Game Pass subscriptions Archives

BetaBeacon

April 16, 2025

Xbox app for Android & iOS will soon be able to buy games, remote play moving to web

Microsoft has announced new updates for Xbox, including the ability to purchase games and Game Pass through the Xbox app on Android. Additionally, Xbox Remote Play will be expanded to more platforms, allowing players to stream their console through the web and play games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053598 & KB5053602 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5053598 for version 24H2 and KB5053602 for version 23H2, which include essential security patches from the March 2025 Patch Tuesday. Users can install these updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, the build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be 26100.3476 and for 23H2 it will be 22631.5039. The updates introduce new features such as an Xbox advertisement in the Settings menu, the ability to share files from a jump list, enhancements to Windows Spotlight, a new “Like” button for lock screen images, improved Narrator functions, and a referral card for PC Game Pass subscriptions. File Explorer now allows users to snooze backup reminders and fixes have been made for performance issues and audio problems. A known issue for version 24H2 is that users cannot download and play Roblox on Arm devices, and both versions may show an incorrect Event 7023 error in EventViewer related to SgrmBroker.exe, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5052093 update released with 33 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the February 2025 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, identified as KB5052093. This update includes 33 enhancements and fixes, addressing issues with SSH connections, File Explorer, and an audio glitch that causes volume spikes upon waking from sleep. It also resolves a problem with USB audio devices becoming inoperative after short idle periods. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3323 and introduces a referral card for PC Game Pass subscriptions. Known issues include installation problems with the January 2025 Windows security update due to Citrix components and download issues for Roblox on Arm devices. Windows 11 24H2 is now widely available, and Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 2024 Update to eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Windows Central Game Awards 2024 — Showcasing the best Xbox and PC games of the year

In 2024, the gaming landscape has seen significant developments, including impressive game releases on Xbox and PC despite industry layoffs. Indie games have gained popularity for their innovative concepts, while established franchises have reinvented themselves. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions have increased, indicating a growing interest in PC and cloud gaming. Speculation about new hardware from Microsoft, including a potential Xbox handheld device, has generated excitement for the future. The contributions of various professionals in game development have been recognized as vital to the industry's progress.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

Stalker 2 has sold over one million copies

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has sold over one million copies just two days after its launch on November 20th, as announced by developer GSC Game World. The game is also available on Xbox's Game Pass subscription service, contributing to its expanding player base.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

COD Black Ops 6 brought in more Game Pass players than any other launch

The launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has set a record for the franchise, achieving the highest launch figures in its history and driving more Game Pass subscriptions than any previous launch. The game had the biggest Day One player count and Game Pass subscriber adds. Unit sales on PlayStation and Steam increased by over 60 percent year-over-year. For the quarter ending September 30th, Microsoft's gaming division reported revenue of .7 billion, a 43 percent increase, with Xbox content and services growing by 61 percent year-on-year, partly due to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Hardware sales declined by 29 percent, but Game Pass achieved record revenues and the highest average revenue per subscriber to date.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Play Frostpunk 2 and More Games Now With Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers subscribers a vast library of games for a monthly fee, including access to titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, online multiplayer, and exclusive discounts. In September, Microsoft added games such as Age of Mythology: Retold. Frostpunk 2 is a PC-exclusive city-building survival game set in an arctic apocalypse, where players lead a city facing overpopulation and resource scarcity. Wargroove 2 is a turn-based tactics game where players command forces to restore peace after the death of a queen. Ara: History Untold is a PC-exclusive turn-based grand strategy game focused on nation-building and diplomacy. Nine games are leaving Game Pass on September 30, prompting subscribers to complete any ongoing campaigns before they become unavailable.

BetaBeacon

July 15, 2024

Xbox Game Pass guide: Which option is right for you?

Xbox Game Pass offers different subscription services including Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass Standard, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Each service provides access to a variety of games, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offering the most features including online multiplayer, access to console and PC game catalogs, EA Play titles, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The game library constantly changes with new games added and old ones removed each month. Xbox Cloud Gaming, available only with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, allows players to stream games on mobile devices, PCs, and even smart TVs. Ultimately, the best choice between Xbox Game Pass and Ultimate depends on where and how you prefer to game.

AppWizard

July 10, 2024

PC and Xbox Game Pass are getting a worldwide price hike

Microsoft has announced global price increases for their Game Pass subscriptions for both console and PC users. The price of Game Pass for PC will be increasing, as well as the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. New subscribers will experience the price changes starting from July 10, 2024, while current subscribers will see the changes reflected in their first recurring billing charge after September 12, 2024.