Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is about to get a whole lot more enticing. The company announced today plans for a major expansion that "underscores our commitment to deliver our fans the ultimate gaming subscription service."
Moving forward, all newly released Xbox One exclusive games from Microsoft Studios will be added to the Xbox Game Pass library on the same date as their global release.
This means games like Sea of Thieves, which launches on March 20th, will be available to all Xbox Game Pass members. Additionally, upcoming titles like State of Decay 2 and Crackdown 3 and all future unannounced games from Microsoft Studios, including new iterations of Halo, Forza, and Gears of War, will be available via the Xbox Game Pass the same day they launch.
Microsoft also announced a new deal with retailer GameStop. Beginning March 20th, you'll be able to purchase a 6-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card for $59.99 from the retailer. "By working closely with retail partners, Xbox Game Pass will have valuable ambassadors in popular destinations for gamers to discover new and exciting games and enjoy community," said Xbox Head Phil Spencer. "With the addition of more great games, new blockbuster releases and a new subscription offer, we are giving fans more choice and value in how they discover and enjoy games – purchase games for their permanent library or play through Xbox Game Pass for one low price."
Xbox Game Pass launched last summer and offers subscribers unlimited access to over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles for just $9.99 per month, as well as discounts to game purchases and related add-ons.
"We’ve only scratched the surface of the opportunity this new model brings to the industry and what we can deliver to our fans," Spencer continued. "We firmly believe Xbox Game Pass will be a catalyst to create new opportunities for game developers and publishers to innovate in the way games are developed and delivered, leading to entirely new ways to play."
"We’re truly humbled by the incredible response we’ve received to date for Xbox Game Pass, and we look forward to offering an unprecedented choice and value with Xbox Game Pass this spring and beyond," Spencer said.