It is no secret how much Xbox Game Pass adds in value to its users. Now accounting for more than 34 million subscribers, the firm is branching out to more avenues for the service. Previously a ’Friends & Family’ plan was reported to be in the works with a soft launch in select regions. However, there has yet to be an official launch for this new tier almost two years later.
Although Microsoft did go ahead with more support shipping to a wider range of territories, North America is still out of the equation. Noted, there is at least an understanding in the pricing for the new subscription option. In one report, the service asks for roughly $25 USD monthly as of September 2022 when converting from the listings in other nations.
Now in a new finding via Xbox Support, the service is preparing to take new measures to combat subscription stacking from select territories it appears. Rather than paying the full amount in the U.S. or Europe, players instead resort to purchasing the service through cheaper markets. Now Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey are exempt from the full 36-month limit; now set to 13 months.
“Game Pass Ultimate can be extended to a maximum of 36 months in all countries where it’s available. Game Pass Core, Game Pass for Console, and PC Game Pass can be extended to a maximum of 36 months in all countries where they’re available except for the following, where the limit is 13 months: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, and Türkiye,” the Xbox Support blog post reveals.
“If you’re attempting to redeem a code or gift card that will extend a subscription beyond its limit, you’ll receive a ‘Hold off extending this right now’ error message and will need to wait until the limit won’t be exceeded,” it adds. EA Play also received a 36-month maximum, but is only exempt from Argentina & Turkey.
Elsewhere on Xbox Support recently, the forum revealed that the Xbox 360 store is prepared to shutter later this summer. Users have until July 29th to make their final purchases. However, backwards compatible games on newer hardware will remain after the move. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by Microsoft’s decision?
Source: Xbox Support
