black Ops 6 release in just a week, Xbox has made a significant change by eliminating the $1, 14-day Game Pass subscription option.
This move aligns with Xbox’s earlier decision to release Black Ops 6 for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers right at launch, stirring up quite a bit of debate. Back in July, users on Game Pass expressed their frustrations regarding a price increase that they felt was influenced by Call of Duty.
The price increase affected all subscription tiers and marked a shift for standard-tier subscribers, who now find themselves unable to access first-party Xbox titles on their release day. This change stands in stark contrast to Microsoft’s earlier commitment, made in May 2024, assuring subscribers that all first-party games, including Black Ops 6, would be available immediately without additional barriers.
According to reports from CharlieIntel, the timing of removing the $1 Game Pass trial is particularly striking, coming just over a week ahead of the anticipated BO6 launch on October 25, 2024.
They further noted the absence of any free trial, meaning that prospective gamers must pay the full price for a Game Pass subscription to gain access.
Just ahead of Black Ops 6’s launch next week, Microsoft has removed the option to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for $1 for 14 days. Now, there’s no free trial available. Just full price subscription per month. pic.twitter.com/zpJSR95dXB
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) October 15, 2024
Fan reactions have been mixed; while some accept the decision as a necessary business move, others have taken to social media to voice their disapproval.
“Can’t even be mad at them for this,” shared one user, while another retorted, “Imagine being one of the richest companies on the planet already way overcharging for game pass and it still not being enough.”
This alteration is likely to deter players who were only interested in Black Ops 6 from subscribing to Game Pass. For many, it may be more cost-effective to purchase the game outright for $70 rather than committing to a monthly $20 subscription unless they plan to utilize the other benefits Game Pass offers.
A third fan remarked, “I really don’t get people paying 20 bucks a month and the 30 on top for the vault edition for the next year like just buy the whole game.”
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