🔗 Share this article

Microsoft's controversial price increase for Xbox Game Pass goes into full effect in the month of November, at which point fans with the premium level must pay $29.99 monthly to enjoy the service's entire collection.

This represents a 50% increase for the service whose existence almost immediately prompted some loyal users to terminate their membership.

Although the service has had a consistent stream of impressive AA titles this year, this period has largely been devoid of true major releases from Microsoft.

This changes with the follow-up RPG is released.

Obsidian's Eagerly Expected Successor

Obsidian's much-anticipated successor to its anti-capitalist role-playing game will officially be released on the 29th of October, unless you have pre-release access.

Gamers can access early if they buy the deluxe version of the game, or if they maintain the subscription and opt to enhance their purchase for an further $thirty dollars.

In addition to the popular shooter franchise, The Outer Worlds 2 is undoubtedly Microsoft's biggest title of the 2025.

The original Outer Worlds sold no less than 5 million copies by 2023, which potentially positions it as underappreciated relative to its dominant predecessors, like the post-apocalyptic RPG series.

Substantial Expectations for the New Release

However, anticipations for The Outer Worlds 2 must be elevated.

Game debuts timed right before the holiday season usually indicate that the developer wants to leverage seasonal purchases, which often implies that the most attractive games usually launch in months like autumn.

the new RPG may very well be the exact game that encourages players to think about initiating a membership service.

In the end, the options are either pay $seventy dollars for a stand-alone purchase or $29.99 for launch-day access on the subscription.

For some, Game Pass could prove to be the better deal.

The Timer on Budget Gameplay

But opting for the subscription also apparently imposes a time limit on an budget playthrough for Obsidian's RPG.

The initial title can take approximately 15 to 40 hours to complete, depending on how much of a thorough player the user is.

The sequel is projected to be a bigger and better experience, which could imply a month won't be adequate to comfortably complete it.

Any player who signs up for Game Pass explicitly to play the sequel must face the real possibility that they'll need to have the membership for at least a few months.

Is the service even "a good deal" if you end up paying more for it than you could merely directly buying the game you desire?

This Broader Game Pass Catalog

For certain users, the conclusion will be affirmative — notably if they dip into the broader Game Pass collection.

In spite of all the debate about the increased costs, Microsoft has performed well of maintaining the service with good releases in 2025.

Numerous of those recent inclusions are impressive titles that gamers could have avoided actively thought about buying lacking the subscription, such as the Double Fine title or Ninja Gaiden 4.

The Company's Gamble and Approaching Titles

Regardless of whether the strategy works out for the company, it's difficult to obtain a method to determine.

The publisher traditionally refrains from publishing precise numbers when it comes to subscribers.

Yet between Obsidian's sequel on Oct. 29 and the new Call of Duty planned for November 14th, it's reasonable to assume the results is going to move in Microsoft's benefit.

Certainly, that's expected to be the situation for anyone who maintains an Xbox or computer.

To date, the consumer base has not sounded receptive to paying $six hundred dollars or further for top-tier consoles.

Noteworthy Releases and Removals

It's undoubtedly beneficial that the subscription is set to offer a number of other noteworthy titles, such as:

• The sequel simulator (Cloud, PC, and console) – Oct. 23
• 1000xResist (Cloud gaming, PC, and Xbox Series X) – November 4th
• The sports management game (computer, console) – Nov. 4

Exiting the subscription at the conclusion of October, though, are:

• Jusant (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Metal Slug Tactics (Cloud gaming, Console, and computer)
• Return to Monkey Island (Cloud gaming, Xbox console, and PC)

This Genuine Test of Microsoft's Approach

Conversation regarding the prospects of Xbox has been constant throughout the current year, but the coming month is set to be the genuine test of Xbox's cost approach.

It remains to observe if it proves effective for the company.