If something has revolutionized the video game sector, that has been Xbox GamePass. This service allows us, in exchange for a subscription, to access more than 300 games, which we can play on an Xbox console, on a PC, and even in the cloud thanks to xCloud. This service has a cost of 12.99 euros per month, and with it we have full access to everything. But there have always been doubts: is this service profitable? how much money does Microsoft make on it? Will prices ever go up? All this, finally, has been revealed today.
A few days ago, Microsoft announced that, with Xbox Game Pass, the company raised nearly 3 billion dollars in revenue, a more than remarkable figure. What was not known is how much of that money is profit, since the giant is constantly buying titles and developers to enrich its catalog.
Finally, Phil Spencer, responsible for the Xbox division, has revealed the great unknown. And it is that about 15% of this revenue is profit. The latest official number of Xbox Game Pass subscribers is 25 million users, and although the growth on consoles has slowed down (because almost everyone who wants it already has a contract), on PC an unparalleled growth is taking place .
After a long time of doubt, we can finally affirm that Xbox Game Pass is profitable, and a lot for Microsoft. In addition, now it also has the growth of PC users, who will also add a good amount of money to their coffers. Of course, for how much longer will the price of the service be maintained?
A general rise in Xbox prices and services is coming
Sony, in the midst of a shortage of consoles, decided to make the decision to raise the price of its new PlayStation 5 console by 10%. And this is something that they have asked Microsoft a lot, who, until now, had not given many details about it.
Finally, Phil Spencer has made statements about it on the portal TheVerge. In them he emphasizes that they have made a great effort to keep the price of consoles, games and associated services unchanged. But that is unfeasible in the long run, especially with inflation.
The only thing we know is that, this year, the prices are going to remain the same. That is, if we want to get hold of a console, or contract the service, we have until Christmas to do so. Therefore, everything points to the price increase will arrive in 2023probably in the first quarter of the year.
And how much will the rise be? Currently, the service costs 12.99 euros per month. Most likely, after the rise, this will stand at 14.99 euros, and possibly even 15.99 euros per month. A rise of 2 or 3 euros per month, which is noticeable, but which still makes the service worthwhile. Additionally, Microsoft has other changes up its sleeve for the service, such as control shared accountsand launch a new family plan, somewhat more expensive, but that can be shared with up to 4 family members.
