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Xbox Game Pass is too expensive, new Xbox boss reportedly says: 'we need a better value equation'
AppWizard
April 14, 2026

Xbox Game Pass is too expensive, new Xbox boss reportedly says: ‘we need a better value equation’

Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, expressed concerns in an internal memo that the pricing structure of the Game Pass subscription service is "too expensive" for players. She emphasized the need to reassess the subscription model to deliver better value and indicated plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system, which will require time for testing. The discussion follows mixed financial outcomes, with former Bethesda VP Pete Hines noting that Game Pass has negatively impacted retail revenue. Additionally, Xbox is realigning its focus on console hardware integrity and may discontinue the 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign as part of a broader strategic pivot, including a renewed market push with Project Helix.
Tomorrow Is Xbox Game Pass’ Biggest Day of 2026 So Far
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Tomorrow Is Xbox Game Pass’ Biggest Day of 2026 So Far

Xbox Game Pass will introduce three new titles: Replaced, Hades II, and The Thaumaturge. Replaced is a day-one Xbox console exclusive developed by Sad Cat Studios, while Hades II, from Supergiant Games, will be available for the first time on Xbox Game Pass on April 14, 2025. The Thaumaturge, an RPG from Fool’s Theory and 11 Bit Studios, debuted in 2024 and will also join the service. Only two of these titles will be classified as Xbox Game Pass Premium additions, and subscribers to the Xbox Game Pass Essential tier will not receive new content. Replaced will not be available to Xbox Game Pass Premium subscribers, and a 20% discount will be offered on each title while available.
Get Assassin's Creed Valhalla and 7 other games for under $2 each in the latest Humble Choice line-up
AppWizard
April 9, 2026

Get Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and 7 other games for under $2 each in the latest Humble Choice line-up

Humble Choice's April lineup features eight games available for under , including the standout title Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The game allows players to experience a Viking saga as Eivor, engaging in raids and exploring an expansive open world set in Norway and England. Richard Scott-Jones rated Valhalla 8/10, calling it potentially the best Assassin's Creed game. Humble Choice operates as a monthly subscription service, allowing subscribers to keep the games indefinitely, and offers discounts on products in the Humble Store. The April selection includes the following titles: - Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria - Until Then - Planet of Lana - Artisan TD - The Procession to Calvary - Buddy Simulator 1984 This lineup is available until May 5 and refreshes on the first Tuesday of each month.
Subscription service for indie games gets a rough reception
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Subscription service for indie games gets a rough reception

Indie Pass will launch on April 13, offering a subscription model for .99 per month, providing access to a curated selection of 70 indie games primarily from the indie.io catalog. Developers will be compensated based on the playtime of their games by subscribers. The service has received mixed reactions, with concerns about promoting games designed for prolonged engagement, the preference for direct purchases, and the lack of ownership of games. Critics, including George Broussard, argue that subscription models harm developers, while some see potential for discoverability for indie titles. Jess Mitchell from Indie Pass emphasized discoverability as a key incentive for developers. Publisher Devolver Digital humorously commented on the subscription model's viability. As the launch nears, Indie Pass must demonstrate its value to both developers and gamers amidst skepticism and competition in the gaming market.
March's top new PC/console games; Steam's wishlist email changes
AppWizard
April 3, 2026

March’s top new PC/console games; Steam’s wishlist email changes

Insights from the GameDiscoverCo newsletter highlight trends in game discovery and sales data for March 2026. Key points include: - The introduction of The Rage Index and The Abandonment Leaderboard by GDCo's Insights Lab. - The U.S. PlayStation hardware price analysis indicates challenges for the PlayStation 5 due to AI-related component shortages and inflation. - Valve has updated the Steam homepage in desktop Beta with enhanced features for user navigation. - The Nintendo Switch 2 saw a 154% increase in sales month-on-month following the launch of Pokémon Pokopia. - PlayStation Plus announced its April titles, including Lords of the Fallen and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, while Xbox introduced Barbie Horse Trails and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for Game Pass. - Antoine Mayerowitz discussed the need for better base pricing strategies for PlayStation. - Roblox’s Rivals gained popularity due to ranked play modes. - Amazon Luna is releasing a Masters Of The Universe-licensed game and free games for Prime members. - Indie.io is launching Indie Pass, a subscription service for PC indie games. - Rec Room is closing on June 1st, and Sony is acquiring Cinemersive Labs. - Slay The Spire 2 sold over 5 million copies, while Crimson Desert sold 2.2 million on Steam. - Slay The Spire 2 leads new releases revenue with over 0 million gross, followed by Crimson Desert. - MLB The Show 26 sold over 1 million units in the U.S. - Valve's changes to wishlist notification statistics aim to help developers optimize marketing strategies.
Equip either Mac or Windows with permanent MS Office software for an extra 15% off
Winsage
March 23, 2026

Equip either Mac or Windows with permanent MS Office software for an extra 15% off

Users can purchase Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for .48 and Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for .98 using the promo code MARCH15 before March 29. These are one-time purchases that provide a lifetime license without subscription fees. The Mac version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic, while the Windows version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.
Xbox Game Pass Adds One of the Great RPGs of All Time With 50 Hours of Content
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Adds One of the Great RPGs of All Time With 50 Hours of Content

Xbox Game Pass has added Disco Elysium – The Final Cut to its Ultimate, Premium, and PC tiers. The game has a Metacritic rating of 91 and won four awards at The Game Awards 2019, including Best Role-Playing Game and Best Narrative. It offers approximately 20 to 25 hours of main storyline gameplay, with an additional 10 hours of side quests, and around 50 hours for completionists. The version available is The Final Cut, released in 2021, featuring new content and full voice acting. Disco Elysium has an 88% approval rating on Steam and a near-perfect score on the Xbox Store. Subscribers can access the game without purchasing it, and a 20% discount is available for outright purchases while it remains part of the subscription service.
AI Fatigue: Microsoft Pulls Back on Putting Microsoft Copilot Everywhere in Windows 11
Winsage
March 19, 2026

AI Fatigue: Microsoft Pulls Back on Putting Microsoft Copilot Everywhere in Windows 11

Microsoft has decided to abandon plans to integrate Copilot more deeply into Windows 11 following user complaints. Features that would have introduced AI-driven notifications and enhancements are no longer being pursued. The company acknowledged user pain points and is shifting focus towards core stability fixes scheduled for 2026. Additionally, the launch of Windows Recall in 2024 faced privacy issues, leading to a revised version that includes data encryption and user authentication. Microsoft has also allowed administrators on Pro and Enterprise systems to uninstall the Copilot app under certain conditions, reflecting a response to user feedback and past update failures.
Microsoft Is Allegedly Considering Adding WoW/Minecraft Realms/Fallout 1st/ESO Plus to Game Pass Ultimate
AppWizard
February 25, 2026

Microsoft Is Allegedly Considering Adding WoW/Minecraft Realms/Fallout 1st/ESO Plus to Game Pass Ultimate

Discussions are ongoing about enhancing the value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, especially following a price adjustment effective October 1, 2025. Many gamers are concerned about the service's worth despite including offerings like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. Microsoft is considering adding first-party services such as World of Warcraft, Minecraft Realms, Fallout 1st, and Elder Scrolls Online Plus to the Game Pass Ultimate package. Current subscription offerings include: - Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: .99/month, includes Xbox + PC Game Pass library, online multiplayer, EA Play, cloud gaming, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics. - World of Warcraft: .99/month, access to all WoW retail + Classic content (latest expansion excluded). - Minecraft Realms Plus: .99/month, private server for up to 10 players, 150+ rotating Marketplace content packs. - Fallout 1st: .99/month, private world for up to 8 players, Scrapbox, Survival Tent, 1,650 Atoms/month, exclusive cosmetics. - ESO Plus: .99/month, includes all previously released DLC game packs and dungeons, Craft Bag, 1,650 Crowns/month, double bank space, premium tokens, increased transmute crystal cap, housing furnishing limit increases. Microsoft will need to conduct an economic analysis to determine the feasibility of these potential additions.
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