Microsoft to tackle cost of living crisis with new Xbox scheme?

It looks like Microsoft could be looking at ways to reduce costs for Xbox owners. According to a new survey discovered online, Microsoft is toying with the idea of introducing a budget tier for Xbox Game Pass. The cut-price tier would reportedly reduce the monthly subscription fee to just $3, which includes access to online multiplayer. Microsoft would make its money back by introducing adverts to the service, and by limiting some of the games available to subscribers.

According to Windows Central, first-party Xbox games would join the budget tier six months after release, instead of on launch day.

Subscribers would also lose access to many other Xbox Game Pass releases, including titles from Electronic Arts.

On the plus side, the inclusion of online multiplayer means you could enjoy games like Forza Horizon 5, Gears 5 and Halo Infinite with friends.

Adverts would reportedly play before games load up, which wouldn’t be too intrusive.

Microsoft is also thinking about introducing a family tier for Xbox Game Pass, which would contain all existing perks without any adverts.

Even if Microsoft doesn’t makes any of the aforementioned changes, Xbox Game Pass is still great value for money.

First-party releases like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves are superb games, and both likely to appear on the budget tier.

Forza Horizon is a stunning open-world racing game set in Mexico. When not admiring the gorgeous visuals, players can participate in hundreds of events, both online or against computer-controlled racers.

Sea of Thieves, on the other hand, lets users team up to explore the vast oceans and islands as a band of pirates. It’s one of the better games to try with friends.

If you’re after some newer releases, indie role-playing game Chained of Echoes is getting a lot of buzz, while A Plague Tale Requiem was nominated for game of the year at last week’s Game Awards.