Microsoft Removes The Xbox Game Pass Trial Ahead Of Starfield’s Release

It’s been a big change in this generation of console platforms. We started to see the folks over at Microsoft, and Sony brought out more incentives to pay for a monthly subscription service. For instance, Microsoft has boasted its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. It’s a fantastic deal if you’re after a collection of games, especially first-party Microsoft titles. You’ll get access to a wide range of video game titles by paying a monthly fee. However, Microsoft usually offered an incentive to try Xbox Game Pass out if you were unsure about giving the service a chance.

Initially, Microsoft had a killer deal for newcomers. Players who wanted to try Xbox Game Pass out could get an entire month for just $1. That’s a solid deal to give you an ample amount of time to try the service out and determine if you want to keep up with the service. However, Microsoft recently changed that by cutting down the time you could enjoy the Xbox Game Pass service. Instead of a full month, you were instead granted just 14 days. Unfortunately, that was recently removed entirely.

Those of you who were hopeful of taking advantage of the 14-day trial for $1 as a newcomer to Xbox Game Pass will find that it is no longer being offered right now through the official Xbox Game Pass subscription service page. This comes just before the big launch of Bethesda’s Starfield RPG. That is easily the biggest and most anticipated game release for Microsoft in a long time. So that removal might have been strategic, knowing just how many fans are waiting to get their hands on the game.

Since Starfield is releasing as a first-party Microsoft title, you’ll find it available through the Xbox Game Pass subscription service at launch. So what better way for Microsoft to capitalize on the ability to turn a profit than by forcing newcomers to pay for the full price of Xbox Game Pass? Of course, even paying for the subscription service’s full price will save you a lot more money than buying a copy of the game standalone. 

Meanwhile, if you are interested in Xbox Game Pass, you’ll find that there are a couple of tiers available. For those on Xbox, you have the base tier, which will get you access to a wide range of games along with first-party Microsoft titles at launch. That will cost you $10.99 a month. Those who are just playing on PC will find that there is a $9.99 monthly subscription, which also comes with EA Play. Lastly, there is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which grants access to both console and PC. This tier also gives you cloud access, EA Play, along with online multiplayer for $16.99 per month.