Microsoft has introduced a new Xbox Game Pass tier that will allow families and groups to subscribe at a deep discount.
An Xbox Game Pass family plan has been rumored for several months, and Microsoft finally confirmed the news during a test launch. Xbox Insiders in Colombia and Ireland will be the first to try it. Allows up to five people to share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefits, as long as they live in the same country.
All shared plan members will have "their own exclusive access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games, content, and benefits," according to Microsoft (opens in a new tab). Each subscriber can use the service simultaneously, allowing everyone to play Back 4 Blood or Halo Infinite together, as well as play completely different games at the same time.
Microsoft has not revealed when the new plan will officially launch or receive a global rollout.
Friends play cheap games
Subscribing to the family plan with a group of friends will mean significant monthly savings. Microsoft has yet to reveal the exact pricing structure, but existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to convert their subscription to the new tier. A one-month subscription to Ultimate will result in an 18-day subscription to the family plan. Given that Ultimate is typically priced at $14.99 / £10.99 / AU$15.95, a little algebra tells us that a one-month family subscription is likely to cost around $24.99 / £18. / AU$26.50.
Even if you only share the plan with one other person, you'll save a few dollars or pounds each month. With four other people to split the bill, the individual monthly cost drops dramatically. These prices are not final, but they should indicate what we can expect from the new service. On top of that, members will still be able to take advantage of the Xbox Live Gold upgrade cheat for an even bigger discount.
Microsoft said that users who subscribe to Game Pass this way will still be able to upgrade to the family plan. Note, however, that the conversion is final. For now, you'll have to wait for your family plan subscription to expire if you want to go back to a previous tier.
If you're in Ireland or Colombia and want to join the preview, head over to the Microsoft Store - opens in a new tab and purchase the "Xbox Game Pass - Insider Preview" subscription plan. Once signed up, you can invite others to join the plan from your Microsoft account page.