Why Microsoft Is Removing “Xbox” from PC Game Pass
Microsoft just announced that it will be condensing the name of its online gaming subscription Xbox Game Pass for PC to simply PC Game Pass. The company ensured gamers that nothing else about the service will change and that even the logo will stay the same.
The name change is designed to remove any confusion about the three types of gaming subscriptions Microsoft offers, including Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Fortunately, gamers will continue to have access to all their favorite games, including:
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite
- Halo Infinite
- T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
- Scorn
- Total War: WARHAMMER II
- Minecraft
- Gears 5
- Forza Horizon
- Broken Age
While the new name certainly will simplify things for gamers, it’s likely not a coincidence that Microsoft made this change during the holiday season. In fact, Microsoft is using this time to advertise its holiday promotion that allows gamers to try the PC Game Pass for just $1 for the first three months.
It’s also likely that Microsoft is using this name change to highlight the addition of its Project xCloud to its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription package, which enables gamers to play any of the more than 100 game titles on their PC, console, or mobile device.
This type of live gameplay is not a new concept in the gaming industry, as services, such as PlayStation Now and Google’s Stadia, already offer this feature. It will, however, make sure Microsoft remains competitive in the upcoming years. Best of all it's not offering the new cloud service as an add-on feature but as part of the already established Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan.
The addition of this feature also shows Microsoft’s commitment to remain competitive in this hot market. Experts are predicting that the global gaming market will have a CAGR growth rate of 9.64% over the next five years. This is a substantial market and the competition will be fierce, but it looks like Microsoft is ready to step up to the plate by offering gamers better packages, better deals, and better gameplay.