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Game Pass is about to lose its most immersive, hardcore survival game, so play it while you can
AppWizard
November 4, 2025

Game Pass is about to lose its most immersive, hardcore survival game, so play it while you can

Stalker 2 and Frostpunk are set to exit Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service on Saturday, November 15. Stalker 2, known for its FPS combat and narrative set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, has improved since its initial release. Frostpunk challenges players to build a city in a post-disaster world and will be succeeded by Frostpunk 2, which remains available on Game Pass. Other titles leaving on the same date include Blacksmith Master, Football Manager 2024, and Spirittea.
Game Pass subscribers 'in certain countries' will not be affected by the price increase, at least 'for now,' because sometimes government regulation is actually a good thing
AppWizard
October 8, 2025

Game Pass subscribers ‘in certain countries’ will not be affected by the price increase, at least ‘for now,’ because sometimes government regulation is actually a good thing

Microsoft announced that subscribers in select countries will not face a Game Pass price increase for now, as long as they are on a recurring plan that automatically renews. Some subscribers received emails confirming their rates would remain unchanged, while others were informed of a price increase. Subscribers on the legacy Game Pass for Console plan can maintain their current rates with automatic renewals. GameStop will continue to offer Game Pass Ultimate at the unchanged price of .99. The timeline for the price increase has shifted, extending the grace period to a minimum of 60 days before any potential increase, originally set for November 4.
Is Windows about to get interesting again?
Winsage
October 6, 2025

Is Windows about to get interesting again?

The latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast discusses significant developments in the Windows ecosystem, including organizational changes at Microsoft and the potential arrival of Windows 12. It also highlights Qualcomm's unveiling of the new Snapdragon X2 chips, which enhance mobile computing capabilities. The podcast addresses the impending end-of-life for Windows 10, emphasizing the importance of annual feature updates for user experience and system performance. Additionally, it covers modifications to Microsoft's 365 and Game Pass subscriptions and their implications for users and gamers. Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast by sharing thoughts and questions via email.
Microsoft reportedly estimated that Game Pass led to $300 million in lost sales of Black Ops 6, with 82% of copies sold being on the Game Pass-less PlayStation 5
AppWizard
October 5, 2025

Microsoft reportedly estimated that Game Pass led to $300 million in lost sales of Black Ops 6, with 82% of copies sold being on the Game Pass-less PlayStation 5

A Bloomberg report indicates that Microsoft's Game Pass may be struggling, as the company estimates significant revenue loss from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to its availability on the service. Game Pass lacks real-time performance metrics, unlike platforms such as Steam. Microsoft claims Game Pass is growing, but this is contradicted by recent layoffs and studio closures within Xbox. To offset the revenue loss from Black Ops 6, Game Pass would have needed around 15 million new Ultimate-tier subscribers for one month or 1.25 million over a year before any price increases. As of 2024, Game Pass had 34 million subscribers, a figure not updated this year. The subscription model's pricing structure is complex, and flagship titles like Black Ops 6 are expected to generate more revenue than the subscription model provides. Despite Black Ops 6 setting records for new Game Pass subscriptions, 82% of its sales occurred on PlayStation 5. Concerns about Game Pass's effectiveness in maximizing revenue for high-profile titles have arisen, alongside worries about the gaming industry's overall health due to studio closures and price hikes.
You can still save on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
AppWizard
October 2, 2025

You can still save on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Microsoft has raised prices for select tiers of Xbox Game Pass, increasing the Ultimate tier from .99 to .99 per month and the PC Game Pass from .99 to .49 per month. Consumers can find better deals through retailers like Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart, where a one-month subscription to Game Pass Ultimate is available for .99 and a three-month option for .99. A three-month bundle for PC Game Pass is also available for .99, maintaining the previous pricing structure.
Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are "never fun"
AppWizard
October 2, 2025

Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are “never fun”

Microsoft is increasing the monthly fees for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to .99 (a 50% increase) and for PC Game Pass to .99 (approximately a 40% rise). The Xbox Game Pass Core is being rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Essential at .99 per month, offering around 50 games, while the Standard plan is now Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month with about 200 games. Ultimate subscribers will gain access to Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Plus Classics and improved cloud gaming features. Microsoft reported record earnings from Game Pass, generating .6 billion last year, with an overall revenue increase of 18% to .4 billion. The company is also facing a consumer boycott related to its partnerships with the Israeli military and has announced plans to block Israeli military access to certain services.
Xbox's 'Stream your own game' feature now extends to PC
AppWizard
July 16, 2025

Xbox’s ‘Stream your own game’ feature now extends to PC

Xbox's "Stream your own game" feature allows users to stream supported games directly from the cloud to their PCs, bypassing the need for a console. Access is limited to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The feature has been rolled out across various devices, including Xbox consoles, smart TVs, browser platforms, and Meta Quest headsets. Microsoft currently offers over 250 supported games, including titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy. Users must own digital versions of games to stream them, and the service is available only in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming operates. Joining the Xbox Insider program is required to access this feature, but it is free of charge.
Forget about Steam in the Xbox PC app — I want Game Pass in the app I actually use
AppWizard
June 25, 2025

Forget about Steam in the Xbox PC app — I want Game Pass in the app I actually use

Microsoft plans to integrate the Xbox PC app with leading PC gaming stores to streamline access to games, allowing users to manage their libraries from a single location. This update is currently available to Xbox Insiders for testing and may roll out more broadly with the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this year. Users will be able to launch games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other significant PC storefronts, but Steam is not included in this initial list. The Xbox app has faced criticism for its usability compared to Steam, with issues like bugs and slow download speeds. The primary barrier to bringing PC Game Pass to Steam is likely financial, as Valve takes a percentage of transactions on its platform. As of February 2024, Game Pass has 34 million subscribers across Xbox and PC. The new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC App is being rolled out, allowing users to select which third-party storefronts to display.
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