Microsoft Defends Xbox Game Pass Changes Against FTC Allegations of „Degraded Product.” Company Argues That Gamers Won't Pay More Than Before
Microsoft decided to respond to the Federal Trade Commission. According to the giant, the new version of the Xbox Game Pass service isn't „degraded.” Moreover, gamers won't pay more for the same thing at all, as they will receive additional benefits.
The relationship between Microsoft and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to put it mildly, is difficult. The organization constantly observes the actions of the giant from Redmond and often criticizes its moves. The most prominent case of this type was definitely the takeover of Activision Blizzard.
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about changes to Game Pass, which will have the most impact on Xbox players (the PC version of the service has essentially remained unchanged). The new version of the console subscription didn't escape the attention of the FTC, which called it a "degraded product." Microsoft decided not to remain in debt and presented its position on this matter.
Console players won't pay more
In a letter to the United States Court of Appeals, the FTC pointed out that the Xbox Game Pass Standard, which essentially replaces the previous Xbox Game Pass, offers fewer things for more money. We will not be able to play the titles available in the service on the day of their release.
Tom Warren from The Verge noted that the same court received a letter from Microsoft refuting the FTC's allegations. In it, we will find information, among other things, that console players won't actually pay more. The old XGP version, unlike the new Xbox Game Pass Standard, didn't support multiplayer. This meant the need to purchase an additional subscription.
It's a mistake to call it a 'downgraded' version of the discontinued Game Pass for consoles offering. That discontinued product did not offer multiplayer functionality, which had to be purchased separately for an additional $9.99 per month. While the price of Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $16.99 per month to $19.99 per month, the service will offer more value through many new games available on the same day. Among them is the upcoming release of Call of Duty, which has never before been available as a same-day subscription.
It should be noted that Microsoft's letter, however, omitted the lack of access to premiere versions of games. There is no denying it - for players, this is a big loss.
