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[Nydius]

And before we know it, Netflix went from $8 p/m to $20 p/m.

I'd also say that price is but one issue. Not only did we see the price keep raising, we watched quality of their content drop and then they started taking hard line stances against things they formerly had no issues with (e.g. password sharing). Price is up, quality is down, and they're looking for any way to squeeze every penny out of their subscriber base.

Such is the plight of almost every subscription service. They inevitably hit a plateau where they struggle to add existing customers so they find ways to increase the monetization of current ones. Either by cutting corners, cutting services, raising rates, or all of the above. We may consume games different than video, but the issues are the same.

How long before Microsoft cracks down on the Gold to Game Pass upgrade loophole that lets people stack up to 3 years of GPU for less than half of GPU's retail price, I wonder? How long before Microsoft shuts down the game sharing "home Xbox" trick? If Netflix has taught us anything, it is to expect these loopholes will eventually be closed in service of chasing revenue streams.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Now comes the part of the program where once again I ask....why isn't there an annual sub for Game Pass?

And how did MS getting rid of annual subs for Gold just fly under the radar? You can't get annual Gold subs from the console or MS website. And most 3rd party retailers are selling four 3 months codes at a discount.

No discounts for you!

 

[Topher]

It’s actually very easy to hold a consistent point of view for most people.

I’d suggest it’s easier for you to paint people in broad strokes so you can make hypothetical arguments.

Here’s my contribution the PS5 price rise thread:























And here’s me to tell you that it’s arguably worse that Microsoft have followed in their footsteps, considering that Microsoft can easily subsidise game development costs in comparison to Sony.

Man after my own heart....

I woke up to this?

There are probably plenty of ways to justify this from a purely economic standpoint. But from a market-share, competition, and PR perspective this is just Jim Ryan being stupid again.

Glad I already have my PS5.

I was hoping they would pull a Phil Spencer and reverse this decision like he did with XLG. But I don't think Jim Ryan gives a shit.

Jim Ryan is President and CEO so this is on him. He's got a long list of stupid actions, most of which folks could just roll their eyes at and say "that's just Jim being Jim", but this is incompetence, imo. I used to scoff at the Dan Mattrick comparisons as the stupidity never reached those levels, but @Infamy v1's image above is proving to be accurate....



I mean......the guy has @Ass of Can Whooping wearing a green hat now. That alone is cause for termination.

 

[Heisenberg007]

Now comes the part of the program where once again I ask....why isn't there an annual sub for Game Pass?

Or should I say annual sub discount.

And how did MS getting rid of annual subs for Gold just fly under the radar? You can't get annual Gold subs from the console or MS website. And most 3rd party retailers are selling four 3 months codes at a discount.

True.

If we compare annual prices, then Game Pass Ultimate costs $204 per year, while PS+ Premium costs $120 per year. That means Game Pass Ultimate is now 70% more expensive than PS Plus!

 

[Vognerful]

Sony hiked (prices) so Microsoft could soar .

Sony is a leader, Microsoft is a follower unfortunately.

 

[Sorcerer]

Now comes the part of the program where once again I ask....why isn't there an annual sub for Game Pass?

Or should I say annual sub discount.

And how did MS getting rid of annual subs for Gold just fly under the radar? You can't get annual Gold subs from the console or MS website. And most 3rd party retailers are selling four 3 months codes at a discount.

They want to reserve the right to change the price at will, 3 years is the limit. Don't want anybody locking in for a decade. Microsoft Probably looking at those 3 year subs with scorn right now.

 

[DenchDeckard]

How come Microsoft can increase the price of Gamepass and consoles, but can't increase 30fps to 60fps?

Either can Sony or square lol

 

[Stardust_Dragon]

Just looking back at that Microsoft response to the CMA Phase 1 findings report from October 2022, I found some gems in there that gave me some good laughs ...

• (1.3) Sony engages in conduct today which is reflective of its market power in console gaming, including increasing prices of its consoles without fear of losing market share [redacted].
  
  
• (3.8) Sony engages in conduct today which is reflective of its market power in console gaming. Such is Sony’s market strength that it has recently imposed a significant price increase for its PlayStation 5 console, of up to 20% in most markets outside of the US (6% in the UK).32 This move has been described by commentators as “displaying an unfortunate arrogance”.33 Xbox has confirmed that it has no plans to raise the price of the Xbox Series X or Series S and that the consoles will remain at their current price in the US, UK and Europe.
  
  
• (4.10) Sony engages in conduct today which is reflective of its market power in multi-game subscriptions, including charging a significant pricing premium for its subscription services without fear of losing share in either subscriptions or consoles, [redacted].

Source

 

[Varteras]

You were warned. You were told this would happen. That it was a matter of time, and not likely much. That inflation was having impacts on pricing. That sub services will go up in price while not delivering anything more. Because these companies aren't running charities and, sooner or later, you'll be made to fork it over. But you sat smug and attacked people. Well...

 

[DenchDeckard]

Ffs MS this means my starfield console will be 500 bones ya bastards!

Suck my cheese, you mother!

 

[DeepEnigma]

Man after my own heart....

Yeep,

Damn, Sony.

Bro, it's bait. Come on.

Either can Sony or square lol

Sony has in all their first party games (so far). Solid performance and graphics in the modes too. Square on the other hand.

But of course, something something MS, and the natural response is, #SonyToo

 

[yazenov]

But we were told that Gamepass is the best value in gaming!

I'm sure everyone saw this coming from a mile away. And surely more to come. It seems that even MS cant offset those loses in the gaming sector.

 

[Heisenberg007]

You were warned. You were told this would happen. That it was a matter of time, and not likely much. That inflation was having impacts on pricing. That sub services will go up in price while not delivering anything more. Because these companies aren't running charities and, sooner or later, you'll be made to fork it over. But you sat smug and attacked people. Well...

And if they acquire all the "must-have content" and the biggest IPs currently available, they will make them exclusive to these subscription services and cancel all retail releases (physical + digital).

And then increase the subscription price even more.

You'll have only 1 way to play your game and that's only via renting them at exorbitant prices.

Welcome to Monopoly!

 

[semiconscious]

Honestly if all some of you are bothered about is AAA games, and dont play AA and Indies, i dont know why some of you even sub to Gamepass. Just buy the 4 or 5 AAA first party games we get a year.
Sure its still more expensive than Gamepass but if you're not going to dable and expand your gaming horizons, just dont sub to Gamepass.

easy answer: i get to play triple-a titles for $10-$11. period. has nothing to do with 'dabbling', & everything to do with simply getting big games day 1 for cheap...

 

[feynoob]

True.

If we compare annual prices, then Game Pass Ultimate costs $204 per year, while PS+ Premium costs $120 per year. That means Game Pass Ultimate is now 70% more expensive than PS Plus!

Not really.
Gamepass ultimate includes both pc and console plus both EA (console and PC) plus day1.

That is pretty cheap compared to PS+ premium.

 

[bender]

Some here don't have to imagine.

I'll cut you.

 

[SmokedMeat]

People were way more forgiving of a $10 price increase in games.

Game Pass is going up a whole $1-$2 per month. It was a matter of time.

 

[Unknown?]

They would have raised it even higher if they had Activision.

 

[Mr Moose]

Not really.
Gamepass ultimate includes both pc and console plus both EA (console and PC) plus day1.

That is pretty cheap compared to PS+ premium.

Does it?

 

[Varteras]

And if they acquire all the "must-have content" and the biggest IPs currently available, they will make them exclusive to these subscription services and cancel all retail releases (physical + digital).

And then increase the subscription price even more.

You'll have only 1 way to play your game and that's only via renting them at exorbitant prices.

Welcome to Monopoly!

Say it ain't so!! You mean the ultimate endgame is to eliminate competition, corner developers, remove consumer choice, dramatically reduce development costs, dramatically increase profits, and all to the benefit of shareholders and corporate executives gamers? Get the fuck out!

People were way more forgiving of a $10 price increase in games.

Game Pass is going up a whole $1-$2 per month. It was a matter of time.

Some people were told this months ago and still attacked Sony and anyone who made that point as a fanboy. That it was all inevitable. Now, well, we know the lines certain people will tow. While conveniently having amnesia for their behavior. People should be allowed their vindication and others deserving of the ridicule they gave.

 

[feynoob]

Does it?

Yes. You are getting 11 day1 games from them. Plus other 3rd party day 1 games, on top of normal drops.

In 2 month, we will get Forza, starfield and lies of P. A total of 200$ value if you want to buy all 3 of them.

 

[GHG]

I'm well aware, I'm just telling you the cost of living was higher in 2022 than now.

Where do you live that's experienced deflation?

 

[Venom Snake]

"Market is completely diffrent" Nose:

 

[Varteras]

Where do you live that's experienced deflation?

No shit. Because the only places in the US I know of that have had cost of living decreases are probably Mississippi and Detroit. Places no one wants to live anyways. You get stuck there on your way through. You don't choose them.

 

[jroc74]

People were way more forgiving of a $10 price increase in games.

Game Pass is going up a whole $1-$2 per month. It was a matter of time.

 

[StereoVsn]

Ah well, I already canceled months ago, along with PS Plus Premium. It's literally a waste of money when I spend most of the month playing games that I already own.

Yep, cancelled GamePass. Probably won't cancel PS since my kids play some MP games on that though.

Edit: To be clear, unrelated to the increase. I just didn't play a lot of GamePass games and bought most other big games like Halo MCC and Forza/Flight Sim on Steam.

Would be doing same with Starfield.

 

[KyoZz]

All subscription services go up in price over time. I dont really get why MS get so much shit when they do it and everyone else gets a free pass.

PC Gamepass for example is still cheaper than Ubisofts service,and you only get about 100 games on that, only Ubisoft games too.

The thing is, I don't think it's up to Microsoft to align with Ubi, but the other way around.
Ubi+ is way, way too pricey for what it offer. And I don't give free pass as I don't care about consoles war.

 

[Drizzlehell]

Yep, cancelled GamePass. Probably won't cancel PS since my kids play some MP games on that though.

Yeah, I mean, I should also clarify that I just dropped it to the basic plan so that I could grab free games every month and play online. I just dropped the Premium plan because I literally wasn't using any of it.

 

[StereoVsn]

Yeah, I mean, I should also clarify that I just dropped it to the basic plan so that I could grab free games every month and play online. I just dropped the Premium plan because I literally wasn't using any of it.

Yeah, Extra is more then sufficient. For Xbox side, Games for Gold is just trash now days so pointless to keep unless you need MP.

 

[GHG]

Yeah, I mean, I should also clarify that I just dropped it to the basic plan so that I could grab free games every month and play online. I just dropped the Premium plan because I literally wasn't using any of it.

Wait, aren't you a PC gamer?

 

[FoxMcChief]

What you mean?

I’m ok with the slight price increase.

 

[mckmas8808]

Game Pass Won't Increase in Price Even After ABK Merger, Says Microsoft

Microsoft lawyers have noted in their memorandum defense against the FTC that Game Pass won't increase in price even after the ABK merger.

wccftech.com

Jun 19, 2023 01:00 PM EDT
Article aged like milk.

How can MS be this STUPID!?!?! They lied to a judge? And just like that?

 

[Poltz]

I have come back to laugh at the brand that was accusing Sony of abusing their market dominance to raise prices around the world, to then follow suit.

 

[Drizzlehell]

Wait, aren't you a PC gamer?

I'm not an anything gamer. I own every platform except for the Switch.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

I'm not an anything gamer. I own every platform except for the Switch.

OUYA?

 

[Kenneth Haight]

Micro$oft

 

[DeepEnigma]

I have come back to laugh at the brand that was accusing Sony of abusing their market dominance to raise prices around the world, to then follow suit.

All they have been doing this gen, is talking out their ass and shoving their own feet in their mouths. That American corporate hubris.

 

[feynoob]

Sony got the shit when they did the 70$ increase.

https://www.neogaf.com/threads/thoughts-on-sony-first-party-pricing.1610915/#post-263947683

 

[OmegaSupreme]

I'm not an anything gamer. I own every platform except for the Switch.

 

[GHG]

I'm not an anything gamer. I own every platform except for the Switch.

Considering that other thread you made recently reminiscing about times of yore, get yourself a switch.

 

[StereoVsn]

How can MS be this STUPID!?!?! They lied to a judge? And just like that?

They didn't lie. They haven't finished the acquisition.

 

[mckmas8808]

Not to stray too deep into politics, but inflation is a serious bitch. If $2 per month is what it takes to keep GamePass where it is then so be it.

Ask your congress critters getting kickbacks from weapons manufacturers and pharma why your dollar spends for less than it did 3 years ago.

Inflation has gone up in most parts of the world. It has nothing to do with one Congress in one country.

 

[Varteras]

All they have been doing this gen, is talking out their ass and shoving their own feet in their mouths. That American corporate hubris.

Our goal is to be #1 in everything. We conquered diabetes. We're now there at bullshit. What will we dominate next?

Petrobras Finds Oil in Sepia Area. Oil Column Described as One of Thickest Ever in Brazil

Brazilian oil giant Petrobras has found oil at the Pedunculo well, located in the northwest of the Sépia offshore oil field, around…

www.oedigital.com

Sounds like Brazil could use some freedom!

 

[Drizzlehell]

OUYA?

Considering that other thread you made recently reminiscing about times of yore, get yourself a switch.

Nah, I'm good. The only reason for me to get a Nintendo console would be to play Rogue Squadron and Metroid Prime, and since the former isn't on Switch, and it would be an overkill to get an entire console just for one game, I'm taking an L on that one.

 

[Gudji]

PS+ best value confirmed.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Inflation has gone up in most parts of the world. It has nothing to do with one Congress in one country.

Nah, just the WEF made up of all those line towing members

 

[Banjo64]

PS+ best value confirmed.

Not even a shred of doubt left. Nearly half the price for Extra compared to Game Pass Ultimate. Wait 12-18 months to play games like Horizon, DeS, Returnal & Sackboy or play games like Redfall and Pentiment day one on Game Pass.

 

[Varteras]

Nah, I'm good. The only reason for me to get a Nintendo console would be to play Rogue Squadron and Metroid Prime, and since the former isn't on Switch, and it would be an overkill to get an entire console just for one game, I'm taking an L on that one.

Good call. I owned that thing three fucking times. Played Smash Bros and Zelda for a combined 10 hours. Not worth the $1,000 I spent.

 

[GHG]

Good call. I owned that thing three fucking times. Played Smash Bros and Zelda for a combined 10 hours. Not worth the $1,000 I spent.

They released a Switch Seires X pro?

 

[Kvally]

Ah well, I already canceled months ago, along with PS Plus Premium. It's literally a waste of money when I spend most of the month playing games that I already own.

Yup, I let me PS Plus run out last year and I am letting my XBLG run out as well.