Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may soon expand beyond its current library of games and services, with reports suggesting the inclusion of major third-party subscriptions like World of Warcraft, Minecraft Realms Plus, Fallout 1st, and Elder Scrolls Online Plus. If implemented, this move could significantly alter the perceived value of the $30-per-month service, which has faced backlash since its price increase last October.
The idea stems from internal discussions at Microsoft, where executives are reportedly exploring ways to justify the premium tier’s cost. Currently, Game Pass Ultimate bundles access to over 400 games, cloud gaming, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics, but the addition of standalone subscriptions—each offering exclusive content—could make it a more compelling package for hardcore fans.
What’s being considered and how it compares
- World of Warcraft: Monthly subscription ($14.99) or annual ($155.88, averaging $12.99/month). Includes all retail and Classic content, excluding the latest expansion.
- Minecraft Realms Plus: Monthly subscription ($7.99). Provides a private server for up to 10 players and 150+ rotating Marketplace content packs.
- Fallout 1st: Monthly subscription ($12.99) or annual ($99.99). Offers a private world (up to 8 players), exclusive cosmetics, and in-game currency (1,650 Atoms/month).
- Elder Scrolls Online Plus: Monthly subscription ($14.99) or annual ($139.99). Grants access to all previously released DLC, a crafting bag, monthly Crowns (1,650), and premium housing features.
For context, Game Pass Ultimate already costs $29.99 per month—a price that now exceeds the standalone subscription fees for some of these services. Bundling them could create a hybrid model where gamers pay a single premium fee for access to both a vast game library and exclusive subscription perks, rather than managing separate payments.
However, challenges remain. Microsoft would likely need to adjust the terms of these individual subscriptions to avoid cannibalizing their existing revenue streams. For example, World of Warcraft’s subscription already includes access to most content, while ESO Plus offers DLC and in-game currency that could conflict with standalone purchases.
The move would particularly appeal to players who already invest in these services separately. A WoW subscriber, for instance, might see little added value in paying extra for cloud gaming or additional single-player titles. Conversely, a casual gamer might find the bundle attractive for its breadth—though the $30 price tag remains steep compared to standalone options.
If Microsoft proceeds, it would mark a shift toward a more subscription-centric approach, blending live-service games with traditional Game Pass offerings. Whether it succeeds depends on whether the bundled value outweighs the cost—especially for players who already pay for some of these services individually.
