Xbox Game Pass $1 Trial Gets Cut To Last Only 14 Days

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Avinash Jaisrani

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Since its debut, Xbox Game Pass has been an amazing deal for gamers worldwide, providing several high-quality games for an incredibly low price. This was further complemented by a cheap $1 trial for new users.

The $1 trial was terminated in March, but it soon returned after a three-month break in July with no adjustments. However, Microsoft appears to have quietly reduced the number of days for the $1 trial.

Why it matters: The $1 trial is a great incentive for new customers looking to try Microsoft’s subscription. However, this move may prove to be unpopular for fans of the service.

Previously, the $1 trial offered one month of the subscription. This trial is only available for PC and Game Pass Ultimate users. As such, subscribers on consoles are required to pay the full monthly price if they do not opt for the Ultimate tier.

The exact reasons for this change are unknown for now, but this may be part of Microsoft’s plans to make the service more profitable, with the gaming giant also increasing prices by a slight amount recently.

With the Microsoft-Activision merger nearing completion, Game Pass will see a massive boost to its value proposition. IPs like Call of Duty and Diablo will likely motivate more people to try the service.

Furthermore, games like Starfield are expected to bring a massive influx of new subscribers. The gaming giant may be looking to hook such users with a small trial to motivate them to subscribe for continued access to a huge game like Starfield. 

While Microsoft has already stated that Activision games would not be directly responsible for increasing prices or worse value, all of these factors combined may have encouraged Microsoft to reduce the trial’s duration.

Since Microsoft has already returned with the trial after its removal, the gaming giant could revert this change.

Nonetheless, the gaming giant has not made an official announcement on the matter yet, and it remains to be seen if this will be another permanent change to the evolving subscription.

Avinash Jaisrani

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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