July 11th 2024.
Is this good or bad news for Xbox Games Pass? This is the question many gamers are asking themselves as they read through the Thursday letters page. One reader suggests a new retro style God Of War game, while others recommend The Finals and other free-to-play titles. If you want to join in on the discussions, you can email your thoughts to the provided email address.
But there's another topic that has caught the attention of gamers - changing tiers. It seems that Microsoft had previously stated that there would not be a new, more expensive tier for Game Pass. However, upon further research, it appears that they did mention the possibility of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 being playable on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for console members upon its launch. Now, with the new tier, it seems that Xbox Game Pass for console will no longer exist, and the replacement will not include Black Ops 6. This has led some to question Microsoft's intentions and whether they intentionally misled their customers or if they are constantly changing their plans.
Many gamers, like Benson, are regretting their decision to get an Xbox Series X/S instead of a PlayStation 5. With the expectation that most games will eventually be available on multiple platforms, the value of Game Pass is being called into question. And with the recent changes and price increases, some are feeling that it is no longer worth the money. Trust in Microsoft is also wavering, given their track record.
Another reader, Surtur, shares similar sentiments and questions the decision-making behind the changes in tiers. They also suggest that perhaps it's time to replace executives with AI, as they may offer more sound advice.
But amidst all this, there are still some exciting games to look forward to, like Star Wars Outlaws. Despite the criticism that it may be shallow and unoriginal, the graphics have caught the attention of Davis, who is looking forward to exploring the world and enjoying the sights. They also touch upon the idea that games today have reached a level where even with unoriginal gameplay, the graphics and world can provide enjoyment.
On a different note, Bobwallett seeks recommendations for a third-party router as they are experiencing frequent connection issues with their current one. And finally, Zippo shares their thoughts on the rumors of a God Of War half-sequel and suggests that it would be great to see a throwback to the old style of games. They also recommend The Finals as a fantastic free game to try out.
Do you think this recent development will benefit or harm Xbox Games Pass? In a recent letter to the editor, one reader suggested a new retro-style God Of War game and also mentioned The Finals and other free-to-play titles. If you would like to join in the discussion, feel free to email us at the provided email address.
I recall hearing that Microsoft had previously stated that there would not be a new, more expensive tier for Game Pass. I even looked it up and found that they explicitly denied the rumors by saying, "Upon launch, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be playable on Xbox and PC for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for console members." However, it seems that this statement is not entirely accurate. By the time Black Ops 6 is released, Xbox Game Pass for console will no longer exist and the replacement will not include Black Ops 6. It appears that Microsoft either knowingly lied or changed their plans very quickly within a span of just two months.
I regret choosing to purchase an Xbox Series X/S instead of a PlayStation 5 and I will not make that mistake again. Especially since I predict that most games will eventually become multi-platform within the next year or two. It's clear that Game Pass is not as successful as Microsoft had hoped and it's only becoming more expensive and restrictive. They claim that most people have Ultimate, but given their track record, I find it hard to trust their statement. I, for one, did not have it and I have no intention of paying for it now that the cheaper tier has been weakened. In my opinion, Game Pass is just not worth the money and I've had enough of it.
Moving on to a different topic, I can't help but wonder if my memory is deceiving me. Didn't Microsoft previously state that they would not change the Game Pass tiers due to Call Of Duty? It seems that someone finally did the math and realized that it was not a wise decision. For a company that can easily throw away $72 billion, they seem to lack a solid plan. Perhaps they should have invested in hiring competent business executives instead of relying on the advice of Phil Spencer and his associates. Or better yet, they could have consulted ChatGPT. Maybe it's time to consider replacing our executives with AI technology, rather than the creative minds that contribute meaningful content to the gaming world.
As we are currently in the usual "dead zone" of new game releases, I find myself eagerly anticipating Star Wars Outlaws. Despite the fact that it may turn out to be shallow and unoriginal, I am drawn to the appealing graphics and the beloved universe. In my opinion, games have reached a level where the graphics and overall quality of gameplay are typically satisfactory. Even with a lackluster or repetitive game, one can still have a great time simply exploring the world and admiring the visuals. This is evident in games like Assassin's Creed, where the story is not the main focus, but rather the freedom to roam and appreciate the surroundings. I believe this is also why Elden Ring was so successful, as it offers a similar experience but with an added level of difficulty. While I don't want every game to be like this, I can appreciate both the challenging and casual approaches.
On a different note, I have been experiencing frequent disconnections while playing Elden Ring on my PC. I suspect it may be due to the router provided by Plusnet, as I have difficulty streaming games on it. My Xbox Series X also struggles to connect to the network at times and even my PS Vita and Wii U had to be brought downstairs for a stable connection. I am seeking recommendations from fellow readers for a better third-party router that is reasonably priced, preferably under £100.
Lastly, I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent news of a God Of War half-sequel. While many are excited for its release, I can't help but wish that it would return to its old-school style. I miss the days of the original God Of War games and although I appreciate the new direction, it's a shame that we may never see that type of game again. It would be amazing if they could somehow connect the last two games to the new setting with an old-school adventure, even if it doesn't feature Kratos as the protagonist. The old God Of War games were the only Western-style games similar to Devil May Cry and I believe it's a shame that they have seemingly disappeared.
Lastly, I would like to offer a game recommendation for the reader seeking free games. My personal suggestion would be The Finals, a fantastic game that my kids and I have spent countless hours on without spending a single penny.
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