Xbox Game Pass Must Adopt This Feature from PlayStation Plus Before It’s Too Late

Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus stand as formidable contenders in the subscription gaming landscape. Game Pass is renowned for its extensive library, which includes new releases from Xbox Game Studios available on launch day—specifically for the Ultimate tier. However, the recent increase in pricing has raised questions about its overall value. Conversely, while PlayStation Plus may not boast as many day-one releases, it shines in its organization and presentation of classic games. The retro offerings on Game Pass can often feel disparate, lacking the cohesive curation and consistent updates that characterize PlayStation Plus’s approach.

Ubisoft+ Classics: An Attractive Addition to PlayStation Plus

Included in Select Tiers, Unlike Game Pass

In a strategic move, PlayStation Plus includes Ubisoft+ Classics in its Extra and Premium tiers, significantly enhancing the subscription’s value. Unlike Xbox Game Pass, which charges separately for many third-party games, PlayStation Plus grants access to a diverse array of Ubisoft titles without additional fees. This feature not only boosts subscriber interest but also positively impacts Sony’s bottom line by providing players with a broader selection of titles at no extra cost.

This partnership exemplifies how effective collaborations can elevate subscription services, creating a more compelling offering for consumers. By strategically integrating Ubisoft+ Classics, PlayStation Plus demonstrates the potential of well-thought-out partnerships to enhance the perceived value of gaming subscriptions.

Ubisoft+ Classics Are Not Available on Xbox

Subscription Required Separately

The disparities between Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus become particularly evident when examining their respective partnerships. While Game Pass boasts collaborations with Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard, it noticeably lacks access to Ubisoft+ Classics. Consequently, Xbox Game Pass users are forced to pay an additional $18 for a Ubisoft+ Premium subscription to enjoy similar Ubisoft titles, on top of the existing $20 for Game Pass Ultimate.

This model proves frustrating, as popular titles such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, and Rainbow Six Siege require two subscriptions for Xbox players, whereas PlayStation users gain access to these games for a lower total cost. This absence diminishes the perceived value of Game Pass in contrast to PlayStation Plus.

Expanding Libraries with Ubisoft+

A Wealth of Established Titles

Similar to Ubisoft+ Premium, Ubisoft+ Classics provides an impressive array of titles. Many popular games, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, and Rainbow Six Siege, are present in both tiers. This results in PlayStation Plus subscribers essentially gaining access to a significant portion of the Premium catalog at no additional cost, while Xbox Game Pass users face higher expenses for similar access.

The recent mixed reviews of Ubisoft’s new games further accentuate the value of its extensive catalog of older titles. Notably, the pricing difference between PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium and Ubisoft+ Premium means that subscribers receive an even more extensive library of games for less.

Collaborating with Ubisoft Could Help Mitigate Price Increases

Rising Prices, but Where’s the Quality?

The recent hikes in Xbox Game Pass pricing have sparked significant debate regarding its overall worth. While the vast library and immediate access to Xbox Game Studios’ new releases are commendable, the service has notable shortcomings regarding its third-party offerings. In contrast, PlayStation Plus has adeptly addressed this concern by collaborating with Ubisoft to feature Ubisoft+ Classics within its Extra and Premium subscriptions.

If Microsoft were to negotiate a similar deal with Ubisoft—perhaps incorporating Ubisoft+ Classics or a curated selection into Game Pass Ultimate without extra fees—it would greatly enhance the service’s overall value, helping to counterbalance rising costs.

This strategic move would not only widen the selection of games available but also tackle the backlash associated with recent increases. PlayStation Plus’s integration of popular Ubisoft titles serves to justify its pricing adjustments, ultimately making it a more attractive option.

Currently, Game Pass resembles a collection of disparate add-ons rather than a unified subscription experience. By learning from PlayStation Plus’s successful partnership with Ubisoft, Microsoft could provide Xbox Game Pass users with a more cohesive and appealing library of games, thereby addressing concerns surrounding frequent price hikes. Subscribers expect value proportional to their investment, and inclusive access to more content should be the path forward to maintain user satisfaction.

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